The climate of Ladysmith
Ladysmith, situated in
South Africa, is primarily under the influence of a humid subtropical climate with a distinct dry winter period, according to the Köppen climate classification (Cwa). Observations throughout the year reveal predictable and distinct variations across various weather parameters in line with this classification.
Average high temperatures peak at around 29.3°C (84.7°F) in the warmest month and drop to 19.7°C (67.5°F) at its lowest. Corresponding low temperatures also display clear variations with averages ranging from 16°C (60.8°F) to 6.2°C (43.2°F) over the year. Humidity shows a consistent pattern, peaking at 73% and dropping to 45% correlating with the change in temperature. Pressure fluctuations are minimal, with atmospheric pressure readjusting subtly between 1014.9mb and 1024.6mb, remaining relatively stable.
Precipitation is not dispersed evenly throughout the year. There is a distinctive wet season, with rainfall reaching 99mm (3.9") in the wettest month while dropping conspicuously to a low of just 4mm (0.16"). Number of rainfall days show a similar pattern, hitting a high of 22.5 days and a stark low of just 2.8 days.
The best time to visit Ladysmith
The optimal time to visit
Ladysmith is arguably between the months of
April and
June. During this period, average high temperatures range from 24.1°C (75.4°F) to 19.7°C (67.5°F), offering mild and enjoyable weather. Sunshine duration is commendable, hitting approximately 7.6 hours during these months. Rainfall is practically negligible with averages registering between 6mm (0.24") to 35mm (1.38"). The number of rainfall days is also stunningly minimal, ranging from 2.8 to 5.3 days.
The worst time to visit Ladysmith
Visiting
Ladysmith between
January and
March may be less enjoyable due to the high humidity levels, registering at around 70-73%. These months also record high temperatures, reaching a maximum of 29.2°C (84.6°F). The frequency of rain is also substantial during this period, with rainfall in the range of 66mm (2.6") to 99mm (3.9") and the number of rainfall days fluctuating from 17.8 to 20.8 days.
Spring weather in Ladysmith
Spring in
Ladysmith is generally mild and dry.
September to
November see high temperatures fluctuating from 22.8°C (73°F) to 28.4°C (83.1°F) and lows from 8.8°C (47.8°F) to 14.7°C (58.5°F). Humidity stays moderate between 45% to 60%. Rainfall ranges from 13mm (0.51") in September to 63mm (2.48") in November, with rainfall days increasing from 5.2 to 19.1 days across the season. Sunshine hours also gradually reduce from 7.4 to 11 hours a day.
Summer weather in Ladysmith
Summers in
Ladysmith are characterized by high humidity levels and high temperatures.
December to
February see highs between 28.5°C (83.3°F) and 29.3°C (84.7°F) and lows from 15.1°C (59.2°F) to 16°C (60.8°F). Humidity intensifies from 67% in December to 73% in February. Rainfall is predominantly high with an average of 89mm (3.5") to 99mm (3.9") along with amplifying rainfall days from 20.8 to 22.5 days.
Autumn weather in Ladysmith
Autumn in
Ladysmith ushers in a more manageable climate.
March to
May show declining high temperatures from 27.3°C (81.1°F) to 22.7°C (72.9°F) and low temperatures from 13.7°C (56.7°F) to 8.9°C (48°F). Humidity ebbs from 71% to 56%. Rainfall diminishes from 66mm (2.6") in March to a mere 6mm (0.24") by May with declining rainfall days from 17.8 to 5.3 days. Average sunshine hours are relatively steady between 7.1 and 7.4 hours per day.
Winter weather in Ladysmith
Winters in
Ladysmith bring about the coldest temperatures annually.
June through
August see high temperatures hovering between 19.7°C (67.5°F) to 22.8°C (73°F) and low temperatures from 6.2°C (43.2°F) to 8.8°C (47.8°F). Humidity is at its lowest between 45% to 50%. Rainfall is at its sparsest with averages merely between 4mm (0.16") to 6mm (0.24") alongside minimal rainfall days from 2.8 to 3.3 days. There is adequate sunshine with average durations ranging from 7.4 to 7.6 hours a day.
Weather in January
With its distinctly tropical climate,
Ladysmith greets the new year mostly under sunny skies. Despite this, rainfall is a frequent occurrence throughout the month. Moisture-laden air from the surrounding oceans contributes to over half the days in
January seeing rainfall, making it, with 99mm (3.9") of precipitation, the wettest month of the year in Ladysmith.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February stands remarkable for its consistency in weather conditions compared to
January. Though the heat decreases slightly relative to January, clouds and sunshine wrestle for dominance in the skies. Rainfall declines in this month due to decreasing air circulation patterns over the region.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Transition begins to make its mark on
Ladysmith’s climate as
March arrives. There are fewer rainy days when compared to
February, indicating the onset of a drier season. Temperatures become gradually cooler, hinting at autumn's arrival.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April heralds a marked change in the climate of
Ladysmith, shifting from a relatively warm and humid atmosphere to cooler, drier conditions. Indeed, this month sees a significant drop in average minimal temperatures down to 10.6°C (51.1°F) and a reduction in overall moisture content, culminating in relative humidity dropping to 66%.
Weather in April » Weather in May
As autumn gives way to winter,
May in
Ladysmith experiences further cooling and depletion in moisture. Appreciable decrease in temperatures and rainfall define this month's weather. However, despite these alterations, the onset of winter does not bring with it a drop in sunshine hours.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June brings in the freshness of winter to
Ladysmith. It stands distinguished as the driest month of the year, with Ladysmith receiving as little as 6mm (0.24") of rainfall. The crystalline skies offer much respite from the routine bouts of rain the city has grown accustomed to in previous months.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July persists with the cold, dry conditions that characterize
Ladysmith's winter months. Interestingly, the winter in Ladysmith is unique for being distinctly warm relative to what is often expected of this season. The days are shorter, and the nights stretch longer, initiating a change of guard in Ladysmith's day-night cycle.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August signifies the gradual march toward spring in
Ladysmith. The daytime temperatures start to climb, indicating an end to the winter chill. The return of rains, albeit in moderation, heralds greener days ahead. The spike in windspeed, reaching 7.9km/h (4.9mph), signals a shift in climatic conditions.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The onset of spring intertwines with a notable rise in temperatures, regained humidity, and more rainfall, signalling
September's arrival in
Ladysmith. A shift can be observed in the city's climate, which now accommodates for changing wind patterns.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October continues the trend set by
September with a further rise in temperatures, setting
Ladysmith on course to welcome summer. To complement this warming trend, the average number of sunshine hours in a day also increases, reaching 11.1 hours.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Ladysmith signifies the move into early summer. There's a distinct change in the city's general weather characteristics. The days are warmer, the night temperatures rise, and there's a significant increase in rainfall from 36mm (1.42") in
October to 63mm (2.48") in November.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Ladysmith greets
December with a transition into peak summer conditions. Heat is at its most potent, as reflected by the highest average maximum temperatures for the year of 29.3°C (84.7°F). In keeping with the summertime theme, rainfall also sees an uptick compared to previous months.
Weather in December »