The climate of Siavonga
The geographical setting of
Siavonga,
Zambia is predominantly characterized by an Aw - a tropical wet and dry or savanna - climate according to the Köppen climate classification. This classification suggests that the town exhibits an overall pattern of weather that alternates between wet and dry seasons with temperatures that typically remain high all year round.
An exploration of the monthly climatological data confirms this pattern. Starting from average high temperatures, they remain quite uniform throughout the year, peaking at 35°C (95°F) in
October and dipping to a comparatively cooler 27°C (80.6°F) in
June and
July. Low temperatures follow a similar trend, with the coldest month being July at 12°C (53.6°F) and the warmest months being
January,
February, and
November at 23°C (73.4°F).
In terms of rainfall, Siavonga experiences a dramatic shift from abundant rain to a nearly total absence of precipitation through the year. The highest volume of rain falls in January, with an average reading of 195mm (7.68"). The rains often start to gradually reduce around
March reaching zero by June, and remain so until
September. This dry season is followed by a sudden surge of rainfall in October through
December, marking the return of the wet season.
This wet-dry pattern is also reflected in the sunshine with its peak in
May to October at 10 hours per day, and lowest in December with 6 hours. Daylight hours subtly fluctuate between a maximum of 13.1 hours in December and a minimum of 11.2 hours in June. Ultraviolet radiation, frequently reaching an index of 12, is an essential consideration throughout the year, except during the cooler months from May to September when reduced indices of 7 to 9 pose a relatively lower risk.
The best time to visit Siavonga
For those who wish to make the most of this tropical paradise, the period from
May to
September showcases the most agreeable weather conditions. The average temperatures hover between comfortable 12°C (53.6°F) to 29°C (84.2°F), making outdoor activities such as nature trails, hikes, and wildlife spotting enjoyable. In addition, this period also marks the lowest probability of rainfall, ensuring uninterrupted exploration of town's natural wonders. Daylight averages around 11.3 hours to 11.6 hours, offering ample opportunities for day excursions.
The worst time to visit Siavonga
Visiting
Siavonga between
January and
February might pose some challenges due to heavy rainfall which averages 195mm (7.68") and 156mm (6.14"), respectively. These high volumes of precipitation, coupled with high temperatures that fluctuate between 22°C (71.6°F) to 31°C (87.8°F), may result in oppressive humidity and hamper outdoor activities. Further, UV index peaks at 12 during these months signalling the highest risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.
Spring weather in Siavonga
Balancing the remnants of the wet season and the onset of the dry one, Spring in
Siavonga (
March to
May), sees a significant drop in rainfall, starting from an average 117mm (4.61") in March to 5mm (0.2") in May. Concurrently, both the daily high and low temperatures fluctuate between 29°C (84.2°F) to 31°C (87.8°F) and 15°C (59°F) to 21°C (69.8°F), respectively. Sunshine hours increase to an average of 10 hours daily by May, and the UV index moderates to 8 - slightly lower than the yearly average.
Summer weather in Siavonga
With the definitive arrival of the dry season, visitors can expect zero rainfall from
June to
September. Daytime temperatures remain relatively cooler ranging between 27°C (80.6°F) to 33°C (91.4°F), while nightly lows get down to between 12°C (53.6°F) to 19°C (66.2°F). This period also marks the most significant sunshine presence with 10 daily hours and a UV index ranging from 7 to 10.
Autumn weather in Siavonga
During Autumn (
October and
November),
Siavonga experiences the abrupt return of the wet season with a sharp rise in rainfall from zero to 72mm (2.83"). Daily high temperatures peak to 33°C (91.4°F) to 35°C (95°F), while the nightly lows increase to 23°C (73.4°F). Simultaneously, daylight reduces to 12.5 hours in October and further to 12.9 hours in November with both UV index and sunshine hours averaging at 10.
Winter weather in Siavonga
Winter months offer the highest volume of rainfall with 188mm (7.4") in
December and high temperatures ranging between 32°C (89.6°F) to 34°C (93.2°F). Nighttime lows settle at 22°C (71.6°F) to 23°C (73.4°F). Sunshine reduces to 6 hours per day in December and UV index to fall to 12. During this period, despite the return of the rains, daytime temperatures remain high demonstrating again the savanna climate's distinctive trait of significant temperature variation between day and night.
Weather in January
Siavonga's new year dawns with high-intensity UV rays, denoting prolonged exposure to sunlight.
January also brings significant rainfall of 195mm (7.68"), rendering this the city's wettest month. The commencement of the year experiences some of the highest temperatures as well.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Continuing the trend of warmth and humidity from the previous month,
February remains resolute in offering tropical weather. However, a drop in rainfall to 156mm (6.14") indicates a gradual movement towards drier months. The 12-hour long daylight presents tourists with ample opportunity to explore
Siavonga's stunning landscapes.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings a significant decrease in precipitation to 117mm (4.61"), birthing the arrival of drier months in
Siavonga. The high UV Index indicates a persisting brightness throughout the city. The weather gradually starts to produce warmer afternoons and cooler nights, an exquisite blend.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As the month of
April showcases its splendor, a considerable change in
Siavonga's climate becomes evident with the rainfall drops drastically to just 32mm (1.26"). Extended hours of sunlight, however, continue to nourish the city landscapes.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May rolls in with a considerable shift in weather patterns, experiencing a drop in temperatures to a lower limit of 15°C (59°F). Coupled with minimal rainfall of 5mm (0.2"), it marks the commencement of
Siavonga's dry season. The sun continues to illuminate the city generously with a daylight duration of 11.3 hours.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The warm weather persists into
June, maintaining an expected high temperature similar to
May. Notably, June records virtually no rainfall, marking the driest month of the year. Even with temperatures slightly reducing, the city’s charm under the dry weather remains unmitigated.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues the pattern of
June’s weather with no rainfall, making it another parched month for
Siavonga. Temperature ranges remain similar, albeit with declining daylight hours to 11.3. Despite this, plentiful sunshine hours prompt some beautiful sunset viewing opportunities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August sees the continuation of the dry weather, characterized by clear skies and zero rainfall. A slight incline in temperature from
July to August marks the slow approach of warmer months. The city’s landscapes shine brightly under an average of 10 hours of daily sunshine.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The emergence of
September signifies a gradual transition towards a warmer climate with recorded high temperatures of 33°C (91.4°F). Maintaining the dry spell, there's virtually no rainfall in September. Bountiful sunshine continues to incite wanderlust, making it the perfect time for enjoying outdoor activities.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings
Siavonga's highest temperatures, hitting a maximum of 35°C (95°F), signifying the arrival of the city's hottest month. This month also witnesses a break in the prolonged dry spell with a minimal rainfall of 15mm (0.59").
Weather in October » Weather in November
November begins the transition out of the hot weather as temperatures drop to 34°C (93.2°F). Alongside, rainfall starts to increase, reaching a total of 72mm (2.83"), marking the onset of wetter months in
Siavonga. While the city begins to cool down, the UV index remains high, hinting at persisted sunshine.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Rounding off the year,
December witnesses a further increase in rainfall up to 188mm (7.4"), signifying a return to wetter months in
Siavonga. Concurrently, temperatures slightly reduce, providing relief from the recent hot months.
Weather in December »