The climate of Madalena
Madalena, in Sao Tome and Principe, is characterized by a Tropical wet and dry climate, commonly described in the Köppen climate classification as As. Geographically, it lies on the equator, and this position significantly affects its climate regime.
Through the course of the year, Madalena's climate remains comparatively stable. A steady range of high temperatures from 24.5°C (76.1°F) to 28.8°C (83.8°F) and low temperatures from 23°C (73.4°F) to 27.5°C (81.5°F) can be monitored each month. This equatorial position results in nearly constant daylight hours, steady at 12.1 hours throughout the year.
However, notable variations exist in terms of rainfall and sunshine. The rainfall patterns are quite distinctive, with a significant increase from 9mm (0.35") in
July to a hefty 224mm (8.82") in
November. Days with rainfall also increase drastically, from a mere 8.4 days in July to 28.6 days in
December. This pattern distinguishes the wetter and drier periods of the year.
The amount of sunshine follows a contrary trend to the rainfall. Sunshine hours reduce during the wettest months, with a minimum of 5 hours in
August, and increases to a peak of 8.6 hours in
February.
Surprisingly, despite being on the equator, the UV index does not reach extreme levels, fluctuating between 5 and 7 during the year and the relative humidity remains high, averaging from 76% to 83%.
The best time to visit Madalena
Taking into account various weather conditions, the best time for a visit to
Madalena is in the
July to
September period. This is when rainfall drops dramatically, and sunshine hours increase. Rainfall is at its annual low, with a range from 9mm (0.35") in July, slightly increasing to 35mm (1.38") in September. Correspondingly, the number of days of rainfall also drops significantly, indicating a higher likelihood of clear skies.
Despite the decreased rainfall, the weather remains comfortably warm, with daily high temperatures fluctuating between 24.5°C (76.1°F) and 25.5°C (77.9°F), and low temperatures between 23°C (73.4°F) and 24.6°C (76.3°F). Moreover, the UV index is more moderate than other periods of the year, ranging from 5 to 6 during these months, providing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Madalena
The least desirable time to visit
Madalena would be the
November to
January period, characterized by heavy rainfall and cloudy days. During these months, rainfall increases drastically, reaching its highest from 224mm (8.82") in November to 159mm (6.26") in
December.
Simultaneously, sunshine hours drop to the lowest during this period. Sunshine duration ranges from 5.4 hours in
September to a nearly constant 7 hours from November to December. Also, the number of days with sunshine is at its lowest, implying a higher frequency of cloud cover and limiting opportunities for outdoor activities.
In terms of temperature, it remains moderately high, with daily high temperatures ranging from 26.4°C (79.5°F) to 27.5°C (81.5°F) and low temperatures from 25.5°C (77.9°F) to 26.6°C (79.9°F).
Spring weather in Madalena
Madalena's Spring, from
March to
May, experiences a gradual shift from relatively dry to progressively wetter conditions. Rainfall begins to rise from 119mm (4.69") in March and further picks up to 122mm (4.8") in May. Likewise, the count of rainy days increases from 24.4 days to 20.5 days over the same period.
Temperatures during these months are consistently high, with daily highs averaging from 28.6°C (83.5°F) to 27.8°C (82°F), and daily lows from 27.2°C (81°F) to 26.3°C (79.3°F). The UV index remains at a constant 7 during this period, indicating a relatively high level of solar radiation.
Summer weather in Madalena
Summer in
Madalena, observed from
June to
August, showcases a significant drop in rainfall. Rainfall decreases dramatically from 22mm (0.87") in June to 9mm (0.35") in
July, then slightly increases to 21mm (0.83") in August. This period also marks the fewest days of rainfall, decreasing from 7.3 days in June to merely 8.4 days in July.
In contrast, daily high temperatures change negligibly, meandering between 25.6°C (78.1°F) and 24.8°C (76.6°F). Daily lows follow a similar trend, from 24.3°C (75.7°F) in June to 23.2°C (73.8°F) in August. In these months, the UV index drops to a more moderate level, ranging from 6 to 5, indicating somewhat less intense sun.
