The climate of Tsumeb
Tsumeb experiences a BSh climate according to the Köppen Climate Classification, commonly known as a subtropical steppe. This classification marks Tsumeb’s position near the subtropical high-pressure belt, located in the northern part of
Namibia. The weather in this part of the world entails high temperatures, low humidity, and moderate rainfall throughout the year.
The high temperatures average around 32.8°C (91°F) in the hottest month, whilst they can be as low as 22.6°C (72.7°F) in the coolest month. Looking at the lows, the coldest month shows typical values around 6.8°C (44.2°F), while it goes up to 20.5°C (68.9°F) in the warmest month. These fluctuations indicate a wide range of weather conditions, due to a hot subtropical steppe climate, which creates distinct changes in weather throughout the year.
In terms of precipitation, Tsumeb sees somewhat moderate and seasonal rainfall. The monthly average reaches a peak from 127mm (5") in the wettest month, steadily decreases to an absolute minimum of no rainfall during the dry season, and then slowly rises back to 129mm (5.08"). This pattern reveals a single rainy season followed by a prolonged dry spell. Also noteworthy is the relative humidity, which swings from 37% during the dry months to 62% in the wetter period.
As expected in a desert climate, days in Tsumeb are typically sunny. Averaging between 9.2 hours of sunshine in the shortest day and 10 hours in the longest day. The number of completely sunny days ranges from 6.4 days in a month to 31 days. Alongside this sun-drenched explanation, the UV index remains consistently at a high level, indicative of a year-round need for sun protection. The level of cloud cover alters slightly across the year, but generally remains low, with only a 24% maximum cloud coverage.
The best time to visit Tsumeb
Taking all the elements into account, the best time to visit
Tsumeb would be during the mild winter from
June to
August. During this period, the humidity drops to its lowest and the temperatures are relatively cool, averaging between 6.8°C (44.2°F) to 22.6°C (72.7°F). The weather remains dry with no rainfall and a maximum of 31 sunny days in
July. Given these conditions, the winter season proves apt for various outdoor activities without the discomfort of high temperatures or the worry of rain.
The worst time to visit Tsumeb
Conversely, to visit
Tsumeb during the hot, humid and wet summer period from
December to
February could be challenging. Temperature readings around this time often reach above 31°C (87.8°F), coupled with high relative humidity peaking at 62%. The months of
January and February mark the peak of the rainy season with rainfall averages of 127mm (5") and 118mm (4.65") respectively. Hence, these months could see dampened outdoor plans due to unpredictable weather patterns.
Spring weather in Tsumeb
Spring in
Tsumeb brings a significant transition in weather conditions.
September starts off with moderate temperatures ranging from 13.8°C (56.8°F) to 31°C (87.8°F). By
November, the daytime temperatures rise to a more sweltering state, between 20.5°C (68.9°F) to 31°C (87.8°F), signifying the inception of Summer. The period is virtually dry with only sporadic rainfall days. With an increase in the amount of daylight over the period, ranging from 12 hours in September to 13 hours in November, outdoor activities can be comfortably planned.
Summer weather in Tsumeb
The Summer, centered around
December to
February, features quite intense heat with daytime temperatures constantly hovering over 28°C (82.4°F). The nighttime temperatures stay warm, minimally departing from 18.8°C (65.8°F) to 20.5°C (68.9°F). It is the wettest season, with rainfall levels hovering between 118mm (4.65") to 129mm (5.08") in these months, and days with rainfall ranging from 19.9 to 22.2 per month. Thus, this season’s high temperatures and increased rainfall render it the least favorable period to visit
Tsumeb.
Autumn weather in Tsumeb
Autumn brings about a relief from the scorching summer heat. Throughout this season, spanning from
March to
May, the temperatures demonstrate a steady decline. It ranges from a high of 31°C (87.8°F) to 24.8°C (76.6°F) and a low falling from 20.5°C (68.9°F) to 11.4°C (52.5°F). The rainfall pattern is also declining in this period, with an impressive drop to nearly zero by May. Hence, the arrival of Autumn is marked by decreasing temperatures and rainfall, making it a fine time for outdoor endeavors.
