The climate of Oudtshoorn
The predominant climate in
Oudtshoorn,
South Africa, as per the Köppen climate classification, is BSk - a Mid-latitude steppe climate. This arid region falls between the subtropical and tropical latitude lines, making for an interesting blend of weather patterns.
Throughout the year, climate indicators fluctuate, affecting the overall weather conditions. Interestingly, in this location, temperature variations are present but not extreme. From an average high of 28°C (82.4°F) in the month of
February, there is a progressive decrease to around 16.8°C (62.2°F) by
June and
July. The average low follows a similar trend, with a high of 16.3°C (61.3°F) in February, down to an annual lowest of 6.8°C (44.2°F) in July.
Oudtshoorn experiences moderate rainfall year-round, but it is not evenly distributed. The highest rainfall, averaging 18mm (0.71"), occurs in
October, while
April and
May receive around 11mm (0.43"). In terms of daylight hours, there's an annual high of 14.3 hours in
December and a low of 10 hours between June and July. The sunshine hours follow a similar pattern, with the most sunshine in December (10.9 hours) and the least in June and July (6.8 hours).
The climate also impacts the wind speeds, with the average wind speed ranging from 9.3km/h (5.8mph) in April and May to 11.5km/h (7.1mph) in June. The wind gusts also record the highest speeds around the same time, recording an annual high of 19.7km/h (12.2mph) in June.
The best time to visit Oudtshoorn
Considering the weather parameters, the best time to visit
Oudtshoorn depends on preferred weather conditions. Travellers who favour warmer temperatures should plan their visit between
December and
February, with average high temperatures oscillating around 27.7°C (81.9°F) to 28°C (82.4°F). During these months, the region also receives maximum daylight hours and sunshine, making it a good time for outdoor activities like hiking, sightseeing, and wildlife spotting.
The worst time to visit Oudtshoorn
On the other hand, travelers may want to avoid
Oudtshoorn during the months of
June and
July. This is when the region experiences the coldest temperatures dropping to around 16.8°C (62.2°F), and as low as 6.8°C (44.2°F). Sunshine hours are at their lowest during these months, and the wind speed also reaches a peak which could affect one's travel plans.
Spring weather in Oudtshoorn
Springtime in
Oudtshoorn, from
September to
November, sees average high temperatures between 20.1°C (68.2°F) and 23.8°C (74.8°F) and low temperatures varying from 8.7°C (47.7°F) to 12.3°C (54.1°F). The weather is truly spring-like, with moderate rainfall, increasing daylight hours, and plenty of sunshine.
Summer weather in Oudtshoorn
Summer in
Oudtshoorn, from
December to
February, is marked by high temperatures, ranging between 26.2°C (79.2°F) and 28°C (82.4°F). Night temperatures offer a respite, staying around 16.2°C (61.2°F) to 16.3°C (61.3°F). Rainfall is moderately low for tropical expectations, and sunshine averages approximately 10.9 hours daily, providing ample time for outdoor exploration.
Autumn weather in Oudtshoorn
Autumn, between
March and
May, witnesses a cooling trend in
Oudtshoorn. The average high temperatures range from 22.8°C (73°F) to 26.3°C (79.3°F) and nightly lows range from 10.2°C (50.4°F) to 14.9°C (58.8°F). While rainfall is steady at about 11mm (0.43") to 12mm (0.47") per month, the daylight and sunshine hours gradually decrease signaling the onset of winter.
Winter weather in Oudtshoorn
Winter months from
June to
August in
Oudtshoorn are characterized by lower temperatures, with average highs fluctuating between 16.8°C (62.2°F) and 18°C (64.4°F), and lows hovering around 6.8°C (44.2°F) to 7.3°C (45.1°F). Despite the cold, these months witness a moderate increase in rainfall, and the lowest amount of daylight and sunshine hours of the year. Nonetheless, the weather remains fair enough to cater to an array of indoor and outdoor activities.
Weather in January
Oudtshoorn kicks off its year with weather that leans towards the warmer side, conditions that are generally ideal for outdoor activities. The friendly weather patterns significantly influence the commencement of tourism activities around this time.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Officially in the second month,
Oudtshoorn continues its characteristic warm weather, with more clear skies and daylight compared to the previous month. As the area steps further into the year, the presence of moisture slightly increases, while the wind speed reduces a bit.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Gearing into
March, the city sees a slight shift in the prevailing weather patterns from the preceding two months. The warm temperatures preserve the amiable outdoor environment, complemented by conditions that are slightly less windy compared to
February.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The weather in
Oudtshoorn in
April depicts a significant transition period, paving the way for imminent colder conditions. The wind speeds are maintained, albeit with increasingly less radiant sunshine dominating the day. Variations in weather patterns become more noticeable as the temperatures eschew
March's warmth.
Weather in April »Weather in May
Oudtshoorn in
May sets itself apart with distinctively colder weather when juxtaposed with the previous months. The noticeable drop in higher temperatures signals the definite transition away from the warmer part of the year. The cooler weather conditions persist with more cloud cover yet less rainfall compared to the preceding month.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The progression into
June comes with continued cooling temperatures in the city of
Oudtshoorn. Travel enthusiasts may want to equip themselves with warmer clothing as the days become significantly shorter and less sunny. Similarly, rainfall experiences an uptick while wind speeds ascend, a direct contrast to
May's conditions.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Come
July,
Oudtshoorn experiences some of its coldest conditions of the year. The chilly season reaches its peak with the temperature hitting new lows. Encouragingly, even though the skies may be mostly cloud-covered, the city records less rainfall in contrast to the previous month.
Weather in July »Weather in August
A sense of continuity is observed in
August with
Oudtshoorn weather patterns that remain closely tethered to those of
July. However, slightly warmer temperatures may be felt, with a gradual increase in daylight, although rainfalls may surge somewhat.
Weather in August »Weather in September
Entering
September,
Oudtshoorn embraces the arrival of spring with temperatures beginning to climb. As weather conditions gradually transition to warmth, the daylight hours increase, while the humidity holds steady. Despite being a brighter month, the rainfall tends to increase, breaking away from the rainfall recorded in
August.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October,
Oudtshoorn continues on its upward trajectory in temperature, with longer daylight hours providing a perfect setting for tourists. The weather, undeniably, becomes more appealing, and outdoor activities increase in frequency.
Weather in October »Weather in November
The charm of
November in
Oudtshoorn lies in its perfectly balanced, warm but not excessively hot weather, making this month particularly popular among locals and tourists alike. With extended daylight hours, the city comes to life with abundant outdoor activities at the backdrop of partly cloudy skies.
Weather in November »Weather in December
As the final month of the year,
December in
Oudtshoorn has warm weather that matches the festive season's spirits. Thanks to the increased hours of daylight, outdoor events thrive during this period, while the shift in weather patterns from
November is almost negligible.
Weather in December » [Resources]