The climate of Nakonde
Nakonde, in
Zambia, enjoys a Cwa or Humid subtropical, dry winter climate as per the Köppen climate classification. This results in varying climate characteristics throughout the year. Mean high temperatures fluctuate mildly from 22.2°C (72°F) in
June to an appreciable 28.9°C (84°F) in
October. Concurrently, average low temperatures range from a cool 10.7°C (51.3°F) in
July to a mild 17.3°C (63.1°F) in
November. This amounts to a significant diurnal temperature variation year-round.
Humidity underscores the subtropical nature of Nakonde’s climate, with relative humidity spanning from 57% in
September to a peak of 88% in
March. Rainfall exhibits a distinct seasonal pattern, peaking at 257mm (10.12") in
January, dwindling to a negligible 1mm (0.04") in June, and remaining minimal through to
August. Complementing this is the number of rainfall days, from as low as 0.3 in August to a high of 29.6 in January.
The sky overhead varies substantially, from clearer conditions with 9% cloud cover in September to overcast scenarios with 59% cloud cover in
April. Atmospheric pressure remains fairly steady around 1012-1019 millibars throughout the year. The gentle breeze of about 5.8km/h (3.6mph) in
February to a stronger wind flow of 14.2km/h (8.8mph) in October adds diversity to Nakonde's climate.
The best time to visit Nakonde
Considering factors such as rainfall, temperature, and daylight hours, the best time to visit
Nakonde would likely be between
May and
August. This period sees negligible rainfall, with dry conditions prevailing, averaging 1mm (0.04") to 2mm (0.08"). The average daily sunshine duration is healthy, up to 9.9 hours in
September. Also, the relative humidity is at its lowest, between 57% in September and 80% in May, making for more comfortable conditions. Visitors during this period will enjoy consistently mild temperatures, with highs averaging between 23°C (73.4°F) to 26.8°C (80.2°F) and lows from 10.7°C (51.3°F) to 13.6°C (56.5°F).
The worst time to visit Nakonde
The worst time to visit
Nakonde might be the first 3 months of the year. This is when Nakonde receives the vast majority of its annual rainfall, with a high of 257mm (10.12") in
January along with 29.6 rainy days, making outdoor activities almost impossible. The high relative humidity of 86% to 88% during these months may also contribute to uncomfortable conditions for visitors.
Spring weather in Nakonde
In
Nakonde spring spans from
September to
November. During these months, the town experiences an increase in temperature, with highs rising from 25°C (77°F) in September to 28.9°C (84°F) in November. Meanwhile, the nights cool down to between 11.9°C (53.4°F) and 17.3°C (63.1°F). Rainfall is minimal in September at 2mm (0.08"), but rises rapidly to 57mm (2.24") by November. The relative humidity remains below average, ranging from 57% to 62%.
Summer weather in Nakonde
Summer in
Nakonde, measured from
December to
February, sees the highest rainfall levels with an average of 223mm (8.78") to 257mm (10.12"). As a result, these months have the most rainy days varying from 25.4 to 29.6 days. Despite higher rains, temperatures remain high from 24.2°C (75.6°F) to 26.1°C (79°F) while the lowest temperatures hover between 16.4°C (61.5°F) to 17.3°C (63.1°F). Sunshine hours reduces to 9.5-9.7 hours per day during these months due to the increased cloud coverage.
Autumn weather in Nakonde
During the autumn months from
March to
May, temperatures in
Nakonde fall gradually. The highs range from 24.1°C (75.4°F) to 23°C (73.4°F) and lows from 15.9°C (60.6°F) to 13.3°C (55.9°F). However, the rainfall decreases significantly from 170mm (6.69") in March to just 1mm (0.04") in May. Sunshine hours increase significantly in May to 8.6 hours per day, thereby compensation for the decreasing temperatures.
Winter weather in Nakonde
A distinct feature of winter, existing between
June and
August in
Nakonde, is dry weather. Rainfall is virtually non-existent, averaging merely 1mm (0.04") in June and
July, rising slightly to 2mm (0.08") in August. Temperature highs vary from 22.2°C (72°F) to 26.8°C (80.2°F) while the lows are between 10.7°C (51.3°F) and 13.6°C (56.5°F). These months also have among the lowest relative humidity values ranging from 66% to 76%, offering a respite from the typically high humidity seen in other months.
Weather in January
January in
Nakonde,
Zambia sees a combination of warm temperatures and high humidity, which creates a tropical climate. This month remains the wettest in Nakonde, with precipitation reaching 257mm (10.12"). Due to these conditions, one can expect frequent bouts of rain throughout this period.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February continues the rainy season in
Zambia's
Nakonde. The rainfall decreases slightly from
January to February, descending from 257mm (10.12") to 223mm (8.78"). Along with this, the temperature and relative humidity also dip marginally during this month.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Nakonde's weather in
March transitions from the rainy season of the previous two months. Rainfall drops to 170mm (6.69"), a significant decrease compared to
February's 223mm (8.78"). Meanwhile, daylight remains almost consistent, offering ample sunshine.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April,
Nakonde breaks significantly from the rainy trend of the preceding months. There is a substantial decrease in rainfall during this month, dropping to 42mm (1.65") from
March's 170mm (6.69"). On the other hand, cool winds begin to blow over the town, making the evenings a treat.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May in
Nakonde brings a big transition in the weather. The month's rainfall reduces to a mere 3mm (0.12"), nearly negligible compared to
April's precipitation of 42mm (1.65"). Accompanied by a decrease in humidity, the weather turns significantly dryer.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is characterized by the dry season in
Nakonde, making the weather relatively cooler. The month witnesses negligible rainfall, amounting to just 1mm (0.04"), making it one of the driest months of the year. Alongside this, the continued decrease in humidity contributes to a cooler climate than previous months.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Nakonde continues the trend from
June with minimal rainfall, registering only at 0mm (0"). Besides, the overall climate is considerably cooler due to the dip in temperature. The absence of heavy rainfall and lower temperature makes this month a perfect time for outdoor activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August sees a shift towards warmer days in
Nakonde. However, it maintains the dry streak of
July with zero rainfall. This, coupled with increased temperature and decreased humidity, results in a warm, sunny atmosphere. Thus, August provides a different climate experience altogether with its dry, warm days, setting the stage for the following months. The shift into August in Nakonde uncovers an average high-temperature of a warm 25°C (77°F), subtly different from the previous month.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Nakonde witnesses a gradual increase in rain, with precipitation reaching 2mm (0.08") from the dry spell of 0mm (0") in
August. Simultaneously, the mercury soars, contributing to higher overall temperatures. Despite a minimal increase in rainfall, the weather remains largely dry, maintaining a favourable climate for tourists.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October marks the onset of a warmer season in
Nakonde. The town sees a marginal increase in rainfall from
September's 2mm (0.08") to 3mm (0.12"). Nevertheless, October's weather remains largely dry. As the temperature rises, the climate becomes noticeably hotter.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As the year draws to a close,
Nakonde's weather in
November undergoes a significant change. November witnesses a major surge in rainfall, leaping to 57mm (2.24") from just 3mm (0.12") in
October. On the contrary, the temperature begins to drop, giving a brief respite from the warm October days.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Nakonde hosts a mix of warm temperatures and high rainfall, much like the start of the year. Rainfall spikes up to 218mm (8.58"), a significant jump from
November's 57mm (2.24"). Simultaneously, pressure levels decrease, resulting in cloudy weather.
Weather in December » [Resources]