The climate of Lusambo
Located in the Sankuru province of the
Democratic Republic of Congo,
Lusambo revels in a Tropical wet and dry climate, also recognized as Savanna under the Köppen climate classification. This climate is characterized by high annual temperatures with minimal variance throughout the year and two distinctive seasons - a dry season and a wet season.
Lusambo experiences average high temperatures that fluctuate from 29.6°C (85.3°F) in
December to a peak of 35.4°C (95.7°F) in
August. Correspondingly, the average low temperatures are fairly stable and vary minimally from 19°C (66.2°F) in
June to 21.6°C (70.9°F) in
September. This relative consistency in temperatures ensures a typically warm environment all year round, with no significant cold periods.
The annual precipitation in Lusambo is variable with a pronounced wet season from
October to
February and a dry season between June and September. The wettest month is
November with a rainfall quantity of 171mm (6.73"), while
July and June are the driest months, registering a marginal rainfall of 3mm (0.12").
Relative humidity levels, as expected, also reflect the seasonal patterns, with values peaking in the wet season - 84% in December. In stark contrast, it drops to 47% in July during the dry season. The number of sunshine hours also mirrors this cyclical pattern, with the lowest values in December and
January- 7.3 and 7.4 hours respectively, and the highest number of sunshine hours in June and July - 9.9 and 9.8 hours respectively.
The best time to visit Lusambo
Considering the tropical climate, the best period to visit
Lusambo is during the dry season. This period, specifically from
June to
September, experiences the least rainfall with just 3 to 24 millimeters of rain per month. These conditions are ideal for outdoor activities, sightseeing and exploring the local culture. Additionally, the maximum temperature during this period is quite welcoming, peaking at 35.4°C (95.7°F) in
August, as opposed to relatively lower temperatures of approximately 30.8°C (87.4°F) from
January to
March.
The worst time to visit Lusambo
Travellers looking to avoid excessive rainfall should refrain from visiting
Lusambo between
October and
February.
November is particularly unfavourable due to being the wettest month of the year, recording an average rainfall of 171mm (6.73"). Also, the higher relative humidity during these months can lead to an uncomfortably moist climate for those not used to tropical weather patterns.
Spring weather in Lusambo
Unlike the temperate zones,
Lusambo does not experience a pronounced spring season due to its position near the equator. This allows it to maintain a tropical climate with minor temperature differences throughout the year. However, during the
March to
May period, Lusambo experiences temperatures ranging from 30.8°C (87.4°F) to 32.1°C (89.8°F), combined with an gradually increasing rainfall from 84mm (3.31") in March to 109mm (4.29") in May.
Summer weather in Lusambo
In the
June to
August period, referred to as the summer months of
Lusambo, the climate becomes dryer and temperatures peak. Average high temperatures are recorded from 33.1°C (91.6°F) in June to 35.4°C (95.7°F) in August, partnered with the lowest humidity of the year. Rainfall is scarce with June and
July seeing a very low 6mm (0.24") and 3mm (0.12") respectively. This dryer period coincides with a high number of sunshine hours with up to 9.9 hours in June.
Autumn weather in Lusambo
Again, due to the proximity to the equator, the concept of 'Autumn' is not conventional in
Lusambo. However, during the
September to
November period, the place prepares to enter its wet season. The temperature swings from 33.4°C (92.1°F) in September and drops gradually to 30.3°C (86.5°F) by November. This period also sees a significant increase in rainfall from 24mm (0.94") in September to a whopping 171mm (6.73") by November.
Winter weather in Lusambo
Winter in
Lusambo, spanning
December to
February, is known for its high temperatures ranging from 29.6°C (85.3°F) to 31.6°C (88.9°F). Contrary to the conventional winter image, this period witnesses a high level of rainfall, with
January recording 126mm (4.96") of rain. Despite the high rainfall, December offers 12.4 hours of daylight, giving ample time to enjoy the tropical beauty of the region.
Weather in January
Weather in February
In
February, weather in
Lusambo remains predominately similar to
January, offering continuity to tourists in terms of climatic conditions. With the consistent rainfall, the city stays refreshingly green, lending a unique charm to the environment.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As
March approaches,
Lusambo continues to experience consistent weather conditions without considerable variations. The persistence of rainfall renders the atmosphere fresh and dewy, being a particular attraction for weather aficionados.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April sees an increase in humidity and rainfall in
Lusambo, with relative humidity soaring to 80% and rainfall amounting to 109mm (4.29"). As the city moves out of the cooler previous months, April heralds the start of more oppressive conditions.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks a striking transition from
April, with an observed decrease in rainfall and humidity. The pleasanter and dry weather facilitates a surge in outdoor activities and tourism, exemplifying the city’s vibrant life. Despite the rise in temperatures, the clear skies, reduced rainfall and consistent wind speed create a charming atmosphere.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Signifying the advent of the dry season,
June in
Lusambo is remarkably different from previous months. The swift drop in rainfall to just 6mm (0.24") is one of the most significant indications of changing weather. The cityscape sees a stark contrast with clearer skies and fewer cloudy days.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Continuing the trend set by
June,
July in
Lusambo maintains the dry and warm weather pattern. The cityscape, under constant sun, comes to life with a color palette unique to summer months. With virtually no rainfall, July stands stark in contrast to the city's predominantly wet beginning of the year.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August in
Lusambo presents a minor shift from the preceding dry months, with the amount of rainfall rising to 24mm (0.94"). Despite this uptick in rainfall, the weather remains predominantly hot and less humid than in the start of the year.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
September,
Lusambo goes through a transition as city moves from the dry season back into the rainy season. Rainfall escalates to 60mm (2.36"), signaling the beginning of a wetter period in the city's annual weather cycle. Despite the increased rainfall, temperatures do not show significant fluctuation, remaining consistently warm.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Lusambo marks a return to the typical weather pattern seen earlier in the year, with a significant increase in rainfall to 138mm (5.43"). The increased precipitation does not deter the city's vibrant life and outdoor activities.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The last month of the spring,
November, is also a hot month in
Lusambo,
Democratic Republic of Congo, with temperature in the range of an average high of 30.3°C (86.5°F) and an average low of 20.4°C (68.7°F). During November, the average high-temperature is a still hot 30.3°C (86.5°F), maintaining a close resemblance to that of the preceding month.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Closing out the year in
December,
Lusambo experiences a moderate weather pattern, closely resembling the previous month's conditions. The overall climate is characterized by consistent rainfall and humidity, with a slight drop in temperature.
Weather in December »