The climate of Port Elizabeth
Situated in
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,
Port Elizabeth possesses a tropical rainforest climate, classified as Af under the Köppen climate classification. Surrounded by the vast ocean, the island town experiences steady, warm temperatures year-round along with rainfall in abundance. Analysing the provided climatic data, minor variations in the yearly climate parameters become evident.
Temperatures stay consistently high throughout the year, ranging from a low average of 21°C (69.8°F) to a peak average of 30°C (86°F). The lower temperatures typically occur at the start and end of the year, while the peak temperature months are observed between
May and
October. The sea temperature follows a similar pattern, making ocean-centric activities pleasant for most of the year.
The town experiences a substantial amount of rainfall, with precipitation levels escalating from 97mm (3.82") in
February to a peak level of 309mm (12.17") in October. Rainfall frequency fluctuates between 10 days in
April to 21 days in
July and
September, indicating that wet days are a common occurrence.
Sunlight intensity is at its zenith between
March and September, with a high UV index of 12 throughout this period. Daylight hours somewhat remain constant throughout the year, hovering around 12 hours, while few changes are observed in sunshine hours, remaining around 7-8 hours throughout the year.
The best time to visit Port Elizabeth
Considering the stable temperature range and humidity levels, any time could potentially be good to visit
Port Elizabeth. However, for those keen to experience the most pleasant weather, the time span from
January to
April could be the most suitable. During these months, average temperatures hover from 27°C (80.6°F) to 29°C (84.2°F), rainfall levels are comparatively lower, ranging from 97mm (3.82") to 110mm (4.33"), and the UV index is somewhat moderated.
The worst time to visit Port Elizabeth
Visitors who wish to avoid the town’s rainiest months should steer clear of the period from
June to
November. Its during this window that rainfall reaches its annual peak, ranging from 234mm (9.21") to 309mm (12.17"). Additionally, the frequency of rainy days skyrockets during these months, ranging from 18 to 21 days of precipitation, possibly restricting outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Port Elizabeth
Spring, occurring from
March to
May in
Port Elizabeth, is characterized by gradually increasing temperatures and rainfall. Average temperatures range from 28°C (82.4°F) to 30°C (86°F) with sea temperatures rising as well, ideal for a swim. Rainfall increases from 104mm (4.09") in March to 149mm (5.87") in May. It's worth noting, the UV index remains high at 12 throughout spring.
Summer weather in Port Elizabeth
Summer, observed from
June to
August, brings with it the heaviest spells of rainfall. Radius of precipitation varying from a considerable 234mm (9.21") in June up to a substantial 305mm (12.01") in
July. Despite the increasing rainfall, temperatures remain warm, hovering from 29°C (84.2°F) to 30°C (86°F). Accordingly, sea temperature also remains comfortably warm, providing relief from the sometimes humid conditions.
Autumn weather in Port Elizabeth
Autumn in
Port Elizabeth,
September to
November, maintains the trend of high rainfall with precipitation measuring between 270mm (10.63") and 309mm (12.17"). Temperatures retreat marginally to a serene range from 29°C (84.2°F) to 28°C (82.4°F). However, these months are as humid, making them less ideal for travelers seeking dry weather.
Winter weather in Port Elizabeth
Winter, taking place from
December to
February, sees temperatures descending to their annual lows, ranging from 27°C (80.6°F) to 28°C (82.4°F). This is paralleled by a drop in rainfall, decreasing from 186mm (7.32") in December to 97mm (3.82") in February, thereby marking the driest period of the year. Sea temperatures also see a minor drop, yet remain feasible for water-based activities.
Weather in January
Port Elizabeth begins the year with continued high temperatures, without a stark transition from
December's warmth. Even though the mercury reaches a high of 27°C (80.6°F) and dips to 21°C (69.8°F) at the lowest, the weather in this city remains quite agreeable.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February’s weather in
Port Elizabeth carries forward the heat from
January. There is a small decrease in rainfall, but the town is not entirely devoid of showers or cloudy skies. February marks one of the periods of the year associated with somewhat lesser rainfall, accumulating to 97mm (3.82") on average.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Approaching the end of the first quarter,
March brings forth a subtle but noticeable change in the weather. A slight uptick in temperature is noticed and the rainfall increases. March displays an increase in rainfall from the previous month, settling at 104mm (4.09").
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The weather in
April can be characterised by a further increase in both temperature and precipitation in
Port Elizabeth. The city has longer daylight hours but surprisingly the number of sunshine hours stays constant. The rainfall amounts in April amplify slightly compared to
March, standing at 110mm (4.33").
Weather in April »Weather in May
In
May, the weather in
Port Elizabeth becomes significantly wetter compared to preceding months. The town welcomes the rainy season, which lasts until
November. Significantly, May experiences a noticeable jump in rain compared to
April, rising to 149mm (5.87").
Weather in May »Weather in June
June carries on the weather trends from
May in
Port Elizabeth. No significant changes take place in temperature, and the city receives more rain, marking the middle of the rainy season. June experiences maximum rainfall for the first half of the year, at an average of 234mm (9.21").
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is known to be the wettest month in
Port Elizabeth. This abundance of moisture makes its outdoor space flourish beautifully. Notably, July holds the record for the maximum annual rainfall, quantified at 305mm (12.01"). The mercury level and the sea temperature stay within the comfortable range for locals and tourists alike.
Weather in July » Weather in August
As
August rolls in, a slight reprieve in rainfall is observed in
Port Elizabeth. This respite prepares the city for a gradual retreat from the raining season in the coming months. In August, though rainfall decreases compared to
July, it remains quite high at 282mm (11.1").
Weather in August »Weather in September
September signifies the end of the peak rainy season in
Port Elizabeth. The island transitions towards the conclusion of the third quarter of the year, offering less rainfall and consistent warm weather. The city registers about 270mm (10.63") of rainfall during September, which is slightly lower compared to
August.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Port Elizabeth carries the mixed bag of late rainy season traits with warmer days and cooler nights. The month ushers in a slight decrease in daylight hours, making evenings a little lengthier. October again marks a surge in rainfall figures, which move up to 309mm (12.17").
Weather in October » Weather in November
November witnesses a significant shift in weather patterns in
Port Elizabeth. The city says goodbye to the rainy season as the last of the heavy showers precipitate. In accordance with the trend, November sees a reduction in rainfall to 271mm (10.67") from
October's peak.
Weather in November » Weather in December
By
December,
Port Elizabeth finally transitions into the dry season. This is complemented by slightly lowering temperature trends. Notably, the rainfall in December drops further, clocking at 186mm (7.32"), marking the beginning of the dry season.
Weather in December »