Climate and monthly weather forecastSamfya, Zambia

Climate and monthly weather forecast

The climate of Samfya

Characterized by a predominant humid subtropical climate with a dry winter as defined by Köppen climate classification (Cwa), Samfya in Zambia experiences a dynamic array of weather conditions. The annual temperature tends to vary between a low of 12°C (53.6°F) and a high of 33.1°C (91.6°F), with the hottest months being September to November. Rainfall is particularly significant in the region, noted for high levels from December to March peaking about 267mm (10.51"), thereafter, sharply declining to nearly nonexistent from May to September.

Extreme climatic contrasts are revealed in relative humidity, which varies considerably from 87% during the wet season to only 34% during the driest months. Amid these weather variations, sunshine fills the sky for an average of 7.6 hours up to a maximum of 11.2 hours − observed in November. The average visibility oscillates around 7 to 10 km, impacted by seasonal weather changes. Cloud cover is partially present throughout the year, but it significantly decreases from 57% in January to a mere 4% by September.

Wind patterns follow a similar rhythm, ranging from 6.4km/h (4mph) to 11.6km/h (7.2mph) with wind gust velocities noted between 10.4km/h (6.5mph) and 17.9km/h (11.1mph). Atmospheric pressure is fairly constant between 1011.1mb to 1018.5mb across the 12-month cycle demonstrating the uniformity within this element of the climate.

The best time to visit Samfya

Undeniably, the most ideal time to visit Samfya is during the dry season which stretches from May to September. During this period, rainfall is virtually nonexistent and humidity drops to the lowest levels. Temperatures remain pleasantly warm between 14.5°C (58.1°F) to 31.5°C (88.7°F), proffering undiluted warmth and sunshine. With an average of 11.5 daylight hours and up to 10 hours of sunshine, conditions are perfect for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.

The worst time to visit Samfya

Visiting Samfya from December to March might not be as agreeable due to incessant heavy rainfall. The temperatures comparatively cooler, ranging from 12°C (53.6°F) to 25.2°C (77.4°F). The relative humidity is also at its peak, making conditions muggy and damp. It's advisable to plan a visit outside these wet months.

Spring weather in Samfya

Spring weather from September to November in Samfya showcases a temperature range between 17.5°C (63.5°F) and 33.1°C (91.6°F), with increasing warmth. While the beginning of spring might occasionally have scarce rainfall, by November, rainfall is virtually absent. Days get brighter with 12 to 12.4 hours of daylight and 9.3 to 11.2 hours of sunshine.

Summer weather in Samfya

Defined by hot conditions and drastic reduction in rain, the summer in Samfya (December to February) holds temperatures from 17.8°C (64°F) up to 25.2°C (77.4°F). Despite the high humidity levels and heavy rains amounting to 267mm (10.51") in December, an abundance of sunshine persists with an average of about 8.4 to 7.5 hours of clear, sunny skies.

Autumn weather in Samfya

Autumn is another dry season in Samfya starting from March until May. Temperatures during this time fall into a comfortable range from 12.3°C (54.1°F) to 25.7°C (78.3°F). Rainfall almost completely disappears in May, creating a dry atmosphere with lower relative humidity at 62%.

Winter weather in Samfya

Winter in Samfya spans from June to August. The climate remains dry, with little to no rainfall. This period sees the lowest temperatures of the year, falling to 12°C (53.6°F) in June and rising to around 28.7°C (83.7°F) by August. With the humidity at its lowest and an average of 11.5 daylight hours, conditions are relatively pleasant without detriment to outdoor activities.

Weather in January

With the coming of the New Year, January brings cloudy conditions, imbuing Samfya with a hushed tranquillity. Largely overcast skies result from generous rainfall, delivering significant moisture to the surrounding vegetation. Adverse atmospheric conditions often limit visibility, engendering an enveloped landscape. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Transitioning into February, the weather in Samfya continues to reflect the damp conditions of January, albeit with slight improvements. The frequency of rainy days decreases, promising slightly more sunshine hours and presenting a gradual drift towards brighter days. Weather in February »

Weather in March

Following February's damp atmosphere, March sees a marked reduction in precipitation. The cloudy skies slowly give way to clearer vistas, affording more sunlight hours. The prevailing winds gradually intensify, ushering a pleasant breeze through the town. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April ushers in notable weather changes in Samfya. The transition from the rainy to the drier months gains momentum as the rainfall decreases substantially. Concurrent with this decline, humidity drops, signalling the retreat of the damp conditions of the preceding months. Weather in April »

