The climate of Dodoma
The weather in
Dodoma,
Tanzania is primarily characterized by the BSh Köppen climate classification, indicating a subtropical steppe climate. This classification reflects a location on the planet where evaporation exceeds precipitation. The annual weather pattern exhibits high temperatures, mild winters, and moderate rainfall.
A closer look at the monthly average temperatures reveals that Dodoma experiences a considerable range in heat. The warmest month appears to be
November with a high average temperature of 31.8°C (89.2°F), while the coolest is
July, with a low average temperature reaching down to 13.9°C (57°F).
Humidity levels vary noticeably across the year, peaking at 80% in
April and receding to a low of 52% in
September. The rainfall in Dodoma fluctuates dramatically too, maintaining a wet character from
January to April. Thereafter, a drastic fall in rainfall can be observed, almost reaching no precipitation from
May through September. The most significant rainfall occurs in January with 129mm (5.08") of rain, while months from May to September virtually experience no rainfall at all.
Regarding sunlight exposure, Dodoma has a robust sunlit atmosphere throughout the year, with the highest daily average sunlight of 12.5 hours recorded in
December. The least amount of sunlight with 11.8 hours per day is observed from May through July.
The climatic conditions are shaped by the area's atmospheric pressure, ranging from 1017.9mb in July to 1011.9mb in November. Winds, playing an integral part in shaping the climate, range in speed from 5.3km/h (3.3mph) in January to 12.1km/h (7.5mph) in
October, with the most significant gusts recorded in October reaching 16.3km/h (10.1mph).
The best time to visit Dodoma
For travelers seeking warm temperatures with less humidity, the period from
May to
September constitutes the ideal visiting window. During these months, temperatures remain comfortable high with an average daylight of 11.8 to 12.1 hours. Notably, the lowest humidity levels, close to 52 to 56%, occur during these months. Furthermore, rainfall is practically absent throughout this period that contributes to a more pleasant and unobstructed experience for visitors.
The worst time to visit Dodoma
The months of
January,
February, and
December might prove to be challenging for visitors due to high levels of rainfall and high relative humidity percentages. During this period,
Dodoma experiences its peak average rainfall, with January receiving the highest of 129mm (5.08") of precipitation.
Spring weather in Dodoma
Spring in
Dodoma, corresponding to the months of
September to
November, is a time of escalating temperatures and increasing rainfall. Average high temperatures begin at 30.5°C (86.9°F) in September and rise to 31.8°C (89.2°F) in November. This period witnesses the resurgence of precipitation with a spike to 34mm (1.34") in November after an essentially dry spell from
May through September.
Summer weather in Dodoma
Weather during the summer months,
December through
February, in
Dodoma is characterized by high humidity and increased rainfall. Temperatures during this period drop slightly, ranging from 29.7°C (85.5°F) in December to 28.3°C (82.9°F) in February. The average rainfall hits a high of 129mm (5.08") in
January, amplified by relatively high humidity levels around 78%.
Autumn weather in Dodoma
Moving into the autumn months of
March to
May,
Dodoma experiences a gradual drop in temperatures and a significant decrease in precipitation. March starts with average high temperatures of 28.1°C (82.6°F), tapering down to 27.2°C (81°F) by May. This period also signifies the tapering off of the rainy season with rainfall decreasing from 113mm (4.45") in March to almost zero in May.
Winter weather in Dodoma
The winter season in
Dodoma spans from
June to
August and is distinctively marked by the lowest average temperatures and humidity levels. June has an average high temperature of 27.2°C (81°F), which drops further to 27.3°C (81.1°F) by
July, the coldest month. This season also witnesses the lowest relative humidity of the year, hovering around 60% in July, and sees practically no rainfall at all. Winter in Dodoma is typically characterized by clear blue skies and mild temperatures.
Weather in January
Dodoma,
Tanzania kicks off the new year with a favorable balancing act between high and low temperatures, with average highs of 28℃ and lows of 18℃. Typically rainy,
January holds the stage for an impressive 129mm (5.08") of rainfall, leading to about 20 days with significant rainfall.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
February the weather begins to break away from the
January climate, with a slight temperature fluctuation, and a significantly less rainfall, dropping from 129mm (5.08") to 98mm (3.86"). Sunny days are more frequent and the average sunshine hours increase subtly.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Though distinct from
February,
March comes with its own meteorological mix. Rainfall, like a well-coordinated yo-yo, bounces back up to 113mm (4.45"), causing a slight increase in relative humidity to 80%. Even so, March stays in harmony with the previous months as temperatures retain their preference for the mid to high-20s℃ range.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April sees a noticeable pivot from the earlier months, defining its own weather characteristics. Retaining a relatively high humidity of 80%, the city witnesses a distinct drop in the rainfall level to 70mm (2.76"), cueing the onset of the drier months.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May,
Dodoma embraces the dry season wholeheartedly. The month is recognizable by the sharp decrease in rainfall to a minimal 7mm (0.28"), starkly contrasting with the earlier downpours of the year. Consequently, a marked reduction in humidity is evident.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June underscores the dry season, characterized by an absence of rainfall and a clear sky. With easier temperature variations leaning towards cooler nights, residents and tourists can enjoy the generous sunshine hours. The city witnesses a significant drop in the relative humidity to 65%, contributing to the dry conditions.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Dodoma's weather in
July mirrors that in
June, evidently basking in the peak of the dry season. Despite the city recording its lowest temperatures, these are still notably warm, falling between 27.3℃ to 13.9℃. Humidity drops to a yearly low of 60%, accentuating the city's arid climate.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The wind picks up in speed in
Dodoma during
August reaching up to 10.8 KPH, making it a distinct feature of this month. The dry season is still in full swing, and the sun continues to dominate the weather scene. Humidity levels remain low and temperatures stabilize, predicting a definite, comfortable warmth.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September brings a gradual shift away from the peak dry conditions. The wind speed sees the highest for the year, contributing a cooler serenity to the otherwise arid atmosphere. Increasing rainfall, although slight, hints towards an incoming transition.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In retrospect, the gradual climatic changes experienced in
September solidify in
October. There's a perceptible increase in rainfall to 1mm (0.04"), signaling the start of the wet season. Humidity levels are on the rise again as temperatures find balance between pleasant warm days and cooler nights.
Weather in October »Weather in November
In
November,
Dodoma witnesses a significant surge in rainfall setting the stage for the imminent wet season. The general atmosphere becomes damper as the level of humidity also follows suit, rising to 55%. The city begins to shake off its dry facade, gradually shifting to the rainy charm.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December stands out for experiencing the highest rainfall throughout the year, soaking
Dodoma with 135mm (5.31") of rainfall. The weather, thus swings back to its
January starting point embracing the wet conditions. Relative humidity surges to a yearly high of 67%, imbuing a moist climate into the Tanzanian air.
Weather in December »