Climate and monthly weather forecastPemba, Zambia

The climate of Pemba

Pemba, located in Zambia, is characterized predominantly by a Humid subtropical, dry winter climate, under the Köppen climate classification denoted as Cwa. This climate type suggests Pemba experiences mild winters and hot summers with a distinct rainy season.

Temperatures range from a high of 32.6°C (90.7°F) in October to a low of 10.5°C (50.9°F) in July. This range reveals not only the seasonal variation but also the absence of extreme cold or high heat. Humidity varies significantly throughout the year, with the highest average relative humidity in February at 84% and the lowest in August at 39%. It indicates that the air can feel quite oppressive during the wet months and relatively dry during the drier months.

Pemba also experiences varying rainfall throughout the year. The highest rainfall, 156mm (6.14"), takes place in December while the lowest, 0mm (0"), occurs in August. Days with rainfall also vary, moving from a high of 24.1 days in December down to just 0.2 days in August. These distinct wet and dry periods, aligned with the seasonal temperature changes, form the core components of Pemba's climate.

It is also important to notice that daylight and sunshine vary from 11.2 hours to 13.1 hours, and from 5.7 days to 30.6 days over the year, respectively. Moreover, the presence of cloud cover changes remarkably throughout the year, with the least cloud cover in September at 3% and the most in February at 47%.

The best time to visit Pemba

The best time to visit Pemba largely depends on one's preference for temperature and precipitation. However, given that most people favor warm temperatures and low precipitation, the period from May to August would be optimal. During this time, the temperatures range between a high of 26.6°C (79.9°F) in August and a low of 10.5°C (50.9°F) in July. Rainfall is at its lowest, ranging from 0mm (0") in August to 3mm (0.12") in May, making it the optimal time for outdoor activities.

The worst time to visit Pemba

By contrast, the months of December and January could be the least recommended time to visit primarily due to the high precipitation. Rainfall reaches up to 156mm (6.14") in December and stays high at 149mm (5.87") in January. Coupled with this rainfall is a high number of days of rainfall, 24.1 days in December and 23.6 days in January. These weather conditions would most likely restrict outdoor activities and travel.

Spring weather in Pemba

Pemba's spring months (September, October, and November) embrace warm weather with temperatures ranging from 26.6°C (79.9°F) to a high of 32.6°C (90.7°F) in October along with rising levels of precipitation. Rainfall increases from 0mm (0") in September to 80mm (3.15") in November preparing the landscape for the incoming rainy season. Visitors can also enjoy extended hours of sunshine ranging from 29.5 days to 26.6 days.

Summer weather in Pemba

The summer period (December, January, and February) in Pemba experiences a high level of precipitation. This period distinguishes itself with the highest rainfall occurring in December, at 156mm (6.14"), and high humidity in February at 84%. Despite the rainy weather, Pemba's temperatures remain relatively high, ranging from a high of 30.5°C (86.9°F) in December to a low of 17.6°C (63.7°F) in February.

Autumn weather in Pemba

The autumn in Pemba (March, April, and May) signifies a decline in precipitation and a transition to the dry season. Rainfall averages decrease dramatically from 54mm (2.13") in March to just 3mm (0.12") in May. Temperatures also show a gradual decrease with a maximum of 25.7°C (78.3°F) in March down to 22.8°C (73°F) in May. The humidity level also decreases, making the weather more comfortable for visitors.

Winter weather in Pemba

During winter months (June, July, and August), Pemba witnesses the least rainfall with a minimum of 0mm (0") in August. The temperature reaches its lowest in July with a low of 10.5°C (50.9°F). However, the presence of sunshine reaches its peak with a maximum of 30.6 days in August. These conditions make the winter months ideal for visitors who prefer dry, temperatrue and relatively sunny weather.

Weather in January

January in Pemba, Zambia, ushers in the new year on a wet note, maintaining sowet conditions from the previous month. The month records very high relative humidity, and with it, the highest rainfall of up to 149mm (5.87"). The days are relatively short, with reduced sunshine and increased cloud cover. Weather in January »

Weather in February

The weather in Pemba, Zambia, in February follows a trend similar to January, only with reduced precipitation and increased average temperatures. Continuing from January, February still receives significant rainfall despite a decrease to 102mm (4.02"). Weather in February »

Weather in March

March in Pemba welcomes the dry season, with the weather conditions transitioning from wet and humid to relatively dry and warmer. The amount of rainfall shrinks more notably, dropping to just 54mm (2.13"). This change in weather conditions is accompanied by an increase in daylight hours as well as a rise in UV index. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April continues with the drying trend initiated in March, with Pemba experiencing significantly less rainfall and even lower relative humidity. Rainfall in April dwindles further, reaching a low of 23mm (0.91"). However, the amount of sunshine remains moderately constant, and days get longer, with the increment of daylight hours. Weather in April »

Weather in May

Pemba in May shows a more manifest shift towards dry spells, with minimal rainfall and a continual drop in relative humidity. May receives the least rain in the year with a slight 3mm (0.12") precipitation. Temperatures continue to climb, leading to warmer days. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June brings with it a wind of change, marking the onset of colder nights in Pemba, Zambia. The temperature dips further, reaching the lowest average for the year at 11°C (51.8°F). June becomes the coolest month with a significant reduction in the amount of daylight and sunshine hours. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July in Pemba, Zambia, is characterized by the coldest nights and least humidity in the year, making it the peak cold period. Nights in July reach an extreme low, with the minimum temperature falling to 10.5°C (50.9°F). The wind speed continues to increase, contributing to the chill in the air. Weather in July »

Weather in August

As Pemba moves from the chilly July to August, the city experiences an upward change in temperature, signaling the end of the cold months. Despite this, August records the least relative humidity at 39%. The weather also features extended sunshine hours and slightly longer days. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September in Pemba witnesses the beginning of a warmer phase with an increase in both maximum and minimum temperatures fueled by longer daylight hours. Despite this change, rainfall remains relatively low, being recorded as 0mm (0"). Weather in September »

Weather in October

October ushers in the beginning of the wet season in Pemba, Zambia, with a notable rise in the levels of precipitation. The rainfall sees an increase, with a jump from 0mm (0") to 5mm (0.2"), signaling the coming wet season. Warm weather ensues, facilitated by the increasing temperature and humidity. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November is a defining point in Pemba, marking the progression of the wet season with higher rainfall levels and relative humidity. Rainfall levels reach a remarkable upturn, increasing to 80mm (3.15"). The temperatures steadily rise, while the daylight hours reduce, marking shorter days. Weather in November »

Weather in December

Pemba, Zambia, in December is characterized by a great deal of rain, high relative humidity, and cooler temperatures. December peaks the wet season with a high rainfall amount reaching up to 156mm (6.14"). Despite being the wettest month, daylight hours increase during December, with slightly reduced sunshine hours. Weather in December »