The climate of Karonga
Karonga, a city in
Malawi, experiences a predominant Tropical wet and dry or savanna climate characterised by the Köppen climate classification as Aw. The geographical position of the city, near the equator, ensures a warm climate throughout the year.
Evaluating the climate data throughout the year reveals a pattern marked by a high-temperature range between 15.8°C (60.4°F) to 28.7°C (83.7°F), implying a generally warm climate. The warmest temperatures typically occur between
October and
December, while the slightly cooler temperatures are felt from
June to
August. These shifts distinguish the two main seasons, with a warmer and drier climate versus a cooler and wetter one.
Fluctuations in humidity are also observed, ranging from 60% to 79% throughout the year. The highest humidity levels coincide with the warmer months, while a slight decrease in humidity accompanies the cooler months. Another notable pattern is the distribution of rainfall. Specifically, the city records most precipitation in
January, with 187mm (7.36") of rainfall. On the contrary, August is the driest month, with no recorded rainfall.
Observed wind speeds further reveal patterns in the climate of Karonga. Strongest winds, up to 14.6km/h (9.1mph), are present in October, while the lightest winds, around 6.1km/h (3.8mph), occur in
February. Accounting for these factors, the climate of Karonga possesses uniqueness and variability, with features like a dry August or the windy October.
The best time to visit Karonga
An optimal time for visiting
Karonga, considering various weather conditions, would be between
May and
October. This period witnesses relatively cooler temperatures, falling within the range of 15.8°C (60.4°F) to 28.4°C (83.1°F). Concurrently, humidity levels are moderately lower compared to other months, which may ensure a generally more comfortable experience for visitors. Specifically, the month of
August merits considerable highlight. Receiving no rainfall and enjoying a fair share of daylight (11.8 hours), it offers favourable conditions for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Karonga
Visiting
Karonga might be less advisable from
November to
March, due to a combination of factors. High temperatures, peaking at 28.7°C (83.7°F) in November, fluctuate in tandem with increased humidity levels reaching 79% in March.
January is particularly challenging, witnessing the highest rainfall, up to 187mm (7.36"). The weather during these months can be discomforting, likely hampering outdoor activities and travel plans.
Spring weather in Karonga
From
September to
November,
Karonga undergoes its spring. During this time the temperature rises from 26.5°C (79.7°F) to 28.7°C (83.7°F) and the city receives minimal rainfall. However, the humidity starts increasing from 62% in September to 72% in November. Daylight is abundant during this period, ranging from 12.1 hours to 12.6 hours.
Summer weather in Karonga
Summer in
Karonga stretches from
December to
February with the temperature range remaining between 26.7°C (80.1°F) to 27.2°C (81°F). Humidity remains moderately high during this period, and rainfall is significant, particularly in
January, with recorded precipitation of 187mm (7.36"). The city basks in ample sunlight during these months, offering 10.4 to 10.5 hours of sunshine.
Autumn weather in Karonga
Autumn spans from
March to
May in
Karonga. During these months, temperatures are slightly cooler, ranging between 23.3°C (73.9°F) to 26.6°C (79.9°F), coupled with reduced rainfall. Humidity levels start to decrease, reaching their lowest in May at 75%.
Winter weather in Karonga
Winter in
Karonga, experienced from
June to
August, features the coolest temperatures of the year. In June and
July, the temperature drops to a low of 15.8°C (60.4°F), the coolest experienced in Karonga. However, daylight does not decrease significantly, remaining consistent throughout the winter period. Records show decreased humidity levels from 73% to 67% as well as negligible rainfall during these months.
Weather in January
In contrast to subsequent months,
January extends a damp and dewy atmosphere with an overall humidity reaching 76%. A calm, subtle wind flow makes the wet conditions mild, setting no hindrance to outdoor activities. Visitors and residents can anticipate cloudy skies prevailing throughout the month, creating grayscale landscapes and stunning cloudy horizons.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Compared with
January,
February still retains a high moisture level due to a relative humidity of 78%, but shows a notable decline in rainfall. The city experiences ample daylight hours, framing an idyllic environment for photographers or painters to capture beautiful portraits under natural lighting.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The first month of the autumn,
March, is still a warm month in
Karonga,
Malawi, with an average temperature varying between 20.6°C (69.1°F) and 26.6°C (79.9°F). With March's arrival, Karonga's weather records an average high-temperature of a still moderately hot 26.6°C (79.9°F), marking little difference from
February's 26.7°C (80.1°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
True subtropical climate signatures appear in
Karonga's
April weather with a steep drop in rainfall, now down to 45mm (1.77"). April features the start of the dry season, which is characterized by clear skies, less humidity, and a significant decrease in cloud coverage.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May's weather remarkable distinction is its significant decrease of rainfall to a mere 11mm (0.43"). The dry conditions taking hold in the city consolidate further with the arrival of May, marked by drier winds and fewer clouds. A gradual decrease in temperature accompanies the city's transition into the heart of the dry season.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Among the driest months for
Karonga,
June delivers meager rainfall amounting to merely 3mm (0.12"). The city dons the classic features of a well-settled dry period, with clear, sunny, and slightly less humid conditions prevailing.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, often termed as the peak of dryness, marks a period of nearly no rainfall, with only 3mm (0.12") recorded throughout the month. The weather continues to be warm, dry, and suitably pleasant for every kind of outdoor activity.
Weather in July » Weather in August
A significant change sets in as
August arrives, bringing with it the first hint of the impending wet season - a dry month with an absolute absence of rainfall. Despite being a dry month, the humidity stays relatively low, compensating for the utter lack of hydration from the skies.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September serves as a transitional month for the city, being the bearer of the first showers after a prolonged dry spell of two months. The arrival of minor showers sees a revival in the otherwise dry vegetation, painting the cityscape in various shades of green.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
With
October,
Karonga enters its pre-monsoon phase with a slight hike in rainfall from 1mm (0.04") to 3mm (0.12"). This ends the prolonged streak of dry months, symbolizing the advent of the rainy season. Cloud coverage over the city steadily rises, yet an ample amount of sunlight pierces through casting dramatic shadows in the twilight hours.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November welcomes the full sway of the rainy season. Rainfall sees a steep ascent from 3mm (0.12") to 27mm (1.06"), marking a distinct shift from the pre-monsoon to the actual wet season. Despite these showers, the city witnesses substantial daylight hours, highlighting the picturesque beauty of
Karonga post-downpours.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December, the final month of the year, sees a significant spike in rainfall reaching up to 133mm (5.24"). The city continues to be under the influence of the wet season, with precipitation spread over 22.4 days. The windy rhythm of the city becomes more pronounced as December culminates the calendar year, creating dramatic panoramas of turbulent skies and waves.
Weather in December »