Yearly & Monthly weather - Mthatha, South Africa

The climate of Mthatha

Mthatha, located in South Africa, possesses a maritime climate with warm summers, earning it the Cfb label according to the Köppen Climate Classification. The town experiences moderate temperatures throughout the year with more rainfall in the warm season than the colder months.

Looking at the temperature fluctuations throughout the year, the warmest months tend to be January and February, with highs around 27°C (80.6°F). The temperature starts to descend from March, reaching its lowest in June and July, with a high around 21°C (69.8°F), invariably providing a gentle respite from the relative heat of the summer months.

In terms of precipitation, January, February, and December receive the largest amount of rainfall, approximately 87mm (3.43"), 89mm (3.5"), and 88mm (3.46") respectively, accompanying an average of 14-15 days of rainfall per month. The driest season falls between June and August, with rainfall dropping significantly to between 11mm (0.43") and 18mm (0.71") across these months.

Daylight hours show a similar trend to temperatures, with the longest days witnessed from December to February, with an average of 13.7 to 14.2 hours of daylight. As winter sets in, the days shorten, with June and July receiving approximately 10.1 hours and 10.3 hours of daylight respectively.

The Best Time to Visit Mthatha

The optimal time for a visit to Mthatha consists of its dry season from May to August. During these months, the temperature ranges from 21°C (69.8°F) to 23°C (73.4°F) in the day and dips to a moderate 4°C (39.2°F) to 8°C (46.4°F) at night. With daylight hours totalling between 10.5 to 11.3, visitors will find plenty of sunlight for their activities. Moreover, the rainfall dramatically decreases during this period, offering the driest conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

The Worst Time to Visit Mthatha

The months of January, February and December may not be the ideal times for visitors planning for outdoor activities. Despite day temperatures reaching a comfortable 27°C (80.6°F), these months present the highest rainfall in Mthatha, averaging between 87mm (3.43") and 89mm (3.5") accompanied by 14-15 days of rainfall, potentially hampering plans for outdoor exploration.

Spring Weather in Mthatha

Spring initiates from September and continues up to November in Mthatha area. Sunshine becomes more plentiful, with daylight duration increasing from 11.9 hours in September to 13.7 hours by November. Temperatures also rise gradually, with averages ranging from 23°C (73.4°F) in September to 25°C (77°F) in November. However, as these months herald the transition into the rainy season, rainfall also starts increasing from an average of 35mm (1.38") in September to 75mm (2.95") by November.

Summer Weather in Mthatha

In Mthatha, summer begins in December and ends in February. These months offer the highest temperatures, reaching up to 27°C (80.6°F). Rainfall is most intense, exceeding 87mm (3.43") in December and peaking at 89mm (3.5") in February. Despite the high rainfall, sunlight is ample with daylight hours stretching from 13.7 in December to 14.2 hours in January.

Autumn Weather in Mthatha

When March rolls in, temperatures in Mthatha begin to cool down, signifying the start of Autumn which continues till May. Rainfall decreases notably, falling from 83mm (3.27") in March to a mere 18mm (0.71") by May. Simultaneously, daylight hours gradually reduce from 12.9 hours in March to 10.5 hours in May. The monthly high temperature drops from 26°C (78.8°F) in March to a cooler 23°C (73.4°F) by May.

Winter Weather in Mthatha

Winter season in Mthatha stretches from June till August. During this period, temperatures become noticeably cooler, with the daily high around 21°C (69.8°F) and lows falling to approximately 4°C (39.2°F). Rainfall is at its lowest, between 11mm (0.43") and 18mm (0.71") during these months. Despite the cooler temperatures, daylight hours do not plummet drastically, averaging between 10.1 hours to 11 hours, allowing for a reasonable amount of daylight for activities.

Weather in January

A taste of the hot season begins to be felt in Mthatha, South Africa in January. There are high temperature averages that rise up to 27°C (80.6°F), indeed this period witnesses the hottest weather for the entire year. Yet, the warm weather doesn't push away the rain; rainfall significantly marks these times. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Interestingly, February still ensures high temperatures as experienced in January, however, the frequency of rainfall begins to decrease slightly. Residents take advantage of this weather to engage in outdoor activities, as the climate remains warm but is not scorching hot. Weather in February »

Weather in March

A tone shift is observed in the Mthatha weather as March steps in. Variations in climate characteristics start to emerge as the temperature takes a slight drop down to 26°C (78.8°F), and rainfall registers a small decline as well. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April invites more relaxation for the Mthatha residents, as temperature averages take another dip down to 25°C (77°F). Copious amounts of rainfall fade as well, turning the atmospheric conditions more bearable. The daylight period shrinks further, signaling the transitional phase to a milder season. Weather in April »

Weather in May

Transition into a cooler period becomes more pronounced in Mthatha by May. A significant temperature drop, down to 23°C (73.4°F), brings a cooler feel to the atmosphere. The rainfall quantity declines thoughts-provokingly, merging a scenario where warm days meet cool evenings. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June goes down in Mthatha's climate history as the month with lower temperature averages of 21°C (69.8°F) and the least rainfall in the year. Observing the scenario from a broader perspective, the days become shorter while the daylight hours become fewer. Weather in June »

