The climate of Chipata
Occupying a geographical position in
Zambia,
Chipata displays the characteristic weather patterns of the Humid Subtropical, dry winter (Cwa) climate classification according to the Köppen climate classification. A broad view of the area's weather shows a range of temperatures from 12.3°C (54.1°F) to 32.6°C (90.7°F), indicative of substantial changes across the months.
The relative humidity in Chipata sees a significant drop from 87% in
February to 39% in
September, and a corresponding rise through the end of the year. Rainfall is a similarly variable weather feature with the highest volume occurring in
January with 217mm (8.54") and the least in September with virtually no rainfall. The daylight hours remain more or less steady through the year hovering around the 11 to 12-hour mark with sunshine hours fluctuating slightly more, a notable spike occurring in
October and
November with 10 hours of sunshine per day.
Unique weather patterns include months of minimal rainfall from
May to September. On the flip side, the rainy season peaks in January and gradually declines from there. The wind speed is relatively steady, ranging from 7.2km/h (4.5mph) to 14.4km/h (8.9mph) throughout the year, with a noticeable increase starting from
March.
The best time to visit Chipata
Factors for determining the ideal time to visit
Chipata heavily diverge depending on the visitor's preferences. Notably, if hiking and outdoor exploration are a priority, the period from
May to
September boasts optimum conditions due to virtually no rainfall, slightly reduced humidity, and eight hours of sunshine on average. Furthermore, visibility is at its highest between
June and
October, reaching 10km (6.2mi), giving tourists unobstructed views of the stunning landscapes. Paired with reasonable temperatures from 24.5°C (76.1°F) to 28°C (82.4°F), these months present a remarkably pleasant traveling experience.
The worst time to visit Chipata
On the other hand, visiting
Chipata in the early months of the year might prove challenging for some travelers.
January and
February are marked by high amounts of rainfall, 217mm (8.54") and 204mm (8.03") respectively, and comparatively lower visibility of 7km (4.3mi). Moreover, these months witness the highest relative humidity of 86-87%, thus presenting a somewhat stifling environment, which some might find uncomfortable. Hence, while Chipata's rich cultural and natural beauty is a year-round allure, the weather might not be as accommodating in the first quarter of the year.
Spring weather in Chipata
The spring period in
Chipata stretches from
September to
November. It brings along rising temperatures from 28°C (82.4°F) in September up to 32.6°C (90.7°F) in November. This period has the least rainfall, with the driest month being September with virtually no precipitation, thereby making formal spring months rather dry. The wind speed during this period rises from 14.4km/h (8.9mph) in September and reaches its peak at 14.9km/h (9.3mph) in
October.
Summer weather in Chipata
Summer in
Chipata comes around in the months between
December and
February. During this time, the temperature rises steadily from 28.3°C (82.9°F) in December to reach the year's peak at 31.5°C (88.7°F) in
January. Additionally, these months experience the highest relative humidity level, reaching 86% in December and 87% in February. Rainfall is quite high in these months, topping at 217mm (8.54") in January, creating somewhat soggy conditions.
Autumn weather in Chipata
Autumn typically falls between
March and
May in
Chipata. The temperature starts to drop from 25.8°C (78.4°F) in March to 24.5°C (76.1°F) in May. The conditions get notably dryer with a substantial drop in rainfall that goes from 140mm (5.51") in March to a mere 1mm (0.04") in May. The sunshine hours also decrease from 8.6 to 7.5 hours during this period.
Winter weather in Chipata
Winter months in
Chipata, namely
June through
August, experience a further decrease in rainfall, 1mm (0.04") in June and virtually no rain in August. The lowest temperature of the year is registered in these months, going down to 12.3°C (54.1°F) in
July. The bright side of winter in Chipata is the relatively high number of sunshine hours, staying at 7.5 hours in both June and July before it starts increasing in August. Additionally, this period witnesses an increase in wind speeds, with July experiencing the highest gust speed of 19.4km/h (12.1mph).
Weather in January
January in
Chipata,
Zambia, exhibits a classic tropical climate with humid weather and frequent rainfall. The town is characterized by mild temperatures, neither too hot nor too cold. While January shares similar weather with
February, it tends to be slightly more humid with a higher rainfall compared to the following month.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February experiences weather similar to
January's in
Chipata, albeit with a slight decrease in rainfall and humidity. The tropical climate persists with wet and mild temperature conditions. It is notable that sunshine hours increase to 8.6, making the days comparatively brighter.
Weather in February » Weather in March
The weather in
Chipata,
Zambia during
March retains the tropical climate of
February, but with a noticeable moderation in a few areas. March brings drier days, less rainfall and a slight decrease in average temperatures. Comparatively,
April inherits much of the climatic character from March, but with further decreased humidity and rainfall.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Chipata marks a significant shift from the prevailing wet and humid conditions of the first quarter of the year. It distinguishes itself with less rainfall, lower humidity levels and more sunshine hours. This change continues into
May, with degrees of variation only in temperature and rainfall.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May presents a much different weather profile than the preceding months in
Chipata,
Zambia. The town enjoys drier and cooler weather, with considerably less rainfall and a noticeable drop in the temperature range. Its weather pattern is consistent with that of
June, although June becomes even drier.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June maintains a dry and mild weather with very low rainfall, much like
May. However, the average temperatures continue to decrease, resulting in cooler days and nights. Similar weather conditions persist into
July, only with a marginal increase in average temperatures.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July, the weather in
Chipata remains consistent with
June’s conditions, characterised by dry and cool days. However, July demonstrates a slight increase in temperature, but maintains the same low rainfall levels. As the calendar flips over to
August, locals and visitors can expect slightly hotter conditions with the start of the warm season.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August in
Chipata brings an onset of warmer weather, a departure from the cooler temperatures of
July. The continued lack of rainfall and low humidity promotes generally hot and dry conditions throughout the month. The trends experienced in August are carried over to
September, but with more intense heat.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The interval between
August and
September witnesses a rise in temperatures, resulting in some of the hottest weather conditions in the calendar year for
Chipata,
Zambia. The city endures a truly hot climate with very few rainy days, and a substantial increase in sunshine hours.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings with it a gradual rise in rainfall in
Chipata, serving as a prelude to the rainy season that peaks in
December. However, plentiful sunshine hours persist, keeping the days hot, interspersed with occasional showers.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Chipata,
Zambia witnesses a significant change in the weather condition, as the dry season concludes and the rainy season commences in earnest. The town experiences a higher frequency of rainy days, coupled with a noticeable drop in temperatures.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Chipata heralds the full-throttle onslaught of the rainy season with frequent rainfall and further drops in temperature. The weather conditions largely reflect
November's, only with higher frequency and volume of rainfall.
Weather in December » [Resources]