The climate of Longwood
Categorized under the Köppen climate classification,
Longwood, a district of
Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, is characterized by a warm, temperate, marine climate with significant rainfall throughout the year. This island outcrop in the South Atlantic lacks the extremes of temperature typically found in mainland climates due to its geographical position and exposure to maritime airflows.
Across the months, Longwood experiences a nearly constant temperature range with highs averaging from 19.7°C (67.5°F) to 24.7°C (76.5°F) and lows spanning from 18.7°C (65.7°F) to 23.5°C (74.3°F). These contribute to a comfortable year-round climate, underscored by its moderate humidity levels, typically maintaining from 74% to 82%. Thus, seldom are residents or visitors subjected to oppressive or stifling weather conditions.
Despite its temperate nature, Longwood's rainfall pattern is quite noteworthy. Rainfall quantities remain relatively stable, varying from 6mm (0.24") to 11mm (0.43") per month, with the frequency of rainy days ranging from 8.5 to 13.6 days. Interestingly, it is not the months with the highest rainfall that experience the most rainy days.
In relation to sunlight exposure and daylight duration, Longwood encounters subtle seasonal flux. Daylight hours change gradually from 11.2hrs to 13.1hrs, and the hours of actual sunshine per day fluctuate between 4hrs to 7.5hrs, directly affecting the UV index that hovers between 4 and 6. Additionally, cloud cover% varies appropriately, reaching its maximum at 74% and its minimum at 44%.
Wind patterns in Longwood vary distinctly across months. Average wind speeds fluctuate between 21.8km/h (13.5mph) and 28.4km/h (17.6mph), with maximum speeds reaching up to 28.7km/h (17.8mph). This exemplifies the island's maritime climate, with gusts being more pronounced, escalating up to 39.9km/h (24.8mph).
The best time to visit Longwood
Taking into consideration temperature stability, humidity comfort, and the challenge of rain, the perfect time to explore
Longwood would be in
March. It is a month when the average high is an inviting 24.7°C (76.5°F), with relative humidity at a bearable 78%. Additionally, despite an 8mm (0.31") rainfall, the number of rainy days is reasonably less (12.5 days) compared to other months, allowing for more dry, pleasant days.
The worst time to visit Longwood
Conversely, the least favorable time to visit
Longwood might be
September. Although its temperature range remains within agreeable limits to 24.3°C (75.7°F).
Weather in February
Meteorologically,
Longwood's
February weather carries on from the trends established in
January, with minor deviations. The rainfall hovers around January's value but takes a slight dip in the incoming month. It is catalyzed by the temperature rise at 24.3°C (75.7°F), only to marginally decrease to 24.2°C (75.6°F) in
April.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As
Longwood moves into
March, slightly hotter temperatures become the norm while maintaining high wind speeds as witnessed in
February. Most notably, the zenith temperature increases to 24.7°C (76.5°F) making it the hottest month of the year.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Lingering into
April,
Longwood's weather fluctuates, manifesting shorter daylight hours but more sunshine compared to
March. The meteorological data exhibits cooler conditions with the maximum temperature declining to 24.2°C (75.6°F) before experiencing a more significant drop in
May.
Weather in April »Weather in May
Shifting into
May,
Longwood experiences a unique blend of weather conditions, reflecting the change in seasons. Records indicate a decrease in temperatures, with the upper limit being 23.2°C (73.8°F), signifying the start of a cooling trend stretching till
September.
Weather in May »Weather in June
Entering mid-year,
Longwood sees the onset of winters, with a temperature drop touching 22°C (71.6°F). Despite this, the region reports a spike in rainfall to 11mm (0.43"), a characteristic that propagates into
August. It is observed that this month experiences the least amount of sunshine hours, an average of 5, as it's counteracted by high humidity levels.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In contrast to
June's wet weather,
Longwood's
July sees a small decrease in rainfall, although the temperature continues its downward stride. The mercury level sinks further down to 20.9°C (69.6°F), marking the middle of the region's winter season.
Weather in July »Weather in August
Longwood's
August is distinguished by its stable weather, marked by steady winds and consistent cloud cover, a feature that extends into
September. The climatic data reveals the recorded temperature to be at its lowest for the year at 20.1°C (68.2°F).
Weather in August » Weather in September
Entering
September,
Longwood undergoes a transition from cold winters to pleasant springs, with temperatures gradually rising and wind speeds attaining their peak. Most notable in this month is the wind's gust speed, reaching its yearly maximum of 39.9km/h (24.8mph).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As we delve into
October,
Longwood is met with an increase in daily sunshine hours, along with a decrease in average wind speed. October sees a slight drop in the gust speed of wind to 38.5km/h (23.9mph), commencing its downward trend which continues up to
January.
Weather in October »Weather in November
Stepping into
November,
Longwood experiences the onset of a warmer climate, initiated by a steady rise in temperature reaching 20.3°C (68.5°F). This is coupled with the least number of rainfall days, adding up to 8.5. As we move through the month, the residents of the area embrace the pleasant transition towards a warmer climate.
Weather in November »Weather in December
As
Longwood ushers in
December, it is greeted with warming temperatures and prominent sunlight, setting the stage for welcoming the new year. The temperature hikes up to 21.5°C (70.7°F), setting it apart from the previous months.
Weather in December » [Resources]