Weather in May

The month of May characterises the definite break from the damp conditions that dominated the first quarter of the year in Samfya. Skies turn significantly clearer, reflecting the declining rainfall levels. Concurrently, humidity descends further, marking the landscape with the distinct crispness of the dry months. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June exemplifies the dry season in Samfya. Cloud coverage reduces to a minimum, yielding brilliantly sunlit days. These clear skies provide ample sunlight, fostering warmer average temperatures across the city. The air turns drier still, characterised by the low humidity levels. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July continues the dry spell in Samfya, maintaining the pristine conditions of June. Limited cloud coverage allows for plentiful hours of sunshine, while temperatures remain consistently warm. Simultaneously, the air maintains its dryness, characterised by the persistently low humidity levels. Weather in July »

Weather in August

Despite the progressing year, August retains the prominent features of the dry season, akin to its predecessors, June and July. The sunlit days and clear skies continue to dominate the weather in Samfya. The wind remains steady, refreshing the otherwise static conditions of the dry months. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September marks the transition from the dry months with a gradual increase in humidity and cloud cover. Despite this, days remain predominantly clear, granting generous sunlight hours. The breeze moderates slightly, yet continues to carry the crispness of the previous dry months. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October observes a further shift towards increased moisture and cloud cover. The warm temperatures slowly yield to cooler averages, signalling a shift in weather. Winds maintain mild gusts, dispersing the incremental humidity across Samfya. Weather in October »

Weather in November

The transitional trend observed in October intensifies in November. Cloud coverage increases noticeably, partially shading the otherwise vibrant sunlit hours. Steadying winds draw a cooler breeze through Samfya, lowering average temperatures. Weather in November »

Weather in December

Finally, December reinstates the substantial rainfall that characterises Samfya at the beginning of the year. Enveloped by increased cloud cover, the town sees limited sunshine hours, casting a shaded tranquillity. Winds mellow down, further augmenting the calmness of the month. Weather in December »

Frequently asked questions

With average high and low temperatures of 25.2°C (77.4°F) and 17.8°C (64°F) respectively, January is Samfya's coldest month.

January through March, with an average relative humidity of 87%, are most humid months.

The months with the most rainfall are January and December, with an average 267mm (10.51") of precipitation.

Throughout the year, there are 150.8 rainfall days, and 1243mm (48.94") of precipitation is accumulated.

January, March through June and December, with an average maximum UV index of 5, are months with the lowest UV index.

April has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 7.4h of sunshine.

June through September are months without rainfall.

June has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 11h and 30min of daylight.

With an average relative humidity of 34%, September is the least humid month.

September and October, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index.

The warmest month is October, with an average high-temperature of 33.1°C (91.6°F) and an average low-temperature of 20.4°C (68.7°F).

January through May, October through December are months with rainfall.

With an average of 11.2h of sunshine, November has the most sunshine of the year.

The month with the longest days is December, with an average of 12h and 48min of daylight.

Samfya, Zambia, does not utilize Daylight Saving Time (DST). CAT timezone is used throughout the entire year.

Average temperature
Samfya, Zambia

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is October (33.1°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (25.2°C).

The month with the highest average low temperature is October (20.4°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is July (12°C).

Average pressure
Samfya, Zambia

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is July (1018.5mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is November (1011mbar).

Average wind speed
Samfya, Zambia

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is September (11.6km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is February (6.4km/h).

Average humidity
Samfya, Zambia

The months with the highest relative humidity are January, February and March (87%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is September (34%).

Average rainfall
Samfya, Zambia

The wettest months (with the highest rainfall) are January and December (267mm).
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are June, July, August and September (0mm).

Average rainfall days
Samfya, Zambia

The month with the highest number of rainy days is January (30.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is August (0.1 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Samfya, Zambia

The month with the longest days is December (Average daylight: 12h and 48min).
The month with the shortest days is June (Average daylight: 11h and 30min).

The month with the most sunshine is November (Average sunshine: 11h and 12min).
The month with the least sunshine is April (Average sunshine: 7h and 24min).

Average sunshine days
Samfya, Zambia

The month with the most sunshine days is August (30.9 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is February (0.3 days).

Average UV index
Samfya, Zambia

The months with the highest UV index are September and October (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, March, April, May, June and December (UV index 5).

Average cloud cover
Samfya, Zambia

The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 57).
The month with the least cloud cover is September (Cloud cover 4).

Average visibility
Samfya, Zambia

The months with the highest visibility are June, July, August, September and October (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February and March (7km).