Autumn weather in Madalena
Autumn, spanning
September to
November in
Madalena, marks the return of heavy rainfall. The rainfall steadily rises from 35mm (1.38") in September to a substantial 224mm (8.82") in November. Correspondingly, rainy days increase from 15.8 days to a whopping 26.7 days over this period.
Incongruously, the temperatures in these months remain balmy, with daily highs varying from 25.5°C (77.9°F) to 27.1°C (80.8°F), and daily lows between 24.6°C (76.3°F) and 26.2°C (79.2°F). This period also observes a slow rise in the UV index from 6 in September to reach 7 by November.
Winter weather in Madalena
Winter in
Madalena, stretching from
December to
February, is characterized by relatively higher rainfall but arguably tolerable when compared to preceding months. Rainfall ranges from 159mm (6.26") in December to 100mm (3.94") in February.
Temperatures during this period maintain a steady warm condition, with daily highs slightly fluctuating from 27.5°C (81.5°F) in December to 28.4°C (83.1°F) in February. The daily lows also retain a steady rhythm, varying from 26.6°C (79.9°F) to 27.3°C (81.1°F) over the same span. Although the UV index remains constant at 7 in these months, the relative humidity drops from 79% to 77% providing somewhat more comfortable conditions.
Weather in January
The New Year in
Madalena,
São Tomé and Príncipe greets the locals and visitors with stable tropical conditions. The mild seawater breezes often culminate in gentle rainfall, creating a refreshing paradox against the consistently warm temperatures.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As
January rolls onto
February, the weather in
Madalena offers a hint of similarity, maintaining a steady tropical pattern. With relatively lower rainfall than the previous month, exploration of the local natural wonders becomes more comforting.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March shares some overlapping weather traits with
February, maintaining the tropical dominance in
Madalena's climatic identity. However, a slight increase in temperatures sets March apart from the preceding month, intensifying the warm tropical feel.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The weather in
April performs a brief detour from its predecessor's path, marking a noticeable rise in rainfall. Concurrently, a slight drop in temperature serves to balance the overall climatic equation in
Madalena, retaining the city's appeal for explorers.
Weather in April »Weather in May
As
Madalena advances into
May, weather exhibits a perceptible shift towards cooler temperatures. The rain showers are ever-present; yet, they don't overshadow the city's captivating allure. Even though sunlight hours dwindle, the ambiance never falls short of its usual vivacity.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the onset of a substantial dip in rainfall, amongst the lowest in the year for
Madalena. The decrease in precipitation, coupled with a lighter cloud cover compared to
May, makes the city's natural beauty more visible. However, the lower rainfall doesn't translate to an absence of moisture, as the relative humidity climbs slightly from the previous month.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The weather in
July continues the cooling trend initiated by
June. With the wind speed maintaining consistency and the rainfall witnessing a further drop from 22mm (0.87") to 9mm (0.35"), clearer skies come to prominence. An increase in UV index implies a heightened sun protection factor becomes essential while out and about in the city.
Weather in July »Weather in August
As the page turns to
August, the weather in
Madalena begins to slowly recapture its typical tropical demeanor. A slightly increased rainfall, 21mm (0.83") from 9mm (0.35") in
July, indicates a gentle transition towards more moist conditions.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September welcomes a noticeable shift in
Madalena's weather. With a significant uptick in the rain levels to 35mm (1.38") coupled with a concurrent rise in humidity, a visibly wetter climate manifests. While the wind speed reduces slightly from its
August mark, the atmospheric pressure remains largely unchanged.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The weather in
October becomes increasingly wet; clear skies succumb to cloudy afternoons while rain-streaked window panes become a common sight across
Madalena. Along with the steep surge in precipitation to 220mm (8.66"), a record high for the year, the humidity also witnesses an upward movement.
Weather in October »Weather in November
The arrival of
November carries forward the high rainfall narrative from
October, making it the second most rained month with 224mm (8.82") of precipitation. In the backdrop of consistent tropical temperatures in
Madalena, the balance tilts towards the rainy side of the weather spectrum.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December commutes to drier conditions in
Madalena, signaling a relief from the rainy dominance of the last two months. With a noticeable reduction in rainfall to 159mm (6.26"), December ushers in softer weather suitable for holiday merriment.
Weather in December »