The climate of Chirundu
Chirundu, situated in
Zambia, is subject to a Tropical wet and dry climate also referred to as savanna according to the Köppen climate classification. This type of weather is typically warm to hot all year-round with distinguishable wet and dry periods.
Throughout the year, variations in temperature fluctuate noticeably. Between the hottest month,
October with an average high temperature of 35.8°C (96.4°F), and the coldest month,
July, with an average low temperature of 13.7°C (56.7°F), a significant difference is evident. Shifting between these two extremes, the weather remains comfortably warm most of the time.
Rainfall displays a distinct pattern with the heaviest precipitation occuring in
January, averaging 151mm (5.94"), while the driest month is from
June to
September when barely any measurable rain is recorded. Similarly, the number of rainfall days markedly reduces from 24.7 days in January to just a few rainfall days from June to September.
The influence of this precipitation pattern is also reflected on humidity. It rises in the beginning of the year, reaching its peak in
February at 77% and dips to its lowest at 33% in September. Moreover, the town has a fair share of sunshine, offering around 7.5 hours on average during July and maximising to 12.2 hours in October.
Wind speeds are fairly constant throughout the year, averaging between 5.8km/h (3.6mph) in
May and 9.7km/h (6mph) in October.
The best time to visit Chirundu
Taking into account several weather factors, the best time to visit
Chirundu can be narrowed down to the period between
May and
September. During these months, the weather is generally dry and warm. Daily temperatures range from 19°C (66.2°F) to 33.4°C (92.1°F). With a remarkably low humidity (ranging from 33% in September to 59% in May) and virtually no rainfall, it provides favourable conditions for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Chirundu
Conversely, the worst period to plan a visit to
Chirundu is from
January to
March. This period is characterized by high humidity levels (74% - 77%) with frequent rain, reaching up to 151mm (5.94") in January and lowering slightly to 80mm (3.15") in March. The temperatures during this time are warm to hot ranging from 29.8°C (85.6°F) to 30.6°C (87.1°F) while minimum temperatures remain at 20.6°C (69.1°F) to 21.6°C (70.9°F).
Spring weather in Chirundu
Spring in
Chirundu falls between
September and
November. During this time, temperatures steadily rise, peaking at 35.8°C (96.4°F) in
October. This period is fairly dry with humidity levels as low as 33% in September and minimal rainfall that averages to barely 4mm (0.16") in November.
Summer weather in Chirundu
Expected from a tropical savanna climate, summer in
Chirundu beginning from
December and ending in
February is relatively warm. Maximum temperatures hit 30.6°C (87.1°F) in December and decrease slightly to 29.8°C (85.6°F) by February. Rainfall is significant during this period, with the highest precipitation recorded in December at 87mm (3.43").
Autumn weather in Chirundu
Autumn, spanning between
March to
May, witnesses a transitioning weather. Temperatures gradually decline from 28.8°C (83.8°F) in March to 25.8°C (78.4°F) in May. Rainfall also sees a dramatic drop with March receiving 35mm (1.38") and utterly no rainfall recorded in May.
Winter weather in Chirundu
Winter in
Chirundu is characterized by mild weather, experienced from
June to
August. This period records the lowest average temperatures of the year with
July being the coolest month at 13.7°C (56.7°F). Humidity is also at its lowest during these months, reaching 42% in August. Moreover, nearly no rainfall is observed during winter, making these months the driest of the year.
Weather in January
January brings humidity to
Chirundu, resulting in a hot atmosphere and a significant amount of rainfall. With a high temperature of 30.6°C (87.1°F) and a total rainfall tally of 151mm (5.94"), the town experiences a humid influx.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As
Chirundu transitions into
February, a slight relief in temperature can be observed, with conditions becoming marginally drier than
January. Despite the ongoing rainfall, the amount precipitated significantly decreases to 118mm (4.65").
Weather in February »Weather in March
The weather in
March in
Chirundu is still quite hot, with low temperatures scarcely dipping below 20.6°C (69.1°F). The rainfall drops even further, making the air less moist than in
February. The sunlight duration decreases slightly, but the clouds disperse more, bringing a bit more brightness to the town.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April ushers in more comfortable weather conditions in
Chirundu. The heat index is in decrease, with the highest temperature dipping to 28.8°C (83.8°F) and the lowest precipitation seen so far at 35mm (1.38"). The atmosphere becomes significantly drier and clearer, promising more sunny days.
Weather in April » Weather in May
During
May,
Chirundu is blessed with almost clear skies, minimal rainfall of 4mm (0.16"), and comfortable temperatures oscillating between highs of 27.9°C (82.2°F) and lows of 16.6°C (61.9°F). The town enjoys more sunshine than previous months, coupled with a significant drop in humidity.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June brings the mildest weather of the year to
Chirundu, with a high temperature of 25.8°C (78.4°F) and the lowest recorded rainfall of merely 1mm (0.04"). The month observes the least humidity throughout the year. Under the radiant sun, the town continues to bathe in increased hours of sunshine.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Extend the mild weather of
June into
July, the latter sees the mercury not exceeding 25.7°C (78.3°F) and a negligible rainfall of 1mm (0.04"). The sun continues to shine brilliantly, ensuring plentiful daylight. The UV index remains constant, making sunscreen a necessary companion for outings.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August in
Chirundu showcases a visible rise in temperature. Despite no recorded rain, it manages to stay fairly pleasant with a high of 29.3°C (84.7°F). Sunscreen becomes essential during the day due to an increase in the UV index.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the onset of a hot period in
Chirundu with temperatures soaring to 33.4°C (92.1°F). Despite the heat, there is no precipitation to upset the rhythm of daily activities. The increase in sunlight is accompanied by an increase in the UV index, necessitating protective measures.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October presents the highest recorded temperatures in
Chirundu: an impressive 35.8°C (96.4°F). Along with the escalating heat, a slight precipitation of 4mm (0.16") is noted, though it does little to mitigate the high temperatures.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Chirundu perceives a drop in temperature to 34.5°C (94.1°F) in
November along with a significant increase in rainfall to 51mm (2.01"). The daytime sunlight recedes slightly, making the weather relatively more enjoyable despite the high temperature.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December rounds off the year in
Chirundu with a substantial drop in temperature to 32.2°C (90°F) and rainfall reaching 87mm (3.43"). The sun shines slightly less compared to
November, but the town still basks in plenty of sunlight.
Weather in December » [Resources]