The climate of Bandundu
The city of
Bandundu perseveres in the Köppen climate classification of Aw, indicative of a tropical wet and dry climate or savanna climate. The geographical positioning of the city in the
Democratic Republic of Congo gives it a predominantly warm and tropical atmosphere throughout the year.
Average high temperatures regularly beam down upon the city and tend to waver between 30.8°C (87.4°F) to a potent 35.4°C (95.7°F). The relatively stable range of temperature highs from month to month reflects the city's tropical climate. Lows, on the other hand, oscillate mildly, but maintain a steady foundation between 22.5°C (72.5°F) and 25°C (77°F).
Analyzing its precipitation patterns, Bandundu receives considerable rainfall, from a low of 7mm (0.28") in
July to a significant downpour measured at 150mm (5.91") in
November. The volume of rainfall influences the number of rainfall days, rising to 26.6 days in November. Moreover, humidity levels in the city also correspondingly ebb and flow throughout the year. Starting from a low of 47% in July, it amasses to a peak of 80% by November.
Bandundu is gifted with extended daylight hours that remain almost constant around 12 hours, slightly increasing or decreasing throughout the year. Similarly, sunshine hours range from a low of 7.9 hours in November up to 11.2 hours in
January. These conditions also affect the UV index that uniformly persists at a high level of 7 throughout the year.
The Best Time to Visit Bandundu
The period found to be most preferable for a visit would be sometime between
May and
July. Within this span,
Bandundu embraces the drier side of its tropical climate. Rainfall during these months is at minimal levels, with precipitation measuring as low as 7mm (0.28") to 17mm (0.67"). Correspondingly fewer rainfall days, as well as comparatively less humidity, add to the allure of these months. Additionally, one can enjoy a generous share of sunlight, with sunshine hours ranging from 9.8 hours to 9.9 hours, at a comfortable high temperature in the vicinity of 33°C (91.4°F).
The Worst Time to Visit Bandundu
Steering clear of
Bandundu might be advisable during the months of
October,
November, and
December. Torrential rainfall ensues in these months, with downpours measuring up to a hefty 150mm (5.91") in November. The heavy precipitation continues for most of the days, with November observing as many as 26.6 rainy days. Alongside rain, dense humidity cloaks the city, peaking at 80%. While the temperature remains near the average levels, the comfort factor in these conditions takes a back seat.
Spring Weather in Bandundu
Spring in
Bandundu witnesses a moderate climate. The period from
March to
May experiences temperatures reaching highs of 33°C (91.4°F) to 32.5°C (90.5°F) and lows of 23.4°C (74.1°F) to 23.4°C (74.1°F). Rainfall during these months is higher - up to 106mm (4.17") in
April. Correspondingly, there are more rainfall days, with April observing a high of 24 rainy days. However, with increasing daylight hours and consistent 9 to 9.9 hours of sunshine, the weather remains generally pleasant and comfortable.
Summer Weather in Bandundu
During
Bandundu's summer, from
June to
August, the city experiences a very dry phase, especially in
July with a mere 7mm (0.28") of rain. Even as temperatures remain steady between 33.9°C (93°F) in June to 35.4°C (95.7°F) in August, the amount of rainfall decreases. Correspondingly lesser rainfall days (from 7.5 days in June to 4.9 days in July) ensure the weather remains drier than in other seasons.
Autumn Weather in Bandundu
Autumn (
September to
November) marks a transition phase. The city sees a gradual increase in rainfall, from 64mm (2.52") in September surging up to a significant 150mm (5.91") in November. The number of rainy days also sharply rises from 19.6 in September to a peak of 26.6 in November. The humidity takes a big leap from September's 65% to an overwhelming 80% by November.
Winter Weather in Bandundu
Winter in
Bandundu aligns with the prominent wet phase. The city measures significant rainfall in
December at around 121mm (4.76") and experiences an increased number of rainy days at 26.2. December also presents a relatively higher level of humidity at 78%, tagging alongside a temperature spectrum that spans from lows of 22.5°C (72.5°F) to highs of 31.4°C (88.5°F). However, with a constant UV index and around 8.7 hours of sunshine, December is not entirely devoid of Bandundu's tropical charm.
Weather in January
Kicking off the year,
Bandundu's climate is characterized by an average relative humidity level of 71% and a high temperature reaching up to 33°C (91.4°F). As one of the wettest months, the weather often leans towards high precipitation, with frequent rainfall events.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Continuing the hardware from
January,
February in
Bandundu experiences a minor surge in temperature, bringing the minimum temperature up to 23.5°C (74.3°F). This time of the year can also be identified by a slight uptick in humidity, now standing at 72%, and increasing rainfall at 95mm (3.74") along with a few additional rainy days.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As
Bandundu ventures into the third month, the slight dip in high temperature to 33°C (91.4°F) doesn’t seem to affect the overall climatic conditions significantly.
March typically sees a continuation of the city's rainy season, characterized by a little less sunshine and moderate wind speed.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Come
April,
Bandundu experiences a shift in its weather pattern. With a high temperature of 32.5°C (90.5°F) and equally high humidity at 75%, this period marks the peak of the rainy season. The rainfall reaches a four-month high of 106mm (4.17").
Weather in April »Weather in May
May brings a welcome respite from the high rainfall, as the showers taper down to 79mm (3.11"). Remarkably, the weather parameters, such as high and low temperatures, remain steady from 32.5°C (90.5°F) to 23.4°C (74.1°F). The reduction in humidity to 73%, along with steady visibility and wind speed, indicates a transition towards the drier period.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Bandundu is a turning point, marking the arrival of drier and warmer months. Now, a peak temperature of 33.9°C (93°F) coupled with humidity dropping to 58% signifies this transition. The drastic reduction in rainfall down to 17mm (0.67") is a stark contrast to previous months.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As the apex of the dry season,
July witnesses a substantial drop in humidity levels down to 47%. The average high temperature rises to around 35.2°C (95.4°F). The rainfall patterns reach a minimum, falling dramatically to just 7mm (0.28").
Weather in July »Weather in August
August sees a slight uptick in climatic conditions from 25°C (77°F) to 35.4°C (95.7°F), signifying the height of summer. Even though there's a minor increase in rainy days to 11.3, the rainfall quantity remains meager. Wind speeds continue to remain high, topping the year’s records.
Weather in August » Weather in September
As summer starts winding down,
September brings the first signs of relief with minor reductions in temperature, high being 33.4°C (92.1°F). The rainfall quantity also picks up slightly to 64mm (2.52"), signaling the onset of a sub-seasonal shift.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Bandundu is distinct due to the significant rise in rainfall to 133mm (5.24"). The high temperature drops further to 31.8°C (89.2°F), making this month relatively cooler and wetter. The month ushers in a fresh spell of the rainy season.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November solidifies the return of the rainy season in
Bandundu, with the rainfall peaking at 150mm (5.91"). High temperatures continue to fall and settle at 30.8°C (87.4°F). Greater cloud cover and lower visibility levels become standard weather elements.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December rings in the end of the year with a drop in average temperatures to 22.5°C (72.5°F) and a decrease in rainfall to 121mm (4.76"). Humidity is at its yearly peak, reaching up to 78%. This month presents excellent visibility extending to 9km (5.6mi), which, coupled with calm wind conditions, makes it ideal for outdoor activities.
Weather in December »