Weather in July

Deep into the winter season, July retains the low temperature and rainfall features observed in June. On the flip side, a slight extension of daylight is noticed, offering more twinkling hours. No major shifts in weather patterns are recorded; instead, the season's hallmarks persist. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August brings a breath of fresh air in Mthatha as it signals the upcoming spring. While refreshing, the advent of spring sees the temperature rise slightly to 22°C (71.6°F), making the weather more charming. A bit of relief falls upon the city as the rainfall dips, leading to a drier climate. Weather in August »

Weather in September

In September, a careful balance between rainfall and temperature is achieved in Mthatha. With the temperature at 23°C (73.4°F), the residents enjoy the mild weather typical of transitioning seasons. Flowing into the wet period, rainfall begins to increase making the environment moist and lush. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October provides a preview of the impending summer season in Mthatha. Although the temperature increases to 23°C (73.4°F), the substantial rise in rainfall in October marks a prominent feature in the weather pattern. Nevertheless, the atmosphere is insanely beautiful, with daylight hours extending considerably. Weather in October »

Weather in November

As November sets in, summer knocks on Mthatha's door with creeping temperature averages of 25°C (77°F). The steep surge in rainfall draws a contrast to the drier and cooler days experienced in the preceding months. Even though daylight hours edge up, the combination of heat and rain governs most of the month. Weather in November »

Weather in December

Wrapping up the year, December brings in unwinding warmth in Mthatha, seeing high averages of up to 27°C (80.6°F). The city also records a climb in rainfall, reaching its peak at this point. This conclusion to the year in Mthatha remains defined by longer daylight hours, bidding farewell to the lower sun exposure of winter. Weather in December »

Updated: Jan 25, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What month is the hottest in Mthatha?

In Mthatha, South Africa, the months of January, February and December are known for the peak temperatures, reaching an average high of 27°C (80.6°F).

How much does it rain in Mthatha?

In Mthatha, during the entire year, the rain falls for 114 days and collects up to 650mm (25.59") of precipitation.

What is the rainiest month in Mthatha?

The month with the most rainfall is February, when the rain falls for 14 days and typically aggregates up to 89mm (3.5") of precipitation.

What is the coldest time of year in Mthatha?

The coldest months in Mthatha, South Africa, are June and July, with an average high-temperature of 21°C (69.8°F).

What is the driest month in Mthatha?

The month with the least rainfall is June, when the rain falls for 3 days and typically collects 11mm (0.43") of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days in Mthatha?

The month with the shortest days in Mthatha, South Africa, is June, with an average of 10h and 6min of daylight.

When are the longest days in Mthatha?

The month with the longest days in Mthatha is December, with an average of 14h and 12min of daylight.

Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Mthatha?

Mthatha, South Africa, does not utilize Daylight Saving Time (DST). SAST timezone is used over the entire year.

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Year J F M A M J J A S O N D

Average temperature
Mthatha, South Africa

Average high temperature in January:
27°C
Average high temperature in February:
27°C
Average high temperature in March:
26°C
Average high temperature in April:
25°C
Average high temperature in May:
23°C
Average high temperature in June:
21°C

Average high temperature in July:
21°C
Average high temperature in August:
22°C
Average high temperature in September:
23°C
Average high temperature in October:
23°C
Average high temperature in November:
25°C
Average high temperature in December:
27°C

The warmest months (with the highest average high temperature) are January, February and December (27°C).
The months with the lowest average high temperature are June and July (21°C).

Average low temperature in January:
16°C
Average low temperature in February:
16°C
Average low temperature in March:
15°C
Average low temperature in April:
12°C
Average low temperature in May:
8°C
Average low temperature in June:
4°C

Average low temperature in July:
4°C
Average low temperature in August:
7°C
Average low temperature in September:
9°C
Average low temperature in October:
11°C
Average low temperature in November:
13°C
Average low temperature in December:
15°C

The months with the highest average low temperature are January and February (16°C).
The coldest months (with the lowest average low temperature) are June and July (4°C).

Average rainfall
Mthatha, South Africa

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is February (89mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is June (11mm).

Average rainfall days
Mthatha, South Africa

Average rainfall days in January:
15 days
Average rainfall days in February:
14 days
Average rainfall days in March:
13 days
Average rainfall days in April:
8 days
Average rainfall days in May:
5 days
Average rainfall days in June:
3 days

Average rainfall days in July:
3 days
Average rainfall days in August:
5 days
Average rainfall days in September:
8 days
Average rainfall days in October:
13 days
Average rainfall days in November:
13 days
Average rainfall days in December:
14 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is January (15 days).
The months with the least rainy days are June and July (3 days).

Average daylight
Mthatha, South Africa

Average daylight in January:
13h and 5min
Average daylight in February:
13h and 1min
Average daylight in March:
12h and 2min
Average daylight in April:
11h and 2min
Average daylight in May:
10h and 3min
Average daylight in June:
10h and 1min

Average daylight in July:
10h and 2min
Average daylight in August:
11h and 0min
Average daylight in September:
11h and 5min
Average daylight in October:
12h and 5min
Average daylight in November:
13h and 4min
Average daylight in December:
14h and 1min

The month with the longest days is December (Average daylight: 14h and 12min).
The month with the shortest days is June (Average daylight: 10h and 6min).

Climate and monthly weather forecast
Mthatha, South Africa

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