The climate of Nelspruit
Classified under the Köppen climate classification as Cwb,
Nelspruit's geographical position in
South Africa's temperate highlands lends it a largely tropical climate with dry winters. Fluctuations in climatological parameters monthly tell a tale of continually changing weather throughout the year.
Temperatures reach a peak in
January, with averages soaring to 28°C (82.4°F), and dipping to a low of 8.2°C (46.8°F) in
June and
July. This reflects a broad range of temperatures experienced in Nelspruit, spanning from extreme warmth to mild cold. The less than stark difference between the highs and lows, however, suggests moderate temperature shifts, steering clear of extremes.
Interestingly, the humidity percentage follows these temperature trends closely. With January seeing a peak in humidity levels at 79%, they hit a trough at 56% during July and
August, indicating correlation between relative temperatures and humidity patterns.
Looking into rainfall data, a distinctive pattern emerges. The region witnesses heavy precipitation from 89mm (3.5") in January to 85mm (3.35") in
December, while the intervening months from
May to
September barely record any, showing a 3mm (0.12") to 6mm (0.24") range. Also, the number of rainfall days mirrors this pattern, hinting at a clear dry spell in mid-year.
The best time to visit Nelspruit
Indubitably, the ideal season to visit
Nelspruit is during the dry spell from
May through
September. With low precipitation levels and mid-range temperatures from 10.9°C (51.6°F) to 24.3°C (75.7°F), it is comfortable for sightseeing, exploring the rich biodiversity, or experiencing the local culture. The daylight hours spanning between 10.6 hours in
June and 12 hours in September are more than adequate for outdoor activities. Simultaneously, the low cloud cover opens up the opportunity for basking in moderate amounts of sunshine.
The worst time to visit Nelspruit
In contrast,
January and
December prove to be challenging months for visitors to
Nelspruit due to significant rainfall ranging from 89mm (3.5") to 85mm (3.35"), resulting in a high number of rainy days. Despite high temperatures peaking at 28°C (82.4°F) combining with these conditions could render outdoor activities less enjoyable. Thus, holidaymakers could consider avoiding these peak rainy periods.
Spring weather in Nelspruit
Spring in
Nelspruit, from
September to
November, offers amicable weather conditions with increasing temperatures from 24.3°C (75.7°F) to 26.9°C (80.4°F). Rainfall starts picking up from 10mm (0.39") in September to 60mm (2.36") in November, but the days remain reasonably dry with rain falling on 6.3 to 17.3 days. On account of these conditions, nature flourishes in spring, making it an excellent time for wildlife viewing.
Summer weather in Nelspruit
For the period between
December and
February,
Nelspruit witnesses its hottest temperatures from 27.5°C (81.5°F) to 28°C (82.4°F). Although the rainfall is quite substantial in these months, ranging between 74mm (2.91") and 89mm (3.5"), the lengthy daylight hours from 13.5 to 13 hours and an average 9 hours of sunshine can compensate for these wet conditions.
Autumn weather in Nelspruit
Autumn, from
March to
May, brings a gradual drop in temperature from 26.9°C (80.4°F) to 24.3°C (75.7°F). Similarly, rainfall decreases as the season progresses, leading to drier days. With relative humidity percentage falling from 78% to 65%, the weather becomes gradually less humid, ushering a remarkably pleasant season.
Winter weather in Nelspruit
Winter ushers in the driest spell in
Nelspruit from
June to
August. Despite the temperatures falling to their lowest at 8.2°C (46.8°F) to 24.3°C (75.7°F), the absence of rainfall, ranging between 3mm (0.12") to 6mm (0.24"), only on 2.8 to 4.5 days of a month, creates a comfortable climate for exploring the region. Clear skies and an average daylight span of 10.6 to 11.3 hours enrich the winter months, inviting travellers to indulge in the splendours of Nelspruit.
Weather in January
January in
Nelspruit,
South Africa commences with temperatures reaching a high of 27.5°C (81.5°F) and dropping to lows of around 17.3°C (63.1°F). The shift from
December introduces slightly cooler days and nights, while still retaining humidity levels above 75%.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The month of
February brings a sequence of sunny and bright weather to
Nelspruit. February remains relatively warm with less rainfall compared to
January. The noticeable change from January weather is seen in reduced number of rainfall days, marked down to 17.3 days.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As
March steps in, the city experiences a welcome dip in temperature. The reduced humidity from 79% in
February to 78% in March indicates the onset of a drier season. The rainfall drops noticeably to 52mm (2.05"), almost 30% less compared to February.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April sees a significant transformation in
Nelspruit's weather. The rainfall further decreases to just 33mm (1.3") from the 52mm (2.05") in
March, suggesting a substantial decrease in precipitation. A consistent reduction in daylight hours that started in
February continues through April, setting the stage for shorter days.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May signals the onset of winter in
Nelspruit with temperatures falling further to an average low of 10.9°C (51.6°F), a significant drop from the 12.9°C (55.2°F) observed in
April. The city's weather quickly adopts winter characteristics as the number of rainfall days decreases drastically to a mere 4.8 days.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June offers the coldest weather in
Nelspruit with temperatures drifting down to an average low of 8.2°C (46.8°F). Despite the dip in temperature, the city continues to enjoy ample sunlight owing to reduced cloud cover. The significant change from
May's weather conditions is clearly noticed in the relative humidity, which drops to 59%.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July,
Nelspruit sees a continuation of cold weather with temperatures maintaining at lows of 8.2°C (46.8°F), similar to that of
June. Rainfall levels remain minimal, with only 3mm (0.12") recorded throughout the month. July does not welcome drastic changes from the previous month, but one can sense a shift in atmospheric pressure, which rises to an annual high of 1024.3mb.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August conveys a change with a mild increase in temperatures from
July's lows, indicating a gradual movement towards warmer weather. Relative humidity sees a minor dip compared to July, adding to the comfort of the citizens. Rainfall remains negligible at 6mm (0.24"), similar to the preceding months of
June and July.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the arrival of spring in
Nelspruit, as average high temperatures start to crawl up to 26.4°C (79.5°F) from 24.3°C (75.7°F) observed in
August. The city revels in the sunny weather with daylight hours increasing to 12 hours.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Nelspruit sees a substantial transition with an increase in several weather characteristics, indicating the onset of summer. Rainfall increases significantly to 34mm (1.34") from
September's 10mm (0.39") due to a gradual rise in humidity levels.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November arrives with weather conditions becoming increasingly warm and wet, embracing
Nelspruit fully into summer. There is a noticeable uplift in rainfall from
October's 34mm (1.34") to a much hefty 60mm (2.36") in November.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December promises the arrival of typical summer weather in
Nelspruit, reaching annual high temperatures of 28°C (82.4°F). Comparatively, December is warmer than the previous month of
November, with only a slight difference in the average low temperatures.
Weather in December »