The climate of Rwamagana
Rwamagana, a district located in the Eastern Province of
Rwanda, has a climate that witnesses tropical wet and dry conditions, also known as savannas, as per the Köppen climate classification. What distinguishes this region’s climate is its consistent display of temperature variations that span just a few degrees, and a bi-annual wet season that brings an excess of rainfall.
Analyzing the yearly averages, temperatures in Rwamagana rarely go beyond the range of 15.4°C (59.7°F) to 26.8°C (80.2°F). Still, a subtle indication towards cooler climate is observed during the months with lower average temperatures of around 14°C (57.2°F), contrasting the slightly warmer months where temperatures reach a high of around 26°C (78.8°F). Akin to many other tropical regions, variations are mildly present, yet they chart a well-defined pattern.
The rainfall cycle of Rwamagana can be explained in two distinct phases. The months from
March to
May and again from
October to
December witness an average rainfall above 100mm (3.94"), making these the wettest periods of the year. It is the remaining months that receive distinctly less rainfall, falling to as low as 13mm (0.51") in the dryest month. This decrease in precipitation corresponds with relatively increased sunshine hours, the peak of which can be seen in the month of
July with an average of 10.1 hours of sunshine.
The intertwining patterns of temperature, rainfall, and sunshine establish the unique weather conditions of Rwamagana. It is noteworthy that this district, despite being located close to the equator, does not display extreme climatic conditions, but a balanced dance of warmth and rain.
The best time to visit Rwamagana
Visitors looking to enjoy the sunny weather in
Rwamagana will find the period from
June to
August optimal for their travel. These months not only offer the least of average rainfall, going down to merely 13mm (0.51"), but also operate in a moderately warm temperature range, hoveringly closely around 23.8°C (74.8°F) - 26.8°C (80.2°F). The longest daily sunshine period with an average of 10.1 hours, offers ample daylight for any outdoor explorations and adventures.
The worst time to visit Rwamagana
Advisably, the months of
March to
May and late in the year between
October to
December could pose a challenge for travel enthusiasts. These periods are known for rigorous rainfall, with accumulated amounts exceeding 124mm (4.88") in the wettest months. Travel arrangements and outdoor activities during these periods might require careful planning against potential disruptions caused by the higher likelihood of wet weather.
Spring weather in Rwamagana
Spring in
Rwamagana can be observed from
March to
May. Despite the increased rainfall marking this period, temperatures remain comfortably around 25.6°C (78.1°F) - 23.6°C (74.5°F). This season witnesses the highest atmospheric pressure of the year at 1015mb. The wind speed settles at a humble average of 5km/h (3.1mph), providing a gentle breeze to the otherwise humid conditions.
Summer weather in Rwamagana
The summer period of
June to
August is characterised by the clear skies of
Rwamagana, reduced rainfall, and longer sunlight hours. Temperatures consistently stay within the bracket of 23.8°C (74.8°F) - 26.8°C (80.2°F) throughout this season. It is during these months that the district also sees a significantly decreased number of rainy days, falling to an average of 7.8 days throughout the driest month.
Autumn weather in Rwamagana
Autumn, from
September to
November in
Rwamagana, carries a noticeable increase in rainfall, with the monthly total reaching up to 186mm (7.32"). Temperatures continue to be stable with highs around 26°C (78.8°F), and lows staying above 14.7°C (58.5°F). Despite higher precipitation, daylight hours barely see a change, standing firm at an average of 12.1 hours.
Winter weather in Rwamagana
Winter months in
Rwamagana,
December to
February, don't display the typical characteristics seen at higher latitudes. Despite being the cooler part of the year, temperatures comfortably sit between 24.5°C (76.1°F) to 26°C (78.8°F). The onset of rainfall intensifies during these months and is paired with increased cloud cover, impacting visibility which reduces to an average of 9km (5.6mi). However, the average wind speed stays relatively low around 5km/h (3.1mph), keeping the chilly wind factor out of the weather equation.
Weather in January
January in
Rwamagana,
Rwanda met residents with somewhat mild temperatures, varying from 15.4°C (59.7°F) to 26°C (78.8°F). The month is characterized by high humidity and notable rainfall, making it a typical start of the year for the region.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February marks a slight increase in temperatures, with lows of 15.6°C (60.1°F) and highs of 26.3°C (79.3°F). The weather patterns remain similar to
January's with an increased rainfall by 18mm (0.71") to 89mm (3.5"). Visibility extends to 10km (6.2mi) in February, indicating clear skies overhead, despite the increased cloud cover.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As
March sets in, there is a slight decrease in temperature, settling between 15°C (59°F) and 25.6°C (78.1°F). Weather patterns reveal more precipitation than the previous month, reaching 124mm (4.88"). March retains the need for sun protection with a UV index of 5, while daylight hours remain constant at 12.1 hours.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April displays a further decrease in temperature, ranging from 14.6°C (58.3°F) to 23.6°C (74.5°F). The amount of rainfall hit a peak for the year with a significant 178mm (7.01"), contributing to the increase in humidity up to 85%.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May carries the previewed cooling trend further, presenting a temperature range from 14°C (57.2°F) to 22.8°C (73°F). Despite the decrease in temperature, a reduction in rainfall to 146mm (5.75") is observed compared to
April.
Rwamagana's weather in May is characterized by the lowest sunshine hours of the year at 7.7 hours.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June introduces a warming shift with temperatures ranging from 13.8°C (56.8°F) to 23.8°C (74.8°F). It marks an important change in the weather with a significant decrease in rainfall to just 44mm (1.73"). The city of
Rwamagana makes the most of clear skies, an ample 12 daylight hours, and the highest wind speed of the year at 7.3km/h (4.5mph).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July, there is a slight increase in
Rwamagana's temperature from 14.8°C (58.6°F) to 25.8°C (78.4°F), coupled with a decrease in relative humidity to 58%. A notable break in rain is observed, as July records the year's minimum precipitation of 13mm (0.51").
Weather in July »Weather in August
August expects a continuation of the warm trend with the thermometer swinging between 16.5°C (61.7°F) and 26.8°C (80.2°F). The rainfall chart reflects a slight increase from
July, recording 30mm (1.18") of precipitation. The UV index escalates back to 6, prompting residents to shield against the intense midday sun.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Rwamagana records a slight drop in temperature reaching from 16.6°C (61.9°F) to 26°C (78.8°F). It marks an increase in rainfall to 97mm (3.82"), indicating a roll back to wetter months. Concurrently, increased humidity and cloud cover exhibit a change in the city's weather pattern.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings lower temperatures ranging between 16.4°C (61.5°F) and 25.2°C (77.4°F). A significant increase in precipitation to 186mm (7.32") signifies the arrival of a more rainy period. Despite this drastic change in rainfall, sunshine hours remain stable at nine hours.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Weather in
November witnesses a further drop in temperatures, reaching lows of 14.9°C (58.8°F) and highs of 24°C (75.2°F). There is a minor decrease in rainfall, totalling 184mm (7.24"), still maintaining November as a wet month.
Weather in November »Weather in December
The last month of the year,
December, brings temperatures varying from 14.7°C (58.5°F) to 24.5°C (76.1°F). A decrease in rainfall to 129mm (5.08") signals a slowdown in the wet season. Sunshine hours improve to 10.3 hours per day, offering brighter days before the year ends.
Weather in December »