The climate of Solwezi
The predominant climate regime of
Solwezi,
Zambia is Humid subtropical with dry winter, classified as Cwa by the world-renowned Köppen climate classification system. Geographically, Solwezi is situated in the tropics, and hence its weather is largely influenced by tropical climatic conditions.
A range of climatic features distinguishes Solwezi throughout the year. High temperatures show consistency within a range of 24.3°C (75.7°F) to 32.6°C (90.7°F), whereas the low temperatures fluctuate from 9.9°C (49.8°F) to 18.1°C (64.6°F). Relative humidity remains high, varying from 30% to 89% over a year. Rainfall distribution presents an intriguing pattern with a surplus 243mm (9.57") in
January dwindling to no occurrence from
June to
September. As the year progresses, an increased intensity of rain is noticed, reaching a peak of 257mm (10.12") by
December.
In terms of sunshine hours, Solwezi enjoys a maximum of 12.1 hours in
October, whereas the shortest duration is observed in June with 7.8 hours. The UV index remains fairly constant throughout the year with minor increases noted during the warmer months. Other factors such as visibility and wind speeds also display a fairly constant pattern across the year, with slight increases during the drier months when lower humidity levels and lesser rainfall result in better visibility and stronger winds.
The best time to visit Solwezi
Tourists seeking optimal weather conditions would find
July and
August to be the most favourable months. During this period, the temperature stabilizes from 25.5°C (77.9°F) to 28.8°C (83.8°F), while the minimum temperature ranges from 9.9°C (49.8°F) to 12.9°C (55.2°F). There resides no chance of interruption by rainfall as this period experiences no precipitation. An above-average daylight duration of 11.5 hours to 11.7 hours and increased visibility is also a contributing factor to the appeal of these months.
The worst time to visit Solwezi
Based on climatic data,
January and
December appear to be less suitable for travel considering the adverse weather conditions. These months draw a large amount of precipitation with a high of 243mm (9.57") and 257mm (10.12"), respectively. Travel plans could also be disrupted by limited sunshine period, with January experiencing the minimum duration of 7.3 hours, diluting the opportunities to explore outdoors and partake in activities.
Spring weather in Solwezi
Spring season in
Solwezi sees a gradual increase in temperature, beginning from 24.5°C (76.1°F) in
March to 25.4°C (77.7°F) by
May. The minimum temperature displays a decreasing trend going down from 15.9°C (60.6°F) to 12.3°C (54.1°F). Rainfall recedes drastically during this period, diminishing from 200mm (7.87") in March to just 8mm (0.31") by May end. Sunshine hours follow an upward trajectory as spring progresses and hovers between 6.9 hours to 7.8 hours during this period.
Summer weather in Solwezi
Summertime in
Solwezi is distinctive with its dry weather. No rainfall during this period, from
June to
August, paired with temperatures between 25.1°C (77.2°F) to 28.8°C (83.8°F), create ideal conditions for sightseeing. Relative humidity drops to as low as 36% offering comfort and relief from the tropical dampness. The daylight duration hovers around 11.5 hours while an increase in visibility is also observed during this period.
Autumn weather in Solwezi
Autumn introduces change in the weather landscape of
Solwezi. Temperatures climb to their annual high, reaching 32.6°C (90.7°F) in
October and subsequently falling to 28.5°C (83.3°F) by
November. The advent of rainfall from October is a prominent feature of the autumn season, ramping up from 21mm (0.83") to a hefty 156mm (6.14") by November. Daylight hours, on the other hand, stay consistent throughout this season, with 12 hours to 12.4 hours of sunshine.
Winter weather in Solwezi
Winter in
Solwezi is characterized by a mix of high humidity, considerable rainfall, and warm temperatures. The high temperature stays between 28.5°C (83.3°F) to 25.3°C (77.5°F) for
December and
February, while lower temperatures hover between 16.8°C (62.2°F) to 16.3°C (61.3°F). Significant rainfall is seen in these months peaking at 257mm (10.12") in December, gradually decreasing to 228mm (8.98") by February. Sunshine hours follow a similar pattern, with 8.7 hours in December, increasing to 7 hours come February.
Weather in January
January in
Solwezi,
Zambia holds to mild temperatures from 16.3°C (61.3°F) to 24.3°C (75.7°F) with relativity consistent humidity of 89%. This month bears the brunt of the rainy season with significant rainfall experienced almost daily, leading to reduced sunshine hours.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As
Solwezi enters
February, the weather conditions largely mirror those in
January, albeit with slightly less rainfall: 228mm (8.98") as compared to 243mm (9.57") in January. The month also embarks upon marginal reductions in temperature ranges and daylight hours.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The intensity of the rainy season begins to ease off in
March, causing a transition from the saturated
February climate. However, it is the decrease in the lowest temperature to 15.9°C (60.6°F) that sets this month apart. The reduction in rainfall is marginal, still, more sunshine hours begin to creep in, signaling forthcoming drier months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
Solwezi,
April marks a noticeable change in weather as the season begins transitioning from the end of the rainy season to the start of the drier months. It is nature's breather after the intense rainy season with rainfall plummeting from 200mm (7.87") in
March to 60mm (2.36").
Weather in April »Weather in May
May ushers in the dry season with virtually nonexistent rainfall. Interestingly, the average lower temperature further drops to 12.3°C (54.1°F), making May significantly cooler than previous months. The prevalent weather conditions in May favour outdoor and daylight activities.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Solwezi represents the heart of the dry season, characterized by clear sky conditions with a cloud coverage of only 12%. With a drop in humidity and an average of only 0mm (0") rainfall, June establishes itself as the driest month.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is another dry month succeeding
June, but with a slightly increased average temperature. The month is marked by the highest atmospheric pressure of 1018.3mb which is telling of the dominant high-pressure systems due to low humidity at 49%.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Solwezi presents an increase in average high temperature to 28.8°C (83.8°F), coupled with brilliant sunshine that extends the daylight hours. This month assures persistent clear sky with a minimal and unnoticeable amount of rainfall.
Weather in August » Weather in September
With the advent of
September, the weather conditions steadily start reversing with an increase in both maximum temperatures and cloud cover. More notably, the average maximum temperature tops charts at 31.9°C (89.4°F), the highest seen up to this point in the year.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Solwezi,
Zambia marks the return of the rains, albeit minimally with 21mm (0.83") of rain observed. Meanwhile, the maximum temperature reaches another peak at 32.6°C (90.7°F) - the warmest point of the year. As temperatures reach their height, an increase in daylight hours is witnessed, leading to longer sunshine-filled days.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Highlighted as the month when the rains make a prominent return,
November records a significant surge in rainfall to 156mm (6.14"). With an uptick in cloud coverage and heightened humidity,
Solwezi begins to transition into the wetter months.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Solwezi is characterized by increased rainfall of 257mm (10.12"), the highest for the year. There is a slight dip in temperature, but the weather generally remains mild. With the augmented rainfall, cloud coverage tends to increase, moderating both sunshine hours and UV index.
Weather in December »