Climate and monthly weather forecastWau, South Sudan

The climate of Wau

Located in the geographical heart of the Africa, Wau in South Sudan endures a Tropical wet and dry climate, expressed as Aw by the Köppen climate classification system. Traceable shifts in humidity, daylight, and temperature chart the course of Wau's year. Thermal fluctuations are modest, with temperatures ranging from 30.9°C (87.6°F) to 40.2°C (104.4°F) on the hotter side, year-round. Similarly, the lower temperatures stagger in a tight band, from 21.2°C (70.2°F) to 27.2°C (81°F) through the year.

Sunshine hours taper from over 9 hours daily, with a peak of 10 hours in January and December, down to 8.3 hours in August during the year. The daylight duration fluctuates in a narrow range with December and January boasting the shortest days of 11.7 hours, extending to longer days of up to 12.6 hours in June. The morphing humidity mirrors South Sudan’s wet and dry seasons, plummeting to 15% in February and soaring to 79% in August.

Additionally, nuances emerge in Wau’s rainfall pattern with the transition of seasons. Starting with a dry spell in January and February with practically no rain, it makes a gradual ascent reaching a peak of 131mm (5.16") in August, before dwindling down to none by December. Strongly associated with the rainfall pattern, is the cloud cover which sees a rhythmic expansion from 3% at the beginning of the year to 44% in August and contraction thereafter.

The best time to visit Wau

Determining the best time for a visit to Wau would heavily depend on the intended activities and preferences of the tourist. Nevertheless, if dry weather, moderate temperatures and ample sunshine makes the perfect concoction for exploration, then December to February becomes the favored period. During these months, the city enjoys temperatures between 34.2°C (93.6°F) to 38.6°C (101.5°F), keeping the heat fairly tolerable. Besides, the rainfall is virtually absent and the humidity hovers around 17% to 19%, keeping the climate comfortably dry.

The worst time to visit Wau

Conversely, the period from July to September can be challenging for tourists primarily due to the high rainfall, ranging from 90mm (3.54") to 131mm (5.16"), and coupled with high humidity from 74% to 79%, it makes for rather uncomfortable climatic conditions. Apart from these, the temperatures during this period, based on maximum and minimum averages, range from 30.9°C (87.6°F) to 31.3°C (88.3°F) and 21.3°C (70.3°F) to 21.8°C (71.2°F) respectively, making it the coolest period of the year.

Spring weather in Wau

Spring in Wau spanning March, April, and May witnesses a marked shift in weather pattern from the dry season to the wet season. A pronounced increase in temperature is noticed as one transitions from March to May with highs increasing from 40.2°C (104.4°F) to 36.8°C (98.2°F), and minimum temperatures elevating from 25.9°C (78.6°F) to 26.3°C (79.3°F). Visitors can also expect significant changes in the rainfall, as it escalates from 9mm (0.35") in March to 42mm (1.65") in May. This period in Wau experiences an inflating cloud coverage from 7% in March to 25% in May and soaring relative humidity from 18% in March to 49% in May, firmly setting the stage for the imminent wet seasons.

Summer weather in Wau

The summer months in Wau, from June through August, usher in the wet season. June sees high temperatures of around 34.2°C (93.6°F), steadily declining to lows of 30.9°C (87.6°F) in August. Minimum average temperatures during summer swing from 23.8°C (74.8°F) in June to 21.3°C (70.3°F) in August. These months record the highest rainfall from 85mm (3.35") in June to a significant 131mm (5.16") in August. The higher humidity levels around 62% in June to 79% in August coupled with more substantial cloud coverage substantiate the higher rainfall received during this season.

Autumn weather in Wau

The autumn months of September through November feature the decline of the wet season with a marked reduction in rainfall from 103mm (4.06") in September to a meager 2mm (0.08") by November. Correspondingly, there is also a gradual decrease in humidity from 76% in September to 32% in November. The hotter climate resurfaces with temperatures skyrocketing from 31.8°C (89.2°F) to 36.2°C (97.2°F) and the lower temperatures oscillating from 21.8°C (71.2°F) to 23.5°C (74.3°F) through these autumn months.

