The climate of Mkushi
Mkushi is characterized by a Humid subtropical, dry winter climate, also known as Cwa under the Köppen climate classification. This climate type is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot summers and mild winters. Its geographical location towards the southern interior of
Zambia also contributes to its varied climate throughout the year.
The town experiences temperature peaks from 29.5°C (85.1°F) in
September to 31.1°C (88°F) in
October. Depending on the time of year, the nightly lows can plunge down to 9.5°C (49.1°F) in
July. Within the span of the year, humidity levels mirror a sinusoidal pattern, reaching the highest between
January to
February at around 88% to 89% respectively, and dipping to its lowest in September at 37% for a dry spell.
Rainfall in Mkushi follows a contrasting cycle. The months between
May to September receive minimal rainfall ranging from 2mm (0.08") in
June to no rainfall in September. The abundance of rain starts pouring in from October, climaxing in
December at 168mm (6.61").
Meanwhile, Mkushi enjoys an appreciable number of sunshine hours, especially from October to December when the sun shines for around 9.9 to 11.3 hours. In terms of UV index, the town receives a constant level of moderate exposure throughout the year but experiences maximum index level of 7 in October.
Wind speed also varies with the seasons in Mkushi, with maximum speeds of 12km/h (7.5mph) to 12.5km/h (7.8mph) observed from September to October. Simultaneously, gusts can reach up to 18km/h (11.2mph) to 17.4km/h (10.8mph).
The Best Time to Visit Mkushi
The period from
May to
September is perhaps the most pleasant for tourists. This is when
Mkushi enjoys relatively low humidity levels, dropping from 75% to 37% respectively, and sunshine hours range from 7.4 to 9.5 hours per day. Temperatures are comparatively subdued during this period, providing a comfortable climate for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
The Worst Time to Visit Mkushi
From
December to
February, the region experiences its highest rainfall, with precipitation levels peaking at 168mm (6.61") in December. The weather is characterized by high relative humidity reaching up to 89% in February. Consequently, these conditions may not be ideal for tourist activities.
Spring Weather in Mkushi
Spring, as per this geographic region, embraces the months of
September to
November. During this period, temperatures in
Mkushi start rising, reaching a maximum of 31.1°C (88°F) in
October. Despite experiencing highest temperatures, humidity levels decline significantly from 37% to 62%, and rainfall is barely existent. This is also the period where the city witnesses the highest sunshine hours, 9.9 to 11.3 hours daily.
Summer Weather in Mkushi
In
Mkushi, summer extends from
December to
February. These months are marked by high levels of rainfall with a peak of 168mm (6.61") in December, paves the way for a cooler environment with average low temperatures as low as 17.2C. With rich soil receiving the maximum level of precipitation, the landscape becomes lush and appealing.
Autumn Weather in Mkushi
Autumn, encompassing the months of
March to
May in
Mkushi, is characterized by dwindling rainfall from 95mm (3.74") to a negligible 5mm (0.2"). While temperatures remain stable in March,
April and May, the humidity decreases continuously from 87% to 75%.
Winter Weather in Mkushi
June to
August mark the winter season in
Mkushi, which witnesses a dip in temperatures to as low as 9.5°C (49.1°F) in
July. However, the season is dry with minimal rainfall from 2mm (0.08") in June to 1mm (0.04") in August. Humidity also dives to its lowest level of the year, 63% in July, and nonetheless, the sunshine duration remains steady around 7.4-7.5 hours.
Weather in January
Mkushi,
Zambia experiences refreshing breezes in
January as it transitions into the new year. Compared to the preceding month of
December, January exhibits a moderate decrease in the average high temperature to 24.2°C (75.6°F).
Weather in January » Weather in February
Continuing the trend set by
January,
Mkushi's weather in
February shows similar patterns. Notable changes occur in terms of rainfall, exhibiting a decrease from 161mm (6.34") in January to 144mm (5.67") in February. The region experiences an increase in daily sunlight hours, signifying that the days grow longer.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As
Mkushi transitions from
February to
March, notable shifts occur in the weather pattern. The most significant change lies in the amount of rainfall, which drops dramatically from February's 144mm (5.67") to 95mm (3.74") in March.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As
April approaches,
Mkushi,
Zambia, continues to showcase dry weather with minimal rain. A decrease in humidity, compared to the preceding month, results in drier and comfortable environments. In spite of fewer rains, the city continues to exhibit lush greenery and vibrant landscapes.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May brings about changes in the weather pattern of
Mkushi as it marks the transition towards the drier months ahead. There's a dramatic decrease in rainfall from 17mm (0.67") in
April to 5mm (0.2") in May. The significant drop reflects that Mkushi is welcoming the dry season, characterized by low rainfall and a comfortable level of humidity.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June brings a continuation of the dry season in
Mkushi,
Zambia. The rather stagnant nature of the weather and the minimal changes compared to
May, characterize the month's climate. The excellent balance of temperature and humidity makes the weather quite amicable.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Mkushi's weather in
July is known for relatively cold mornings and warm afternoons. It is one of the coolest months of the year, with the average high temperature descending to 22.3°C (72.1°F), a sharp contrast from
June's average temperature.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Mkushi transitions into
August with noticeable improvements in weather conditions. Especially prominent is the surge in the average high temperature from 22.3°C (72.1°F) in
July to 25.8°C (78.4°F) in August. This sudden increase sets August apart, marking it as a warmer month.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Mkushi,
Zambia delivers one of the warmest months of the year. This period exhibits an increase in the average high temperature from 25.8°C (78.4°F) in
August to a high of 29.5°C (85.1°F) in September. As the days grow longer, they also become warmer, making September a considerably hot month.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Mkushi is renowned for its high temperature, taking it to the top as the hottest month of the year with an average high temperature soaring to 31.1°C (88°F). This month serves as a contrast when compared to the cool temperatures of
September, displaying a notably hot climate.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November brings about a significant change in
Mkushi's weather with a noticeable increase in rainfall compared to previous months. The average rainfall spikes to 74mm (2.91"), marking the commencement of the rainy season, a change from the low rainfall witnessed in
October.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Concluding the climatological year,
December in
Mkushi epitomizes the notion of a tropical Christmas, with beautiful rain showers. The month is marked by a further surge in the average rainfall from 74mm (2.91") in
November to a peak of 168mm (6.61") in December.
Weather in December » [Resources]