The climate of Masaka
Resting under the Köppen climate classification of Am,
Masaka,
Uganda is known for its tropical monsoon climate subjugated by consistent temperature ranges and notable rainfall. Located in the lush and scenic region of Central Uganda, Masaka experiences a steady dance between temperatures, humidity, and rainfall which creates the distinctive weather signature of this locale.
Throughout the year, average high temperatures remain stable within 23.9°C (75°F) in
May and up to 27.5°C (81.5°F) in
February. This consistency continues with the low temperature averages closely following this pattern - from 16.7°C (62.1°F) in
June rising subtly to 18°C (64.4°F) in February and
August. This constant warmth is complemented by relative humidity, present in the range from 66% in
July and August to a peak of 82% in May and
November. The atmospheric pressure varies minimally, fluctuating between 1010.4 mb in February and 1013.9 mb in June.
Rainfall in Masaka is a spectacle in itself. The city sees an annual progression of precipitation, starting moderately in
January at 47mm (1.85"), escalating to a marked 159mm (6.26") in November. This climatic characteristic provides a rhythm to life in Masaka where the population and the environment adapt and thrive. Another unique feature attributable to these weather conditions are the daylight hours, which at an average of 12.1, do not waver across the year.
Instrumental in the shaping of Masaka's weather are the variables of clouds and wind. Throughout the year, cloud coverage ranges from 19% in January to 37% in May. Wind speed averages are between 7.7km/h (4.8mph) in November and 11.4km/h (7.1mph) in July.
The Best Time to Visit Masaka
Considering the various weather parameters,
June to
August emerges as an optimal choice for visiting
Masaka. During these months, the city experiences lower rainfall, with precipitation from 16mm (0.63") in
July to 38mm (1.5") in August. The pleasant warmth is maintained with high temperatures at approximately 25°C (77°F), complemented by lower relative humidity, standing at 66%. Furthermore, the hours of sunshine are at their highest for the year, with the sun shining for an average of 9.6 hours per day.
The Worst Time to Visit Masaka
The latter part of the year, particularly
November, could be considered less favorable for a visit. Despite the warmth, the city is in the grip of heavy rainfall, with a high of 159mm (6.26"), and the high humidity at 82% could result in conditions that some visitors might find oppressive. Moreover, sunshine hours are at their lowest for the year, contributing to a less-than-ideal weather picture for visitors.
Spring Weather in Masaka
Considering
Uganda’s location on the equator, the traditional calendar seasons are not strictly applicable. However, using
March to
May as a reference for Spring, weather during this period sees average high temperatures between 26.8°C (80.2°F) and 23.9°C (75°F). Rainfall raises to significant levels, from 93mm (3.66") in March to 130mm (5.12") in May. This weather phase also experiences the highest average cloud coverage of the year, tallying to 37% in May.
Summer Weather in Masaka
Analogously, for
June through
August, less precipitation sets in, with values between 16mm (0.63") and 38mm (1.5"). High temperatures from 24.8°C (76.6°F) to 25.9°C (78.6°F) accompanied by lower relative humidity levels averaging 66% suggest a more placid climate phase. The average wind speed increases up to 11.4km/h (7.1mph), providing a breezy salve to the warmth.
Autumn Weather in Masaka
Picturing
September to
November as autumnal months, weather conditions notably fluctuate with ascending rainfall figures from 66mm (2.6") to a peaked 159mm (6.26"). Interestingly, this period also experiences an upturn in cloud coverage, from 24% in September to 35% in November. High temperatures continue to hover around 25°C (77°F), providing an ever-present warmth.
Winter Weather in Masaka
For reference,
December to
February can be associated with winter, where temperatures remain at a high between 24.5°C (76.1°F) and 27.5°C (81.5°F). There is a slight dip in rainfall from 124mm (4.88") in December to 47mm (1.85") in
January, and relative humidity dips to an annual low of 68% in February. Even the average wind speed in February increases slightly to 9.5km/h (5.9mph), shaping a mild season in comparison.
Weather in January
January in
Masaka,
Uganda sees warm weather and consistent daylight hours. The humidity begins to creep upward, yet still, clear skies predominantly dominate the month. This is also when the year's first showers are observed, although the rainfall is moderate at 47mm (1.85").
Weather in January » Weather in February
Transitioning from
January,
February experiences an uptick in temperatures and a peak in humidity.
Masaka start to get a feel of frequent showers with rainfall amounting to 56mm (2.2"). Sunshine, although slightly reduced from the preceding month, is ample enough to keep the surroundings bright.
Weather in February »Weather in March
In
March,
Masaka witnesses a significant shift in the weather outlook. Along with distinctively higher humidity, the apex of rainfall arrives at 93mm (3.66"), rendering it the year's first noticeably wetter month. The increment in precipitation is coupled with a decrease in sunshine hours, creating an overall damp ambiance.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Indeed,
April consolidates the prominence of the rainy season in
Masaka. The weather primarily features overcast skies and persistent showers, culminating in a whopping 119mm (4.69") of rain. This substantial increase in rainfall coincides with a reduction in sunshine hours and daylight visibility, contributing to the pure essence of the rainy season.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May brings with it the pinnacle of the rainy season. The city witnesses the year's maximum of 130mm (5.12") rainfall accompanied by increased cloud cover. This increase in precipitation results in a reduction of sunshine hours, contributing to a cooler atmosphere.
Weather in May » Weather in June
As
June rolls in, a prominent lightening of the monsoon load is observed. Rainfall takes a sharp drop from
May, descending back to the early-year levels. Correspondingly, cloud cover reduces, allowing more sunshine to break through the grey curtains.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July signifies the middle of the year and a relative break in rainfall. The volume drops significantly to a mere 16mm (0.63"), the minimum recorded for the year. It aligns with a notable rise in the sunshine days, providing a splendid contrast to the just-passed cloudy season.
Weather in July » Weather in August
With
August, the clear skies become even more pronounced, and the volume of rain bouncing back to a moderate 38mm (1.5"). The monotony of uniform temperatures continues, retaining a mild warmth into late summer. Even as the humidity dips, the overall comfortable climate persists without any significant alterations from
July.
Weather in August »Weather in September
Synonymous with tranquillity,
September represents the calm before the storm in
Masaka. The climatic variables remain largely consistent from
August, sustaining the comfortable warmth and stability. However, according to the precedent, one may expect a gradual increase in precipitation towards 66mm (2.6"), preparing the city for a second round of rainy season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The arrival of
October announces the resurgence of the rainy season in
Masaka. The precipitation reaches a noteworthy 127mm (5"), resulting in increased cloud cover. The clear skies of the preceding month give way to overcast conditions, reducing the sunshine hours.
Weather in October »Weather in November
Building on
October's momentum,
November turns into the year's wettest month, with rainfall peaking at 159mm (6.26"). Concurrently, the sun's capacity diminishes, with sunshine days touching their lowest. The weather maintains a mildly warm facet, whith temperatures staying relatively stable.
Weather in November »Weather in December
With the onset of
December,
Masaka witnesses a partial retreat from the peak
November rainfall, dipping to 124mm (4.88"). The weather proceeds to a quieter end of the year, with cloud cover reducing and allowing slightly more sunshine through.
Weather in December » [Resources]