The climate of Polokwane
Polokwane, a city nestled within the South African province of Limpopo, experiences a subtropical steppe climate, according to the Köppen climate classification. This climate type, labeled BSh, is characterized by considerable seasonal temperature fluctuations and minor variations in rainfall.
Looking at the data statistics, it's clear that Polokwane sees a wide range of temperatures throughout the year. The coldest months, falling between
June to
August, have temperatures dropping from 19.6°C (67.3°F) to 19.9°C (67.8°F) during the day and plunging to lower ranges from 4.4°C (39.9°F) to 4.7°C (40.5°F) at night. However, as the calendar progresses towards the warmer months, the city warms up, with daytime temperatures soaring to a balmy 28.1°C (82.6°F) in
January, and nighttime lows only lowering to 17.1°C (62.8°F).
Relative humidity follows a relatively stable trend in the city, locating within values from 58% to 71%. Peaking in
March, the humidity gently descends, reaching its nadir in
September before gradually climbing again.
Rainfall patterns depict an inverse relationship with temperature. Drier months, with less than 6mm (0.24") of rainfall, coincide with winter's cold onslaught from June to August. Contrastingly, the city receives the highest precipitation in
December and January, with 85mm (3.35") and 82mm (3.23") of rainfall respectively.
Given the city's latitude, daylight hours fluctuate in a considerable manner. This oscillation ranges from 10.7 hours of daylight in June to a more sun-soaked scenario of 13.6 hours in December.
The best time to visit Polokwane
The timing of a visit to
Polokwane should ideally align with an individual's weather preferences. However, data suggests that between
May to
October would be the most suitable timeframe. This period is characterized by lower rainfall, varying from 3mm (0.12") to 11mm (0.43"), ensuring minimal disruptions to outdoor activities. Plus, the higher sunshine hours in
July,
August, and
September, sitting at 9 hours, offer ample opportunities to explore and soak up the local culture.
The worst time to visit Polokwane
As with any location subject to weather fluctuations, there are periods that might seem less appealing for visitors. In the case of
Polokwane, the months between
November to
February, experiencing 60mm (2.36") to 85mm (3.35") of rainfall, can be quite inconvenient for those not fond of wet weather. The spike in precipitation and temperatures reaching 28.1°C (82.6°F) might be uncomfortable for some.
Spring weather in Polokwane
In
Polokwane, spring encompasses
September,
October, and
November. During this time, the city experiences a gentle upward tick in temperature, with daily highs ranging from 22.1°C (71.8°F) to 26.6°C (79.9°F), and nighttime lows adjusting between 6.7°C (44.1°F) and 15.3°C (59.5°F). Rainfall is relatively low in September and October, with values 6mm (0.24") and 17mm (0.67") respectively, but increases to 43mm (1.69") in November. Notably, the sunshine duration remains stable, from 9.2 hours in September to 7.8 hours in November.
Summer weather in Polokwane
In
Polokwane's summer months, from
December to
February, the city reveals its highest temperatures, peaking at 28.1°C (82.6°F) in
January complemented by nightly lows between 16.4°C (61.5°F) to 17.1°C (62.8°F). The weather remains quite humid; however, these months also yield the highest precipitation figures, from 60mm (2.36") to 85mm (3.35"). Despite these wet conditions, the city receives a generous dose of sunlight with sunshine hours ranging from 7.8 hours to 8.2 hours.
Autumn weather in Polokwane
Autumn in
Polokwane falls in
March,
April, and
May. Average high temperatures during this period moderately descend from 26.6°C (79.9°F) to 22.4°C (72.3°F), accompanied by declining nighttime lows from 15.3°C (59.5°F) to 7.9°C (46.2°F). Rainfall decreases significantly in this season, dropping from 52mm (2.05") in March to a mere 11mm (0.43") in May, while sunshine hours increase optimally to 8.7 hours by the end of the season.
Winter weather in Polokwane
Winter sets foot in
Polokwane during
June,
July, and
August, with temperatures ranging from 19.6°C (67.3°F) to 19.9°C (67.8°F) during the day and dropping to 4.4°C (39.9°F) to 4.7°C (40.5°F) at night. In addition, these months depict the least rainy season, with rainfall dipping to as low as 3mm (0.12") in July. Yet, the season experiences a peak in sunshine hours, stretching to 9 hours in both July and August, offering bright sunny days despite the atypically lower temperatures.
Weather in January
In terms of comparative analysis,
January weather conditions in
Polokwane,
South Africa, are marginally warmer than those of the preceding month. The region is characterized by substantial sunlight, allowing for a duration of 13.4 hours of daylight daily, as well as a UV index of 12, necessitating the use of UV protection.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Following
January,
February weather in
Polokwane witnesses a slight drop in overall temperature range, yet continues to stay warm. Given the humidity stands at 70%, the climate, too, remains fairly moist. Total rainfall decreases to 60mm (2.36"), with an occurrence of around six days out of the month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Transitioning into
March, the climate in
Polokwane experiences a notable decline in temperatures, although the variation remains insignificant. The city illuminates under 12.2 hours of daylight, moderately lesser as compared to
February.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Polokwane records a prominent cooling trend, moving away from the earlier months' consistent warmth. Humidity levels in Polokwane taper off as compared to
March, resulting in slightly drier conditions. The region witnesses a declining UV index, which drops to 9.
Weather in April » Weather in May
By comparison to
April, the month of
May in
Polokwane experiences more significant cooling, highlighting the onset of winter. The daylight duration holds firm at 11 hours daily, while the UV index dips further to 7, indicating a reduction in sunlight intensity.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Polokwane marks a juncture, with temperatures further sliding down compared to
May. The city sees an average UV index of 5, implying subdued solar radiation. A minimal amount of rainfall is observed, with precipitation measuring a mere 5mm (0.2") over merely one day in the month.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The weather in
July remains consistent with
June's diminishing warmth in
Polokwane,
South Africa. With the unsettling lack of rainfall, marked as a mere 3mm (0.12"), July presents as the driest month of the year. The UV index inches up slightly to 6 in contrast to June, yet the intensity of the sunlight remains relatively scanty.
Weather in July »Weather in August
Compared to
July,
August in
Polokwane witnesses a slight increment in temperatures, akin to the onset of spring. With 6mm (0.24") of precipitation over a day, the rainfall subtly hints at an upward shift. The UV index showcases an upward trend at 7, acknowledging the steadily intensifying sunlight.
Weather in August »Weather in September
With
September's advent,
Polokwane forecasts an escalation in climates when compared to
August. Despite the increased heat, humidity retains a lower reading of 55%, accounting for relatively dry conditions. A distinct pattern emerges in September with rainfall elevating to 17mm (0.67").
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Contrasting with
September,
October in
Polokwane,
South Africa, signifies enhanced warmth in weather conditions. Nevertheless, the region sees a heightened frequency of rainfall, totalling 43mm (1.69") across five days. With a stable UV index of 12, the potency of sunlight remains high.
Weather in October »Weather in November
Moving into
November,
Polokwane sees a surge in precipitation compared to
October, totalling 85mm (3.35") over eight days, making it one of the wettest months. Even as humidity rises to 66%, November retains the warmth of October with temperatures slightly increasing.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Comparatively,
December in
Polokwane remains close to
November in terms of weather attributes. With precipitation amounting to a considerable 81mm (3.19") over seven days, it validates its reputation as a wet month. Moreover, the constant UV index of 12, paired with 13.6 hours of daylight, implies a continuation of substantial solar radiation.
Weather in December »