Winter weather in Tsumeb
Winter in
Tsumeb, from
June to
August, presents the most pleasant weather conditions across the year. During this period, the temperature maintains a comfortable range from 6.8°C (44.2°F) to 22.6°C (72.7°F). The months are characterized by a dry spell with no rainfall along with relatively low humidity, dropping to 37%. Coupled with an average of 11 hours of daylight and most of the month bathed in sunshine, the winter makes for a beneficial period for touring Tsumeb.
Weather in January
Ringing in the new year in
Tsumeb,
Namibia, one can expect relative humidity levels to be at 57%, making
January one of the months with higher humidity. However, it is also known for substantial daylight with about 13.1 hours. During the initial weeks of January, the heat is often mitigated by moderate rains, making it a pleasant time for outdoor activities.
Weather in January »Weather in February
In
February, temperatures slightly decrease from
January while the daylight hours somewhat fall to about 12.7 hours. However, the humidity levels surge marginally to 61%. Predominantly, February mirrors the weather conditions of January with a similar pattern of rainfall and temperature variations.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March appears to continue the trend from
February with a considerable decrease in rainfall to 88mm (3.46"). The weather in March can be characterized as a transition period, moving from the heat and bigger amounts of precipitation of summer towards the drier and cooler conditions expected of autumn.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Tsumeb,
Namibia, marks the start of significant transitions with a drastic drop in rainfall to 44mm (1.73"), signaling the onset of the dry season. The humidity levels drop to 55%, accompanying the declining temperatures and rainfall, indicating the definitive onset of autumn.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May signifies the first month in the year in
Tsumeb,
Namibia, with negligible rainfall of only 2mm (0.08"), rendering it a perfect time for travellers looking for sunnier outdoor experiences. The daylight hours shrink slightly, viewing sunlight for about 11.2 hours.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Weather patterns continue from
May into
June, with no registered rainfall and average daylight of 11 hours. Winter grips
Tsumeb firmly in June, displaying a significant drop in temperature from the previous month. The humidity reaches its yearly low of 40%.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July marks the second month wholly free from rainfall in
Tsumeb,
Namibia, and sees a steep drop in temperatures with the low temperature recorded at 6.8°C (44.2°F). While daylight hours increase slightly to 11.1, the lengthening days do little to warm up the chilly winter temperatures.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August is relatively warmer than
July with high temperatures soaring to 27.1°C (80.8°F), signaling the end of winter. With no rainfall recorded and an increase in daylight hours to 11.5, the weather progressively gets warmer. August is distinctive for an exceedingly low cloud cover of just 1%, allowing
Tsumeb to bask in plentiful sunshine.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September characterizes the steady transition into satisfyingly warm temperatures. With no rainfall recorded for the fourth consecutive month,
Tsumeb enjoys a dry and sunny weather in September. Despite no rainfall, daylight hours increase to 12 while humidity levels rise to 20%.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October,
Tsumeb,
Namibia, sees the return of rainfall with approximately 20mm (0.79") recorded, bringing a welcome change to the extended dry spell. UV index reaches its peak at 7 for the year; hence sunblock becomes necessary.
Weather in October »Weather in November
By the time
November rolls around, the seasonal shift to the rainy season becomes quite evident with rainfall increasing to 77mm (3.03"). The day length increases to 13 hours, indicating the impending summer. Yet, the return of rains does not inhibit the amount of sunshine, as the city offers about 9.8 hours of sunshine for most days in November.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December showcases
Tsumeb,
Namibia's peak rainy season with a monthly rainfall of 129mm (5.08"). Weather remains warm and humid with maximum temperatures settling at 29.6°C (85.3°F). With the longest day length of the year at 13.3 hours, December is full of sun-soaked days despite the increased rainfall.
Weather in December »