The climate of Gemena
Under the Köppen climate classification,
Gemena located in the
Democratic Republic of Congo, experiences a tropical wet and dry climate, also known as savanna. Colloquially characterized by distinct wet-dry seasons, temperatures remain relatively consistent, though fluctuations in humidity levels, rainfall, and daylight hours paint the region's climate picture in a more dynamic light than the "tropical" label might suggest.
Throughout the year, Gemena enjoys moderately high temperatures with a relatively narrow range of average highs, from 29.5°C (85.1°F) in
August to 35.7°C (96.3°F) in
January and
February. Yet, the slight decrease in temperatures should not overshadow the dramatic shift in humidity levels, which veer from a mild 45% in January to a high 86% in
October. Dramatic shifts in rainfall further spotlight this climate's inherent variability. Rainfall levels take a steep climb from 8mm (0.31") in January to a high point of 171mm (6.73") in October, adding to the distinct wet-dry seasonal dichotomy.
Sunlight exposure fosters the tropical appeal of Gemena but not without its own share of fluctuations. Daylight hours rest comfortably at a near-constant 12 hours throughout the year, with a slight dip to 11.9 hours in
December. However, when discussing sunshine duration each day, an apparent decline is observable from 9.9 hours in January to a decreased average of 7.6 hours by October.
The best time to visit Gemena
Enjoying
Gemena at its prime relies heavily on visitors' tolerances for heat, humidity and rainfall. Though no absolute "best" time can be declared, a window between
May to
July can be considered a favorable period for a visit. Temperatures during these months fall into a more bearable range with average highs from 31.7°C (89.1°F) to 29.9°C (85.8°F) and lows from 21.4°C (70.5°F) to 20.5°C (68.9°F).Rainfall is also less dramatic during these months, with averages between 105mm (4.13") to 120mm (4.72") compared to the peak in
October of 171mm (6.73"). Humidity, while still high, is relatively less stifling, falling within 77% to 80%.
The worst time to visit Gemena
Considering the high rainfall, increased humidity, and reduced visibility,
October appears as the least appealing time to travel to
Gemena. Rainfall in October reaches its pinnacle at a hefty 171mm (6.73"), with a substantial 29.1 days of rainfall on average. Combining this with an 86% relative humidity, this month tends to mark a low
season for tourism. Moreover, the visibility falls to an average of 7km (4.3mi), thereby limiting the potential for sightseeing.
Spring weather in Gemena
In
Gemena, the spring months from
March to
May bring in the initial surge of rainfall. As the season progresses, average rainfall levels rise from 63mm (2.48") in March to 120mm (4.72") in May. As the rains increase, the temperatures slightly fall, with averages moving from 34.5°C (94.1°F) in March to 31.7°C (89.1°F) in May. However, humidity levels start to rise, moving from 65% to 77% over the season, causing an increase in the overall moisture levels.
Summer weather in Gemena
Summer in
Gemena, encompassing the months from
June to
August, characterizes the increasing humidity amidst constant temperature averages. Elevated humidity levels, from 79% in June to 83% in August, coincide with average rainfall levels from 105mm (4.13") to 151mm (5.94"). This increased moisture, combined with average high temperatures from 30.5°C (86.9°F) to 29.5°C (85.1°F), contributes to the heightened mugginess of Gemena's summer days.
Autumn weather in Gemena
Autumn, from
September to
November, introduces the peak of the wet season in
Gemena. Humidity starts to dip slightly from 84% to 76% across the season, although rainfall levels jack up to 171mm (6.73") in
October before tapering to 58mm (2.28") by November. Meanwhile, temperatures begin to rise again, with average highs from 29.6°C (85.3°F) in September to 31.3°C (88.3°F) in November.
Winter weather in Gemena
Winter in
Gemena plays out from
December to
February, bringing relief from the heavy rainfall experiences during autumn. Rainfall levels plummet from 58mm (2.28") in
November to a comparatively dry 8mm (0.31") in
January, with humidity levels hitting a yearly minimum of 45% in January. Simultaneously, average high temperatures rise to the yearly maximum of 35.7°C (96.3°F) in January and February, arguably making winter the warmest season in Gemena.
Weather in January
January presents the cooler side of
Gemena's weather spectrum but is still quite warm relative to many other locations. It marks the beginning of the year with average high temperatures of 35.7°C (96.3°F) during the day, a figure that is considered the highest for the year.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February brings a transition in
Gemena’s weather, visibly anticipated by the slight increase in rainfall to 32mm (1.26") in comparison to the
January lows. The subtropical climate of Gemena is evident in the increase of relative humidity, indicating a shift towards wetter conditions.
Weather in February » Weather in March
In
March,
Gemena experiences damp conditions as a further increase in average rainfall becomes more defined. The city underlines its rainy reputation, showing that wetter patterns are not an anomaly but a recurring seasonal phenomenon.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April fully embraces the rainy season as
Gemena witnesses an escalation in downpours. With a rainfall volume peaking at 119mm (4.69"), the month is officially inducted into the annual monsoon regime. Changes in environmental activities are prominent, as muddy roads replace dry ones and water bodies appear swollen.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May ushers in the height of the rainy season, as the precipitation holds steady at a significant 120mm (4.72"). The humid conditions persist, with cloud cover enhancing the dampness while the sun takes a figurative backseat compared to earlier months.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June continues the trend set by
May in
Gemena with consistently high rainfall levels. The persistent shower supports the flourishing greenery, a display of resilience by the local flora against the power of nature. Alongside this, the temperatures embark on a steady decline, heading towards the least hot periods of the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Gemena is a time when the wet season reigns: rain clouds rule the sky, and the city seems permanently on the brink of a shower. The month holds its place in the peak rainy season, only just falling short of the record rainfall levels seen in the latter half of the year.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The peak of the wet season is evident in
August with average rainfall reaching 151mm (5.94"), the highest rainfall mark for the year in
Gemena. The city is fully immersed in the monsoon at this time, which is reflected in the overall sluggishness of everyday activities.
Weather in August »Weather in September
Despite the onslaught of showers persisting in
September,
Gemena maintains its resilient stance and life continues. The marked consistency in rainfall further emphasizes the reign of the wet season, altering the landscape with widespread lush greenery.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October,
Gemena is a city in transition, gearing up to welcome the onset of drier conditions. The most tangible illustration of this shift is a noticeable decrease in rainfall, down to 171mm (6.73") from the peak figures seen in
August.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November marks a significant decline in rainfall and a return in abundance of sunshine in
Gemena. The switch to drier conditions is palpable, as the months of copious precipitation have rolled away. Recuperating from the monsoons, the scenic beauty of Gemena comes to the fore, crafted by months of relentless showers.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December rings in the year-end with a sharp downturn in rainfall levels to a modest 13mm (0.51"). With an average UV index of 7, even as temperatures tumble down, the sun does not lose its intensity, instead dishing out bright days throughout the month against an increasingly clear sky.
Weather in December »