The climate of Makamba
Makamba,
Burundi aligns with the Köppen climate classification of Aw, indicating a predominant tropical savanna climate. Internationally recognized for its equatorial positioning with existing tropical conditions—proved by the steady hours of daily sunshine and daylight, ranging from 11.9 hours to 12.4 hours throughout the year—this locale is interestingly varied. Humidity levels in Makamba are high all year round, exceeding 50% in every month and reaching as high as 87% in certain times of the year.
Wind speeds are slightly variable in Makamba, but not to a major extent as they fluctuate from 5.5km/h (3.4mph) to 9.9km/h (6.2mph). Maximum wind gusts remain below 15km/h (9.3mph), indicating a relatively calm atmospheric condition. Pressure levels remain very stable all year round, oscillating scarcely around 1014mb. Visibility fluctuates from 8km (5mi) to 10km (6.2mi) throughout the year.
Rainfall dominates the climate landscape with values crossing 105mm (4.13") every month and reaching as high as 261mm (10.28") during peaks. In terms of the actual number of rainfall days, the spectrum extends from as low as 6.2 to as high as 30.7. This fluctuation, coupled with temperatures soaring from 13°C (55.4°F) to 24.8°C (76.6°F), brings about the tropical savanna characteristics, marked by wet and dry periods. The cloud cover percentage lies from 19 to 49, indicating clear to partly cloudy skies predominantly.
The best time to visit Makamba
To determine the optimal time to visit
Makamba, assessing the amalgamation of temperature, rainfall figures, and sunshine durations is necessary.
July and
August stand out as the best months. The temperatures are in pleasant mid-20s°C, rainfall drastically reduces to as little as 8mm (0.31") and 14mm (0.55"), and the number of sunshine days surge to over 20, bringing ideal outdoor conditions. The UV index is also relatively safe at 5, and humidity declines making a comfortable atmosphere for tourists.
The worst time to visit Makamba
On the contrary,
November and
December seem less appealing. Rainfall levels rise dramatically to reach an apex of 261mm (10.28") and 260mm (10.24") in these months. Correspondingly, the number of rainy days increase, diminishing the number of sunshine days to nearly zero. Cloud cover also intensifies, dampening the overall atmosphere.
Spring weather in Makamba
Contrary to common assumptions about spring,
Makamba experiences its highest rainfall figures during this time, with rainfall levels spiking from 187mm (7.36") to 222mm (8.74") from
March through
May. The temperatures maintain a consistent range from 21.5°C (70.7°F) to 23.2°C (73.8°F) throughout this period. Relative humidity is also on the higher end, making conditions a bit uncomfortable.
Summer weather in Makamba
In summer,
June to
August,
Makamba transforms dramatically with the onset of the dry season. Temperatures rise, sunshine influx increases, and the number of rainy days declines drastically. The climatic relief accompanied by a decrease in cloud cover percentage offers a more welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
Autumn weather in Makamba
Autumn, which spans
September to
November, brings a gradual return of wet conditions. September sees a rise in rainfall to 77mm (3.03"), jumping to 213mm (8.39") by
October, and peaking at 261mm (10.28") in November. Temperature changes are minimal though, hovering between 21.7°C (71.1°F) to 24.8°C (76.6°F) throughout the autumn.
Winter weather in Makamba
During the winter months,
December to
February,
Makamba experiences a continuation of the high rainfall, yet temperatures remain mild ranging from 22.2°C (72°F) to 22.9°C (73.2°F). It's noteworthy that the number of sunny days is minimal, especially in December where it's almost zero. But the calm wind conditions with speeds around 6.2km/h (3.9mph) in December and
January add a serene touch to the atmosphere.
Weather in January
The start of the year in
Makamba,
Burundi witnesses weather that is relatively cooler compared to succeeding months. High levels of rainfall are experienced, making the atmosphere moist and the environment lush and green. The skies above Makamba are quite often covered with clouds, blocking the sunshine, contributing to the cooler weather.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February marks the transition from the cooler start of the year in
Makamba,
Burundi, to the warmer months approaching. The temperatures rise slightly compared to
January, although the difference is marginal. Rainfall still retains the high-frequency characteristic established in January but slightly less at 187mm (7.36").
Weather in February » Weather in March
Weather changes become more apparent in
March in
Makamba,
Burundi as the city heads towards its warm-season. The temperature slowly increases from
February and there is a visible reduction in cloud cover. A noticeable increase in rainfall to 222mm (8.74") sets a high for the first quarter of the year.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks a shift in
Makamba's weather as
Burundi moves deeper into the year. The temperature dips slightly, making the weather conditions cooler and more comfortable compared to
March. The rainfall, on the other hand, decreases to 196mm (7.72"), indicating a trend towards a drier climate.
Weather in April » Weather in May
As
Makamba transitions from
April to
May, there are significant changes in weather patterns. The temperatures decrease further resulting in a much cooler atmosphere. A sharp decrease in rainfall to 105mm (4.13") makes May the month with the second least rainfall so far.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the onset of particularly dry weather, which is typical for
Makamba,
Burundi, in the middle of the year. A most noticeable change in rainfall from 105mm (4.13") in
May to only 22mm (0.87") in June is observed. The daily average hours of sunshine are unceasing at 7.6 hours, maintaining the weather that is sunny yet cooler, due to the lesser rainfall.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Makamba,
Burundi continues the trend of the preceding month with very low rainfall. An increase in temperature is observed, hinting the arrival of the hottest months ahead. The sunshine hours peak, resulting in longer, sunny days.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August signals the ends of the dry period in
Makamba with a slight increase in rainfall. As
Burundi moves towards the end of the year, the temperature rises significantly, making it one of the hottest months. The frequency of rainfall strangely increases, although the quantity continues to remain low at 14mm (0.55").
Weather in August » Weather in September
September brings a significant break in weather patterns in
Makamba,
Burundi, as compared to previous months. There is a sudden and significant increase in rainfall to 77mm (3.03"), marking the end of the dry period. Meanwhile, a corresponding increase in the cloud cover results, often blocking the sun's rays, leading to a drop in the daily average sunshine hours.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Makamba ushers in even higher rainfall at 213mm (8.39"), setting the stage for the wettest period of the year. The temperature drops gradually, thus ensuring a cooler weather pattern. The humidity increases quite significantly making the environment damp and lush.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Makamba continues the trend of the preceding month as
Burundi moves deeper into the final quarter of the year. The temperature remains cool, providing a respite from the heat of the hotter months. A further increase in rainfall to 261mm (10.28") makes November the wettest month of the year so far.
Weather in November » Weather in December