The climate of Mbabane
Situated in the temperate highlands of
Swaziland,
Mbabane exemplifies the classic Cwb climate as defined within the Köppen climate classification system. This temperate highland tropical climate with dry winters predominantly sets the scene for the city's weather experience throughout the year.
Over the course of the year, the city experiences marked fluctuations in certain weather parameters. Temperature highs range from 20.3°C (68.5°F) in the coolest months of
June and
July to 26.2°C (79.2°F) in the warmest month of
December. There is less variance in low temperatures from 8.1°C (46.6°F) in July to 16.6°C (61.9°F) in
January. The humility relative percentage vacillates from 57% in
August to the highest relative humility of 83% seen in the months from January to
March.
Unique weather patterns in Mbabane include a significant drop in rainfall from
April to August where rainfall measurements dip down to 7mm (0.28") in June. Conversely, December sees an upsurge in rain to 134mm (5.28"). The number of rainy days follows a comparable trend with the highest frequency of rainy days, 24, recorded in December and the lowest, 3.4, in June.
The best time to visit Mbabane
Opting for the right time to visit
Mbabane depends largely on preferences and weather priorities. For those who prefer lower humidity levels paired with mild to warm temperatures and a low possibility of rainfall, the months from
April to
October might be ideal. Specifically,
June offers the lowest bloodstream with a bare 7mm (0.28") and minimum rainy days at 3.4, albeit at the cost of the year's lowest temperatures, between 8.1°C (46.6°F) and 20.3°C (68.5°F).
The worst time to visit Mbabane
Avoiding a visit to
Mbabane comes recommended during
December if high humidity levels, maximum rainfall, and the highest number of rainy days do not fit well with one's plans. This month witnesses a record 134mm (5.28") rainfall stretched over 24 rainy days and an 80% humidity relative measurement.
Spring weather in Mbabane
Spring weather in
Mbabane features an upward climb from the cooler winter months.
September witnesses a temperature high around 25.1°C (77.2°F) and a low around 12.5°C (54.5°F).
October and
November see higher highs and lows, reaching up to 24.6°C (76.3°F) and 25.3°C (77.5°F) and dipping to 14.4°C (57.9°F) and 15.4°C (59.7°F) respectively. Relative humidity remains low in these months, hovering between 59% and 76%.
Summer weather in Mbabane
The summer months in
Mbabane experience the highest temperatures throughout the year. The months from
December to
February witness temperature highs between 25.8°C (78.4°F) and 26.2°C (79.2°F) and a temperature low range from 16.3°C (61.3°F) to 16.6°C (61.9°F). These months also see substantial rainfall with high relative humility, marking them as the most humid period of the year.
Autumn weather in Mbabane
Autumn in
Mbabane sees a slow descent in temperate highs and lows as well as reduced rainfall.
March experiences the high temperature around 25°C (77°F) with a lower limit around 15°C (59°F).
April and
May gradually cool down leading to respective highs of 22.8°C (73°F) and 22.5°C (72.5°F) and lows around 12.5°C (54.5°F) and 10.7°C (51.3°F).
Winter weather in Mbabane
During the winter months from
June to
August,
Mbabane undergoes a stark contrast, with cooler temperatures and remarkably less rainfall than other periods. Temperature highs fluctuate from 20.3°C (68.5°F) to 22.7°C (72.9°F) and lows from 8.1°C (46.6°F) to 9.8°C (49.6°F). Rainfall is also minimal during this time, with measurements standing as low as 6mm (0.24") to 10mm (0.39"). With relative humidity ranging from 57% to 60%, the winter months in Mbabane represent the driest season of the year.
Weather in January
Starting the year,
Mbabane weather in
January is characterized by high humidity levels and frequent rainfall. Compared to
December, the conditions are gloomier due to decreasing daylight of 13.6 hours, slightly lower temperatures and greater rainfall of 120mm (4.72").
Weather in January »Weather in February
Following the damp start in
January,
Mbabane weather for
February provides a slight relief with decreased rainfall. Lower rainfall coupled with reduced cloud coverage provides pleasant weather for some outdoor activities. Sunshine extends to around 8.8 hours per day, providing ample daylight.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Mbabane marks a transitional period from the high rainfall season to drier conditions. Relative humidity remains at 83%, same as the previous two months, but rainfall dips significantly. The city records less rainfall with 81mm (3.19"), fostering a more suitable atmosphere for outdoor adventures.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Mbabane significantly strays from the early-year weather patterns. A sharp decrease in humidity to 79% and subdued rainfall facilitates an agreeable atmosphere for visitors. Accompanied by lower temperatures, April experiences less cloud coverage, thus clearer skies.
Weather in April » Weather in May
With the onset of
May,
Mbabane slips into the driest part of the year. An atmosphere of low humidity and reduced rainfall becomes a salient feature. Cooler temperatures also become a primary character of May’s weather, along with the shortest daylight of the year.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Mbabane experiences the lowest humidity and rainfall levels. The largely clear skies of June offer the highest visibility of 10km (6.2mi), which, along with the lowest rainfall of 7mm (0.28"), make sightseeing a delightful activity.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Mbabane weather during
July is characterized by cool temperatures and minimal rainfall. With the recorded lowest temperature of 8.1°C (46.6°F), July remains the coldest month of the year. However, drier conditions due to the continued low rainfall make this a favourable time for outdoor activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August initiates a rebound from the cooler months in
Mbabane. With average temperatures rising, coupled with slight increment in rainfall, the weather takes a decisive turn towards a warmer and wetter period. Although rain starts to creep in, the increase remains modest and doesn’t hinder outdoor pursuits.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
September, the weather in
Mbabane begins warming up, signalling the onset of the hot season. Increase in rainfall is accompanied by a rise in temperature and daylight. Despite this mutability, September offers a relatively dry season in comparison to impending months.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October is noted for an increase in atmospheric pressure deviations and unpredictability in weather conditions in
Mbabane. With an average of 17 rainy days, October receives the starting showers of the wet season. Albeit, given favourable temperatures and frequent sunshine, outdoor endeavours are not necessarily hampered.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The last month of the spring,
November, is warm month in
Mbabane,
Swaziland, with temperature in the range of an average high of 25.3°C (77.5°F) and an average low of 15.4°C (59.7°F). November is marked by an average high-temperature of a still warm 25.3°C (77.5°F), almost identical to the preceding month.
Weather in November »Weather in December
The weather in
Mbabane more or less stabilizes in
December, ending the year on a predictable note. December experiences the highest rainfall of 134mm (5.28"), with 24 rainy days on average. On the brighter side, temperatures do not change drastically, balancing out the weather conditions.
Weather in December »