Climate and monthly weather forecast
Mbala, Zambia

Mbala, Zambia resides within the Köppen climate classification of Aw, indicative of a tropical wet and dry climate or savanna. Operating under these conditions signifies a significant presence of both intensely wet and dry seasons, largely influenced by the equatorial setting of the city. A comprehensive analysis of the climatic data elucidates the persistence of particular weather patterns throughout the year in Mbala, summarised as follows.

The range of average high temperatures over the year fluctuates moderately, spanning from 23.3°C (73.9°F) to 27.7°C (81.9°F). The periods between May to August and November to February present cooler climates hovering below 25°C (77°F), while maximum warmth dominates from September to October, peaking at 27.7°C (81.9°F). Low temperatures demonstrate a reduced variation from 10.5°C (50.9°F) to 15.1°C (59.2°F), displaying colder conditions from May to August. During these months, nightly temperatures drop to around 10°C (50°F), considerably lower than at any other time of the year.

Rainfall offers a rather polar pattern, with heavy downpours between November to April, reaching its peak in December at 252mm (9.92"). Hints of the dry season emerge in May with just 17mm (0.67") of rain, progressing to arid conditions with virtually no rainfall from June to September. As October ushers in the transition to the wet season, rainfall levels increase to 20mm (0.79"), jumping to 137mm (5.39") in November.

Daylight hours exhibit minimal variation, remaining between 11.6 hours to 12.6 hours annually. Similar condition persists with sunshine duration, usually varying from 4.2 hours in gloomy periods to 10 hours during months with optimal sunshine.

Recommending the most suitable period to visit Mbala rsides on the visitor's preference. If steady warmth and abundant sunshine top the list, June to August would be ideal. During these three months, average high temperatures hover around 24°C (75.2°F), lows remain around 10°C (50°F), and rainfall is virtually nonexistent, recording under 2mm (0.08") with no rainy days. Furthermore, these months afford the lengthiest durations of sunshine, extending to 10 hours per day.

December stands as the least favorable time to visit Mbala. Engulfed by the rainy season, December cradles rainfall peak at 252mm (9.92"), coupled with 21 rainy days in the month, hence, potentially impeding outdoor activities. Despite daylight lasting for an average of 12.6 hours, the limited sunshine hours of 4.6 hours mute the vibrancy of the day.

Early spring signals the commencement of the dry season in Mbala. The period from March through May sees a stark contrast in weather conditions. March remains a part of the rainy season with 233mm (9.17") of rainfall, but by May, rainfall plummets to a mere 17mm (0.67"). High temperatures decrease from 24.5°C (76.1°F) in March to 24.8°C (76.6°F) in May. At the same time, low temperatures see a sharper drop from 15°C (59°F) in March to 13°C (55.4°F) by May's end.

Mbala experiences a blend of dry and warm weather throughout the summer months of June, July and August. The city witnesses virtually zero rainfall during this season, with June recording just 2mm (0.08") and July to August with less than 1mm (0.04"). Daytime temperatures lie between 24°C (75.2°F) and 25.7°C (78.3°F), while nights cool down to 10°C (50°F) to 12°C (53.6°F). With an average of 10 hours of sunshine daily, summer days are typically bright and sunny.

Autumn in Mbala marks a transitional phase between the dry and wet seasons. September remains relatively dry with just 5mm (0.2") of rainfall, but by November, rainfall soars to 137mm (5.39"). Temperatures increase in this period, with highs reaching a peak of 27.7°C (81.9°F) in October and lows varying from 13.8°C (56.8°F) to 15.1°C (59.2°F).

Winter months in Mbala are characterised by the onset of the heavy rainfall season. Rainfall skyrockets starting from November, hits a peak in December with 252mm (9.92"), and slightly reduces to 210mm (8.27") by February. Despite the significant rainfall, temperatures remain relatively stable. Highs swing from 25.2°C (77.4°F) to 23.4°C (74.1°F), and lows stabilise around 15°C (59°F). Sunshine hours decrease significantly during winter, reducing to 4.6 hours in December.

In the heart of the Southern Hemisphere's summer, the weather remains warm in Mbala, Zambia. Records indicate daily highs average at 23.3°C (73.9°F), yet one should be prepared for frequent rainfall. Moreover, January is marked by the highest rainfall for the year, totaling 237mm (9.33") over 20 days. Weather in January »

Even as the year advances, the weather conditions in Mbala remain relatively constant. Following January's trend, both high temperatures and frequent rainfall persist in February. However, a slight decline in average rainfall is observed, down to 210mm (8.27") over 18 days. Weather in February »

With the arrival of March, changes in the weather in Mbala become noticeable. The average high temperature increases to 24.5°C (76.1°F), though this is met with an uptick in rainfall as well, averaging at 233mm (9.17"). The duration of daylight hours continues its gentle decrease from the preceding month. Weather in March »

Come April, the people of Mbala witness significant shifts in the weather. The town starts to dry up with the average rainfall drastically dropping to 126mm (4.96"), substantially lower than the previous month. This decrease in rainfall is accompanied by an increase in both temperatures and daily sunshine hours, making it a defining period of the year. Weather in April »

The weather in May brings more profound changes to Mbala with the dry period in full swing. A sharp decline in both rainfall and temperatures is evident during this month. A minor amount of rainfall, 17mm (0.67"), is recorded even as daylight and sunshine hours increase. Weather in May »

As winter approaches in June, the weather conditions in Mbala become more distinctive. The high temperature ebbs to an average value of 24.3°C (75.7°F) and remarkably, no rainfall days are recorded, and the total monthly rainfall drops to a mere 2mm (0.08"). Weather in June »

The chilling clasp of winter reaches its peak in July as the weather conditions in Mbala continue to evolve. The mercury dips to register a low average temperature of 10.5°C (50.9°F) and virtually no rainfall is observed only). Weather in July »

Come August, a slight increase in temperatures hint at the gradual move away from winter. Occurrences of rainfall remain infrequent with a minuscule increment recorded at 1mm (0.04"). Though Mbala still enjoys long daylight hours and ample sunshine, a warm ambiance slowly returns. Weather in August »

With the arrival of spring in September, the weather in Mbala becomes notably warmer. Daily high temperatures show a significant jump to a balmy 27.4°C (81.3°F) with a minimal rise in rainfall, recorded at 5mm (0.2"). The duration of daylight increases, and there is a respite in the intensity of the sunshine hours. Weather in September »

October signals the arrival of summer, and with it, a change in Mbala's weather patterns. The town records the highest average temperatures in the year, peaking at 27.7°C (81.9°F) and rainfall sees a considerable increase at 20mm (0.79"). Weather in October »

As November rolls around, slight relief from the high temperatures is observed in Mbala. With the onset of this month comes an increase in rainfall to 137mm (5.39"), signifying the start of the wet season. Daylight duration stays relatively constant but the sunshine hours decrease marginally. Weather in November »

December ushers in a drastic change in the weather in Mbala. The rainfall increases significantly, registering at 252mm (9.92"), the second-highest for the year, and the high temperatures drop to an average of 23.4°C (74.1°F). Weather in December »