The climate of Mokhotlong
Situated in
Lesotho,
Mokhotlong lies within the Köppen climate classification of Cwb, denoting a temperate highland tropical climate with dry winters. This mountainous district boasts distinct variations in weather, with temperatures dipping in winter and a dryness infusing the air, contrasting pleasantly with the freshness of the summer months.
The monthly average high temperatures range from 10.2°C (50.4°F) in
July to 19.7°C (67.5°F) in
January, while the average lows fluctuate from -1.4°C (29.5°F) in July up to 9.3°C (48.7°F) in January. Humidity oscillates between 42% in
September and 73% in
February, indicating a relatively humid climate. The most substantial rainfall of 131mm (5.16") is witnessed in January, thinning out to a minimal 3mm (0.12") in July. A striking feature of Mokhotlong's climate is its snowfall, commencing from
April with 45mm (1.77") and wrapping up in
November with 15mm (0.59").
The best time to visit Mokhotlong
Considering the combination of maximum daylight hours, ample sunshine, and favourable temperatures, the best time to visit
Mokhotlong would arguably be between
October and
December. During this period, daylight lasts from 11.9 hours in October to 14 hours in December. Alongside, the average high temperatures range from 16.4°C (61.5°F) to 19.5°C (67.1°F) and rainfall decreases from 13mm (0.51") to 117mm (4.61"). Meanwhile, the sun shines for 11.6 hours to 11.2 hours enhancing the pleasant ambiance for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Mokhotlong
The harshest climatic conditions in
Mokhotlong are experienced between
June and
August. This period is marked by cold temperatures, with average highs of 10.4°C (50.7°F) to 12.8°C (55°F) and average lows dropping to -1.4°C (29.5°F) in
July. The daylight duration is also at its minimum, from 10.3 hours to 11.1 hours, coupled with shorter sunshine hours of 7.5 hours in June and July.
Spring weather in Mokhotlong
Spring in
Mokhotlong, encompassing
September,
October and
November, witnesses temperature highs ranging from 16.4°C (61.5°F) to 18.5°C (65.3°F) and lows from 4.5°C (40.1°F) to 7.3°C (45.1°F). The amount of rainfall during this season increases from 13mm (0.51") in September to 66mm (2.6") in November. The area experiences around 6.1 to 17.5 rainy days per month, while the snow days decrease from 1.8 days in September to 0.8 days in November. Nevertheless, the daylight duration is ample, varying from 11.9 hours to 13.6 hours.
Summer weather in Mokhotlong
During the summer months of
December,
January, and
February, daily high temperatures average between 19.5°C (67.1°F) and 19.7°C (67.5°F) while the lows hover from 8.6°C (47.5°F) to 9.3°C (48.7°F). Rainfall is comparatively higher, escalating from 117mm (4.61") in December to 131mm (5.16") in January and receding to 121mm (4.76") in February. The relative humidity ranges from 72% to 73% making the climate moist yet convenient. Daylight hours extend from 14 hours in December to 13.1 hours in February, offering abundant sunshine of about 11.2 to 11.5 hours.
Autumn weather in Mokhotlong
Autumn in
Mokhotlong, including
March,
April, and
May, sees decreasing temperatures with average highs falling from 17.8°C (64°F) to 13°C (55.4°F) and lows from 6.6°C (43.9°F) to 2°C (35.6°F). While rainfall reduces from 68mm (2.68") to 9mm (0.35"), snow begins to appear from April with 45mm (1.77") and continues with 21mm (0.83") in May. Daylight gradually decreases from 12.3 hours in March to 10.7 hours in May, yet the season enjoys around 9.4 hours to 7.5 hours of sunshine.
Winter weather in Mokhotlong
Winter weather in
Mokhotlong is often quite cold, particularly from
June to
August, with daily high temperatures averaging between 10.2°C (50.4°F) and 12.8°C (55°F); the daily low temperatures can drop as low as -1.4°C (29.5°F) in
July. Rainfall during this season is at its lowest, with just 3mm (0.12") in July and 8mm (0.31") in August. On the other hand, snowfall peaks at 27mm (1.06") in June and 34mm (1.34") in August. Despite the short daylight duration of 10.3 hours to 11.1 hours, the winter days are comparatively clear, with an average of 7.5 hours of sunshine.
Weather in January
The new year begins with a mild climatic outlook for
Mokhotlong.
January stands out with the highest levels of rainfall seen in the year, receiving an average of 131mm (5.16") over 24.3 days. This weather pattern tends to keep the cloud cover high, making the skies over Mokhotlong a bit gloomy.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Moving into
February,
Mokhotlong experiences a slight drop in temperature as compared to
January. Recorded average maximum and minimum temperatures range from 19°C (66.2°F) to 8.3°C (46.9°F). A minor reduction in rainfall levels adds to the appeal of the city during this month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Mokhotlong ushers in the fall season, seeing a shift in weather pattern. The precipitation levels show a significant drop as compared to
February, falling to 68mm (2.68"). March offers more predictability in weather, which is a boon for visitors.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Unlike the preceding months,
Mokhotlong’s weather in
April starts experiencing a cold wave. The first signs of snowfall can be seen, accumulating up to 45mm (1.77") over an average of 1.1 days. Yet, the lack of rain along with lower humidity levels makes April a reasonable time to visit.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May signifies the onset of winter in
Mokhotlong with a further decline in temperatures. Averaging from 13°C (55.4°F) at the highest to 2°C (35.6°F) at the lowest, this shift in weather emerges as a dominant aspect of May. While the daylight duration gets reduced further, sunshine levels remain stable.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Winter grips
Mokhotlong tighter in
June, with the coolest climate being observed within the year. The coldest temperature stands at a low -1.4°C (29.5°F), indicating the peak of winter. Nevertheless, the charm of snowfall and the decreased rain offer unique visual delights to the tourists.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Mokhotlong continues the winter phase with little change in the climatic conditions from
June. The decrease in temperature sustains, with the average minimum dropping to -0.8°C (30.6°F). This month also sees the least amount of rainfall for the year, resulting in drier conditions.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August signals the end of winter in
Mokhotlong, with a rise in the average temperature to 12.8°C (55°F). With the snowfall beginning to decrease substantially, to 34mm (1.34"), the landscapes start to reveal their bare beauty.
Weather in August » Weather in September
With the arrival of
September,
Mokhotlong starts shedding its winter coat. As compared to
August, temperatures begin to climb higher, marking the onset of spring. With the rise in temperature, the snowfall diminishes further to 22mm (0.87"), indicating the end of the snowy season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October observes
Mokhotlong basking in the glory of spring, with the temperatures moving in comfortable bounds. The high and low average temperatures fluctuate between 17.6°C (63.7°F) and 6.5°C (43.7°F). Witnessing a surge in the rainfall index, the city receives an average of 49mm (1.93") this month.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November sees
Mokhotlong transitioning into summer with temperatures soaring and humidity increasing. The notable surge in temperature to a high of 18.5°C (65.3°F) signals the arrival of the warmer days. As rainfall increases to 66mm (2.6"), storms become more frequent, resulting in wetter conditions.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Concluding the year,
December brings with it the typical summer weather characteristics for
Mokhotlong. Average temperatures continue to rise, reaching a high of 19.5°C (67.1°F). The precipitation levels hit another high for the year at 117mm (4.61"), replicating the
January rainfall pattern.
Weather in December »