Winter weather in Wau

Winter in Wau that spans December and January is characterized by virtually non-existent rainfall, remarkably lower humidity of around 17% to 21%, and a significant reduction in cloud coverage from 11% in December to 3% in January. The average maximum temperatures hover around 35.2°C (95.4°F) to 38.6°C (101.5°F), and the average minimum temperatures normalize at 21.2°C (70.2°F) to 21.5°C (70.7°F). This period also sees the shortest daylight hours of the year, averaging at 11.7 hours, and hosts the longest sunshine duration of 10 hours daily, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

Weather in January

January starts the year in Wau, South Sudan, under warm conditions. With an average high temperature of 35.8°C (96.4°F), there are extreme temperature variations between highs and lows in the day. Although the sky remains clear with 3% cloud coverage, the low humidity of 17% allows for cooler mornings and evenings as the temperature falls to 21.2°C (70.2°F). Weather in January »

Weather in February

Wau's weather becomes warmer in February as the dry period continues. The heat intensifies with an average high temperature rising to 38.6°C (101.5°F). Uninterrupted sunshine and absolute daylight hours of 11.9 present an opportunity to experience the city's beauty in its full glory. Weather in February »

Weather in March

In March, Wau experiences hot weather with temperatures reaching a peak of 40.2°C (104.4°F). At this point, Wau weather begins a gradual transition from extreme heat to a cooler and more humid environment. Cloud coverage increases to 7%, providing a shield from intense sunlight. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April brings about certain changes in the weather pattern of Wau. Temperatures remain high but this month witnesses the start of rainfall with 9mm (0.35") observed. Along with the rains, relative humidity increases to 29%, offering a respite from the intense heat. Weather in April »

Weather in May

The weather in May ushers in significant changes in Wau. A notable increase in rainfall to 42mm (1.65") attributes to a shift in the weather pattern. The humidity percentage takes a massive leap to 49%, making the weather comparatively cooler and more comfortable. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June marks the onset of the rainy season in Wau, with precipitation increasing to 85mm (3.35"). The combination of rainy weather, increased cloud coverage and humidity of 62% makes this month cooler and pleasanter. Rain lovers can find June an ideal time to visit, despite the wet conditions. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July in Wau witnesses a continuation of temperate weather conditions. With precipitation reaching a near peak at 90mm (3.54"), it is one of the wettest months. The city's weather becomes more amiable, thanks in part to the increase in relative humidity to 74%. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August accounts for the year's peak rainfall in Wau, gaining the highest precipitation levels at 131mm (5.16"). It's the month where the highest humidity percentage of 79% is observed - contributing to the cooler temperatures. Dense cloud coverage provides relief from direct sunlight, leading to more comfortable weather. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September brings the decline of the rainy season in Wau. Rainfall decreases to 103mm (4.06") allowing for a resurgence of outdoor activities. Comfortable weather continues with a relative humidity of 76% and mostly cloudy skies. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October signals the departure of the rainy season in Wau. The substantial decrease of precipitation to 62mm (2.44") combined with a humidity drop to 62% ushers in a pleasant weather. The skies start to clear up from the heavy cloud coverage, enabling more sunlight. Weather in October »

Weather in November

Wau experiences a return to the dry season in November. The weather becomes warmer and drier, with the rainfall dwindling to a meager 2mm (0.08"). Despite the increase in temperature, cool breezes blowing at a speed of 7.3 KPH keep the weather pleasant. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December experiences the driest conditions with no rainfall recorded. Pleasant weather awaits visitors with a temperature high of 35.2°C (95.4°F) and low of 21.5°C (70.7°F). Low humidity of 21% and high visibility of 10km (6.2mi) makes outdoor exploration comfortable. Weather in December »