The climate of Mwanza
Mwanza,
Malawi, enjoys a tropical wet and dry climate, also known as a savanna climate. This climatological feature is prevalent among regions located near the equator. According to the Köppen climate classification, this type of climate is denoted as 'Aw'.
Throughout the year, this city experiences averages that range within various degrees. On one side of the spectrum, the average high temperature varies from 23.5°C (74.3°F) during the coldest month of
July to 32.9°C (91.2°F) during the warmest month of
October. Consequently, the average low temperature ebbs between 13.3°C (55.9°F) in July and reaches a peak at 21.5°C (70.7°F) in
November.
Relating to precipitation, Mwanza experiences a contrast of conditions. The city's rainfall ranges from 3mm (0.12") that occurs from
August to October, to a high of 279mm (10.98") in
January. Throughout different months, rainfall days also vary significantly, with only 2.8 days in
September to 26.8 days in January.
However, what remains relatively consistent throughout the year are elements such as wind speed and pressure. Average wind speed in the city floats between 5.5km/h (3.4mph) in
February and 8km/h (5mph) in October. Mwanza's atmospheric pressure remains relatively stable throughout the year, shading fluctuation between 1010.5mb in January to 1021.3mb in July.
It's worth noting that Mwanza's weather reflects some peculiar patterns. For example, January is not only the coldest month but also the wettest, entailing that Mwanza enters the new year under temperatures far below the average high and a heavy downpour.
The best time to visit Mwanza
Considering weather conditions and specific climate attributes, planned visits to
Mwanza are best made between
August and
October. This period magnifies low precipitation levels of 3mm (0.12"), clear skies, a high-pressure environment, and a lesser number of rainy days. The visibility during these months is also at the maximum of 10km (6.2mi), elevating the opportunity for tourist activities. Moreover, sunshine hours increase from 8.6 hours in August to around 9.3 hours in October, making them ideal for outdoor exploration.
The worst time to visit Mwanza
The most challenging period to visit
Mwanza would be the first quarter of the year, specifically from
January to
March. During this time, the city experiences the height of its rainy season, with maximum rainfall recorded at 279mm (10.98") in January, eventually reducing to 156mm (6.14") by March. The number of rainy days also peaks in this phase, with January having around 26.8 rainy days. As a result, visibility suffers a notch and dips to the minimum of 7km (4.3mi) in March, conceivably making outdoor activities less favorable.
Spring weather in Mwanza
Mwanza usually houses moderate spring weather. Average high temperatures during this period teeter from 25.6°C (78.1°F) in
May to 27.8°C (82°F) in
March. Rainfall progressively falls from 156mm (6.14") in March to a meagre 4mm (0.16") by May. Significant variance can be observed in the number of rainy days, with figures deflating from 23.7 days in March to only 5.6 days in May. Consequently, the increase in sunshine hours from 7.7 to 8.4 further enhances the outdoor favorable conditions.
Summer weather in Mwanza
Mwanza's summer months demonstrate cooler climes than spring. The average temperature appears to steadily decrease from
June through
August, with highs descending from 24°C (75.2°F) to a year's low of 23.5°C (74.3°F). Rainfall is virtually non-existent, barely touching 6mm (0.24") in June, and reduces further to a minimum of 3mm (0.12") in August.
Autumn weather in Mwanza
Autumn offers a warm and pleasant atmosphere in
Mwanza. Average high temperatures can soar from 27.6°C (81.7°F) in
September to as high as 32.6°C (90.7°F) by
November. The rainfall starts to gain momentum from a minimum 3mm (0.12") in
October to 73mm (2.87") by November, indicating that the city is entering its rainy season.
Winter weather in Mwanza
Winter is likely the most varied season in
Mwanza. Temperatures in the early winter month of
December sit at around 30.8°C (87.4°F), but take a sharp dip to 28.4°C (83.1°F) by
January. This period marks the real advent of the rainy season, with precipitation levels peaking at 279mm (10.98") in January and then reducing to 201mm (7.91") by
February. The number of rainy days also sees a significant climb, recording the highest number of days at 26.8 in January. With reduced visibility and maximum cloud cover in these months, outdoor activities may be limited. Moving from these challenging weather patterns, Mwanza starts showing signs of relenting winter severity by
March, as conditions gradually progress towards the more tolerable spring weather.
Weather in January
The first month of the year in
Mwanza,
Malawi experiences temperatures highest at 28.4°C (83.1°F) and lowest at 20.2°C (68.4°F). Compared to
December,
January features a slight increase in temperature coupled with a high relative humidity of 82%.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February sees a slight decrease in temperatures with the highest reaching 28.2°C (82.8°F), compared to
January. However, the fall in temperature is complemented by a slight rise in humidity to 83%. Although part of the rainy season, February experiences a reduction in the amount of rainfall to 201mm (7.91").
Weather in February » Weather in March
Characterized by continuing decrease in rainfall to 156mm (6.14") and humidity dropping to 84%,
March marks the end of the rainy season in
Mwanza. Compared to the preceding month, a decrease in the average temperature becomes noticeable.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As
Mwanza steps into
April, a noticeable change in weather arrives with rainfall dramatically decreasing to 32mm (1.26"). This signals the end of the rainy season and the onset of dry conditions. Despite the drastic drop in rainfall, the temperatures remain relatively steady, offering a warm climate.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May, the last month of the autumn in
Mwanza, is also a moderately hot month, with an average temperature ranging between min 14.9°C (58.8°F) and max 25.6°C (78.1°F). May records an average high-temperature of a still moderately hot 25.6°C (78.1°F), indicating a minor variation from the preceding month.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June, the first month of the winter in
Mwanza, is also a moderately hot month, with an average temperature fluctuating between 24°C (75.2°F) and 13.7°C (56.7°F). June experiences an average high-temperature of a still moderately hot 24°C (75.2°F), barely different from
May's 25.6°C (78.1°F).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
With a significant increase in sunshine days to 20.8,
July experiences pristine skies and cool weather in
Mwanza. The temperature range from 13.3°C (55.9°F) to 23.5°C (74.3°F) brings pleasant cool breezes during the day. The dry season ensues with very little rainfall, keeping the city arid.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August in
Mwanza offers a distinguishing shift in weather from the preceding months with the return of slight rainfall. This fundamental change does not bring much legible temperature variation but humidity sharply falls to 56% compared to the previous month.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September sees an uptick in temperatures with the highest reaching 31.5°C (88.7°F) and rainfall remaining consistently low at 3mm (0.12"). A significant improvement in visibility is observed, indicating clarity in the weather.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October records the highest average temperature of 32.9°C (91.2°F) in
Mwanza. This month, typically known for high temperatures, sees increased rainfall to 18mm (0.71"). Despite increased rain, October is characterised by plentiful sunshine hours and daylight hours, encouraging outdoor exploration.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November,
Mwanza experiences a slight decrease in temperature compared to
October. Nevertheless, the city witnesses a significant increase in rainfall of 73mm (2.87"), marking the start of the rainy season. Despite the rain, sunshine days remain significant and the wind speed remains constant.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Closing the year,
December in
Mwanza sees a further decrease in temperature with the highest falling to 30.8°C (87.4°F). The rainy season intensifies with 180mm (7.09") of rainfall, a noticeable leap from
November. The decrease in daylight hours coincides with the increased cloud cover.
Weather in December »