The climate of Gandajika
Nestled in the heart of the
Democratic Republic of Congo,
Gandajika basks in a predominantly tropical wet and dry climate also referred to as the savanna climate according to the Köppen climate classification. This climate manifests as relatively consistent high temperatures and significant variations in rainfall throughout the year.
The mean high temperature remains fairly steady, fluctuating between 28.1°C (82.6°F) in
December and reaching a peak of 36.4°C (97.5°F) in
August. Similarly, average lows hover around a comfortable 19.8°C (67.6°F) to 22.8°C (73°F) range.
The region observes a distinctly wet and dry season, marked by a drastic fall in rainfall from 165mm (6.5") to 32mm (1.26") between
November and
May, accompanied by a significant reduction in the average number of rainfall days from 27.9 to 0.3 over the same period. Conversely, the amount of sunshine per day shoots up from 8.1 hours in
January to 10 hours in
June and
July, allowing more time to explore the city’s vibrant savanna.
With regards to wind speed, Gandajika experiences only slight variations through the year, averaging generally between 4.5km/h (2.8mph) in December and 7.1km/h (4.4mph) in June. Wind gusts follow a similar trend, peaking at 11.6km/h (7.2mph) in June.
Humidity levels see a noticeable drop in the dry season, reaching a low of 32% in July from a high of 86% in December.
The best time to visit Gandajika
Given its tropical savanna climate, the prime time to visit
Gandajika would be during the dry season, which runs from
May to
September. During this time, average temperatures hover between a comfortable 29.7°C (85.5°F) and 36.4°C (97.5°F) whilst rainfall drops to a negligible amount. Pleasant humidity levels coupled with an abundance of daily sunshine hours make for an optimal exploration climate.
The worst time to visit Gandajika
The wet season, stretching from
October to
April, offers quite the contrary experience with high rainfall, reaching a peak of 167mm (6.57") in
December. Furthermore, the humidity climbs to an uncomfortable range of 72% to 86% accompanied by fewer sunshine hours, posing a potentially unpleasant environment for outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Gandajika
Spring in
Gandajika falls between
September and
November. The weather remains fairly dry in September with rainfall averaging at 36mm (1.42") and then starts escalating to 96mm (3.78") and 165mm (6.5") in
October and November, respectively. The average high temperatures start at about 34.4°C (93.9°F) but dip slightly to 31.8°C (89.2°F) in October and reach 29.5°C (85.1°F) by November. Similarly, the average low temperature falls gradually from 22.8°C (73°F) in September to 21.5°C (70.7°F) in October, finally reaching 20.2°C (68.4°F) in November.
Summer weather in Gandajika
Peculiarly,
Gandajika's summer season, spanning across
December to
February, coincides with the region's wettest months. Average high temperatures drop to a cool 29°C (84.2°F) and 30.1°C (86.2°F) in December and
January before slightly increasing to 30°C (86°F) in February. Likewise, average low temperatures range between 19.7°C (67.5°F) and 20.3°C (68.5°F) during these months. The region witnesses substantial rainfall, amounting to 167mm (6.57"), 137mm (5.39"), and 107mm (4.21") during December, January, and February, transforming the savanna into a lush green landscape.
Autumn weather in Gandajika
As autumn sets in from
March to
May, the rainfall starts declining, decreasing from 124mm (4.88") in March to 32mm (1.26") by May. Consequently, the average number of rainfall days also decreases drastically from 25.5 days in March to a mere 0.3 days in May. During this time period, temperatures remain comfortably steady with average highs varying from 31.3°C (88.3°F) in
April to 33.5°C (92.3°F) in May and average lows slightly fluctuating around the 20°C (68°F) mark.
Winter weather in Gandajika
Winter, encompassing the months of
June to
August, sees the least rainfall, even down to no rainfall in
July. Outdoor activities can be best enjoyed during this period given the absence of rain and humidity leveling out to a comfortable range of 32% to 41%. Average high temperatures peak during this time, measuring from 33.5°C (92.3°F) in June, rising up to 36.4°C (97.5°F) in August. On the other hand, average low temperatures remain stable between 19.8°C (67.6°F) to 22.4°C (72.3°F) providing relief during the warmest hours.
Weather in January
Weather in
Gandajika in
January indicates the commencement of the year with high humidity levels at 82% and relatively high rainfall, registering 137mm (5.39") over 27.3 days. Compared to the future months, this period experiences more rainfall and fewer sunshine hours.
Weather in January »Weather in February
In
Gandajika, the weather in
February shows a marginal decline in both humidity and rainfall from the previous month, this lowering trend continues into
March. The UV index remains unchanged, ensuring similar sun protection needs as in
January.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The weather in
March in
Gandajika presents consistency in daily temperature range, from 20.2°C (68.4°F) to 30°C (86°F), comparing to
February. A notable increase in the number of sunshine days from 2.7 days in February to 4.1 days marks the transition towards the dryer seasons.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April's weather in
Gandajika brings subtle changes compared to
March. The most significant alteration is in the number of rainfall days which drop to 22.8 days from 25.5 days. The UV index retains its steady number. Visibility improves slightly and the pressure levels show a marginal increase indicative of stable weather conditions.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May’s weather in
Gandajika evolves considerably compared to
April. The number of rainfall days reduces drastically to 10.8 days, paving the way for less humid conditions. The increase in sunshine hours enhances the daily outdoor activities.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Gandajika brings about the driest month of the year with almost negligible rainfall, barely 1mm (0.04"), and an astonishing 29.3 sunshine days. Relative humidity dips significantly compared to
May, underlining the shift into the dry season.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Calculating with consistent parameters, weather in
July in
Gandajika mostly mirrors that in
June. This month brings the highest average temperature reaching to 35.2°C (95.4°F) and the least number of rainfall at 0mm (0"). July also sees the longest daylight hours at 11.8h.
Weather in July »Weather in August
The weather in
August at
Gandajika offers slight variations from
July. There is a marginal increment in rainfall from the previous dry spell. The number of sunshine days drops marginally, yet daylight hours remain almost the same.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September’s weather in
Gandajika registers a notable change from
August, with an increase in rainfall to 36mm (1.42") over 13.8 days. Despite the increase in rain, temperatures remain relatively high with a maximum of 34.4°C (93.9°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Gandajika sets the stage for the wet season to gain momentum. The weather conditions, however, stay mild with temperatures not dipping severely as expected in a typical rainy season. There is a steady increment in rainfall, maintaining the lush greenery of the city.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Moving from
October to
November,
Gandajika witnesses a significant increase in rainfall, reaching 165mm (6.5") spread over 27.9 days, indicating the peak of the wet season. Weather conditions remain stable with consistent temperatures and wind speeds.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Concluding the year, the weather in
December in
Gandajika sees the most rainfall at 167mm (6.57") over 29.5 days. This heightened amount of precipitation is associated with high relative humidity at 86%. Despite the heavy showers, the UV index remains consistent ensuring the need for sun protection throughout the year.
Weather in December »