The climate of Upington
Perched near the banks of the mighty Orange River,
Upington,
South Africa, is characterized by a subtropical desert climate, also referred to as "BWh" under the Köppen climate classification. A year in this city presents a combination of long, hot summers and mild winters, consistent with the climate patterns typically experienced in desert regions.
Comprehensive analysis of the climatological parameters throughout the year in Upington sheds light on its unique climate conditions. During the hottest months, between
January and
March, the average high temperatures range from 32.3°C (90.1°F) to 35°C (95°F), while the average low temperatures are usually from 21.2°C (70.2°F) to 22.8°C (73°F). On the other hand, between
June and
August, temperatures decline and register average highs and lows between 19.7°C (67.5°F) to 22.5°C (72.5°F) and 8.4°C (47.1°F) to 9.2°C (48.6°F) respectively.
In terms of rainfall, the city receives minimal precipitation ranging from 1mm (0.04") to 4mm (0.16") between
May and
September, the driest months, and slightly higher amounts, from 11mm (0.43") to 21mm (0.83"), in the months from January to March and
December. The number of rainfall days also fluctuates in sync with these patterns, augmenting during the wetter months and diminishing in the drier ones.
Humidity levels throughout the year remain fairly moderate, with January and
February experiencing the highest relative humidity levels, from 26% to 31%. The average relative humidity level drops to 21% in
November, making it the driest month.
The best time to visit Upington
Considering the relative temperatures, rainfall, and humidity levels seen throughout the year, the months from
April to
June emerge as the most favorable for a visit to
Upington. During these months, temperatures oscillate between comfortable ranges with average highs from 19.7°C (67.5°F) to 27.4°C (81.3°F) and lows from 9.2°C (48.6°F) to 17.2°C (63°F). Furthermore, these months are also characterized by low rainfall, between 2mm (0.08") to 11mm (0.43"), ensuring limited interruptions in outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Upington
Although
Upington generally sports mild weather, the months from
January to
March prove to be particularly hot, with average high temperatures reaching up to 35°C (95°F). Coupled with moderate humidity levels, the heat intensity during this period can make outdoor activities uncomfortable for many, making these months less favorable for tourist visits.
Spring weather in Upington
Spring in
Upington brings the beginnings of cooler temperatures and relatively dry conditions. As the season progresses from
September through
November, temperatures can range from highs of 26.5°C (79.7°F) to 32.3°C (90.1°F) and lows from 12.7°C (54.9°F) to 18°C (64.4°F). The rainfall also stays at an average low of 3mm (0.12") during this period, making for pleasant, less humid, and moderately warm weather.
Summer weather in Upington
On reaching summer,
Upington experiences its highest temperatures of the year. From
December to
February, the city faces an average high temperature from 33.7°C (92.7°F) to 35°C (95°F) and low temperatures from 20.9°C (69.6°F) to 22.8°C (73°F). Even with moderate to high relative humidity levels of 26% to 31%, the rainfall remains relatively low, between 11mm (0.43") to 21mm (0.83"), ensuring mainly dry and hot weather.
Autumn weather in Upington
Come
March, autumn in
Upington is represented by steady decline in temperatures and continued low precipitation. Average high temperatures range from 24.3°C (75.7°F) to 32.3°C (90.1°F) and drop to lows between 13.9°C (57°F) and 21.2°C (70.2°F). Rainfall levels remain constant at a moderate 11mm (0.43") to 12mm (0.47") during this time.
Winter weather in Upington
The winter season sees the lowest temperatures and rainfall in
Upington. From
June to
August, average highs stay between 19.7°C (67.5°F) to 22.5°C (72.5°F) while lows drop to between 8.4°C (47.1°F) to 9.2°C (48.6°F). Rainfall during these months also remains very low, ranging from 1mm (0.04") to 2mm (0.08"), paving the way for a crisp, dry winter season.
Weather in January
January in
Upington,
South Africa, sees the arrival of the New Year with warm, sunny days. The month experiences the highest UV index of 7, metaphorically turning the city into a vibrant, bustling outdoor paradise amid long, sunlit hours.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The weather in
Upington slightly transforms in
February. This month now has the highest rainfall of 21mm (0.83") compared to other months, necessitating the use of a raincoat periodically. Wind speeds and daylight hours diminish slightly compared to
January, adding to the gentle alterations in weather characteristics as the year unfolds.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As
March rolls in,
Upington begins to recognize the departure of summer. Post the
February peak, rainfall in this month sees a decrease, denoting the onset of drier days. Humidity and cloud percentage remain relatively stable, further underscoring the predictable, agreeable climate of this Southern African city.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Upington marks the start of the subtle descent into winter. A distinguishing shift from
March’s weather to this month is the reduction in temperature from 32.3°C (90.1°F) to 27.4°C (81.3°F). It is followed by a drop in humidity levels and sunlight hours, signaling a gradual retreat from the summer outdoor activities.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The climate in
May continues to showcase the typical characteristics of a soothing autumn season in
Upington. The decline in temperature persists from
April, leading to cooler evenings and mornings, creating a peaceful atmospheric setting.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Upington unveils the aura of winter with its lowering temperatures and shorter days. The lowest average temperature falls to 9.2°C (48.6°F) this month, indicating a significant change in weather from the summer heat of
January.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues to carry forward the cool weather trend set by
June in
Upington. The temperatures are almost similar to those experienced in the previous month, with a minor increase. Differences in weather conditions between these two winter months is relatively subtle.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August signals the arrival of spring in
Upington. A small but definite increase in the average temperature from the previous month hints at the fading winter months. August witnesses a climb in the average daylight hours, serving as a prelude to the more sunny days that lie ahead.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The beautiful South African spring season flourishes in
September in the city of
Upington. Mild weather, longer days and dry conditions mark the city’s introduction to this delightful season. The beginning of a gradual increase in relative humidity allows for a slight increase in cloud cover.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October,
Upington embraces the warmth of spring transitioning into summer. The weather is distinguished by a rise in temperature from the previous month, a trend that follows until
December. The number of daylight hours continues to increase, symbolizing the city's steady march towards summer.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November, the last month of the spring in
Upington, is a hot month, with an average temperature ranging between max 32.3°C (90.1°F) and min 18°C (64.4°F). The initiation of November records an average high-temperature of a tropical 32.3°C (90.1°F), displaying a near consistency with the previous month.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December presents itself with the merry atmosphere of summer in
Upington with temperatures reaching a high of 34.1°C (93.4°F). The difference from
November's temperatures is relatively small, maintaining the warmth that characterizes
South Africa's summer season.
Weather in December » [Resources]