The climate of Maputsoe
Residing within the Köppen climate classification of Cwb,
Maputsoe,
Lesotho experiences a temperate highland tropical climate with dry winters. Strategically positioned at high altitudes, this town exhibits a diverse array of weather conditions throughout the year.
Assessing the climate information reveals an interesting pattern of temperature fluctuations: highs hover from 26.1°C (79°F) at the start of the year, then fall gradually to a chillier 13.8°C (56.8°F) in
July before climbing back up to 25.5°C (77.9°F) in
December. Similarly, lows begin at a comfortable 14.8°C (58.6°F), dropping to a brisk 2.1°C (35.8°F) in
June, then rise back up to 13.8°C (56.8°F) by the end of the year.
Rainfall also displays uneven distribution, peaking at a high 71mm (2.8") in December, falling to a dry spell with 7mm (0.28") between June to
August, and picking up once more in
September. While snowfall is not an every-day occurrence, it's not an unknown phenomenon, showing traces from June to August. Daylight hours also ebb and flow throughout the year, peaking at 14 hours in December and diminishing to the year's shortest day of 10.3 hours in June.
One unique aspect is the increased wind speeds towards the year's end, starting at 9km/h (5.6mph) in
January, dipping to 7km/h (4.3mph) by
May, and then picking up momentum to end strong at 10.2km/h (6.3mph) in December. Despite this fluctuation, visibility remains consistently at 10km (6.2mi) throughout the year.
The best time to visit Maputsoe
Determining the best time to visit largely depends on the individual's capacity to handle various weather conditions. Temperature-wise, the period from
September to
November presents an appealing median, seeing highs between 21.2°C (70.2°F) and 24.2°C (75.6°F) and lows circling from 7.7°C (45.9°F) to 11.9°C (53.4°F). Rainfall stays in the middle-range territory from 9mm (0.35") to 45mm (1.77"), which may yield refreshing daytime showers, providing a nice respite from the heat.
The worst time to visit Maputsoe
To pinpoint the least appealing time to visit, an examination of the coldest months presents
June and
July as key contenders. Particularly in June, the temperatures dip to a biting low of 2.1°C (35.8°F) and only reach a high of 13.6°C (56.5°F). The cold is slightly mitigated by a low rainfall of 12mm (0.47"). However, with daylight hours the shortest of the year, this time may present a challenge, especially for those unaccustomed to colder climates.
Spring weather in Maputsoe
Springtime in
Maputsoe, which spans from
September to
November, presents a remarkably pleasant climate. Temperatures rise from 21.2°C (70.2°F) to 24.2°C (75.6°F) and lows gradually increase from 7.7°C (45.9°F) to 11.9°C (53.4°F). Rainfall remains manageable, starting at 9mm (0.35") and regaining intensity to 45mm (1.77") by November. The daylight hours lengthen from 11.9 to 13.6 hours, providing ample time for outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Maputsoe
December to
February, the summer season, witnesses the highest range of temperatures with highs varying from 25.5°C (77.9°F) to 26.1°C (79°F) and lows moving between 13.8°C (56.8°F) and 14.8°C (58.6°F). Although it is the wettest period of the year, with rainfall reaching 71mm (2.8") in December, the ample daylight hours from 13.7 to 14 hours certainly offer enough time to enjoy the diverse landscape.
Autumn weather in Maputsoe
Autumn, encompassing
March to
May, sees a gradual decrease in temperatures from a high of 23.8°C (74.8°F) to 17.1°C (62.8°F) and lower temperatures ranging from 11.3°C (52.3°F) to 5.2°C (41.4°F). It is worth noting that despite rainfall reduction, from 42mm (1.65") to 8mm (0.31"), the landscape remains lush and vibrant due to the preceding summer rains.
Winter weather in Maputsoe
Winter in
Maputsoe, between
June and
August, is characterized by colder temperatures and low rainfall. At this time, temperature highs span from 13.6°C (56.5°F) to 17.1°C (62.8°F) while lows fluctuate between 2.1°C (35.8°F) and 4.2°C (39.6°F). Rainfall remains at its minimal throughout the year, with a low of 7mm (0.28"). Despite these seemingly harsh conditions, the sunshine hours remain consistent and steady, proving Maputsoe to be a city of all seasons.
Weather in January
January in
Maputsoe,
Lesotho, is the month with the highest temperatures, typically peaking around 26.1°C (79°F). This is the time of year when the weather features warm, balmy conditions illuminated by a yearly high of approximately 13.7 hours of daylight.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
February, the weather in
Maputsoe,
Lesotho, is similar to
January. However, temperatures marginally dip down to 25°C (77°F), but remain relatively high. There's a slight increase in relative humidity, however, the average daylight decreases, meaning slightly shorter days.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings further cooling to
Maputsoe,
Lesotho, as temperatures dip to an average high of 23.8°C (74.8°F) from the highs of
January and
February. March shares similar relative humidity conditions with February, suggesting a continuation of the balmy feel.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In stark contrast to the preceding months,
April brings a noticeable decline in temperature, falling to an average 19.6°C (67.3°F). April marks the start of the cooler season in
Maputsoe,
Lesotho. This is accompanied by a decrease in daylight hours and rainfall.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May is another significantly cooler month in
Maputsoe,
Lesotho, with temperatures declining further to an average maximum of 17.1°C (62.8°F). It is characterized by clear, brilliant blue skies with lower cloud cover and reduced humidity.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Maputsoe,
Lesotho experiences a drop in temperatures to a relatively low 13.6°C (56.5°F) in
June. It brings about the real essence of winter, complete with colder conditions and lower daylight hours. Weather patterns in June confirm the onset of winter with a parallel increase in snowfall as precipitation transitions from rain.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July weather in
Maputsoe,
Lesotho sustains the winter season, with temperatures hovering around the same average of 13.8°C (56.8°F) as in
June. Snowfall may be an occasional feature this month, but rain is surprisingly scantier than the previous month.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August brings a hint of an incoming change with a slight increase in temperature to an average high of 17.1°C (62.8°F). Though it continues to stay cool the increase in temperature heralds the upcoming warmer months. Brightness returns gradually with an increase in daylight hours, while the UV index starts its ascent as well.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September sees a return of slightly higher temperatures in
Maputsoe,
Lesotho, with average highs of around 21.2°C (70.2°F), indicating the onset of spring. One can see a pronounced increase in daylight hours accompanied by a mild escalation in the UV index.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Maputsoe,
Lesotho sees further warming, with temperatures climbing back to an average high of 23.1°C (73.6°F). The city experiences a surge in rainfall this month, indicating the commencement of the rainy season. While the UV index hovers at a moderate level, increased cloud cover coincides with the rise in humidity.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Maputsoe,
Lesotho, has temperatures averaging around 24.2°C (75.6°F), indicating the steady approach of summer. Increased daylight hours and humidity are complemented by a jump back to a higher UV index of 6. The signs of the rainy season become even more prominent with a noticeable increase in precipitation.
Weather in November » Weather in December
A warm
December is typical in
Maputsoe,
Lesotho, boasting of an average high temperature of 25.5°C (77.9°F). December witnesses peak rainfall levels for the year at approximately 71mm (2.8"), confirming the culmination of the rainy season.
Weather in December »