The climate of Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch, a charming town situated in the Western Cape province of
South Africa, finds its weather characterized by the Köppen classification Csa. This classification denotes a Mediterranean climate with a hot summer. A thorough analysis of the climatological data illustrates a wide-ranging spectrum of weather conditions throughout the year in Stellenbosch, determined primarily by seasonal variances.
Coming under the influence of the Mediterranean climate, Stellenbosch experiences significant rainfalls during the winter months with the heaviest precipitation occurring from
May onwards. The rainfall in this period touches a peak in the month of
June with 103mm (4.06"), followed by 71mm (2.8") in
August, tapering off gradually towards the end of the year. A relatively moisture-laden environment could be expected from May to August with the relative humidity hovering between 72% and 77%.
On the temperature spectrum, Stellenbosch registers its highest temperatures from
January to
March, with
February heating up to a maximum of 27.3°C (81.1°F). Gradually as autumn sets in, the mercury drops to lower levels reaching down to 16.2°C (61.2°F) in
July. It is not until
October that a revival in warmth can be observed with the mercury climbing up to 21°C (69.8°F).
In terms of sunshine hours, there's a clear contrast between the balmy summer months with an excess of 10 daylight hours and the winter months that see less than 10 hours of daylight.
The best time to visit Stellenbosch
Optimum travel conditions to
Stellenbosch can be expected during the months of
February and
March. This period offers enjoyable temperatures with highs of 27.3°C (81.1°F) and 25.8°C (78.4°F) respectively. The reduced rainfall during these two months, 8mm (0.31") and 12mm (0.47") respectively, makes them perfect for outdoor activities. Accompanied by over nine hours of daily sunshine and a UV index of 6, visiting Stellenbosch during these months presents an exceptional opportunity for exploration and sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Stellenbosch
The least favourable time to plan a visit to
Stellenbosch is during the winter season, particularly in
June. During this period, the city experiences the heaviest rainfall of the year at 103mm (4.06"). The daylight duration is also shortest, being limited to 9.9 hours, and sunshine hours plummet to the annual lowest of 5.9 hours.
Spring weather in Stellenbosch
Spring ushers in pleasant weather with a maximum temperature fluctuating between 19.8°C (67.6°F) and 22.7°C (72.9°F). Rainfall begins to subside, going down to 42mm (1.65") in
September and further reducing to 29mm (1.14") by
November. Despite the shortening of daylight duration from 10.4 hours to 12.9 hours, the sunshine duration remains nearly consistent at around nine hours. The UV index during this season varies between 4 and 5.
Summer weather in Stellenbosch
The summer months in
Stellenbosch, starting from
December to
February, are characterized by high temperatures that can swing up to 27.3°C (81.1°F). However, the generous sunshine duration of above 10 hours daily and a low rainfall of between 14mm (0.55") to 18mm (0.71") enhance the overall pleasantness of the season. The UV index stands at 6 in this period, necessitating adequate sun protection during outside activities.
Autumn weather in Stellenbosch
With autumn, mild and comfortable temperatures are introduced, easing from a balmy 25.8°C (78.4°F) in
March to 16.2°C (61.2°F) by
July. Rainfall shows a significant increase during these months, commencing at a reasonable 12mm (0.47") in March and escalating to a substantial 103mm (4.06") by
June. As the days shorten and sunshine becomes less frequent, a humid atmosphere is heralded with humidity levels ranging from 68% to 76%.
Winter weather in Stellenbosch
Winters in
Stellenbosch are idyllically mild, with high temperatures remaining between 16.2°C (61.2°F) to 16.3°C (61.3°F) from
June to
August. A certain degree of wetness is associated with winters, with the rainfall amount varying from 67mm (2.64") to 71mm (2.8") across these months. Daylight duration experiences a small rebound from 9.9 hours in June to 10.9 hours in August, while sunshine hours also revive slightly to around 7 hours. Despite the reduced visibility of 9 km, a relatively windless atmosphere with a mild breeze at 11.6km/h (7.2mph) sets a tranquil winter scene.
Weather in January
A new year in
Stellenbosch starts with temperatures and persepectives peaking.
January reaches its apex with temperatures going from 15.8°C (60.4°F) to 26.8°C (80.2°F), among the highest observed in the city. While transitioning from
December, less rain is noticed with predominantly sunny days due to lower cloud cover.
Weather in January »Weather in February
In
Stellenbosch,
February's weather maintains the vigil of warmth with a subtle drop. Record shows slightly lower rainfall compared to
January, indicating drier conditions. However, no drastic changes in temperature or humidity are felt between these two months.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The climatic pattern of
Stellenbosch in
March takes minor turns from
February. The temperature recedes a bit allowing for more temperate conditions. A hint of additional rain is experienced with a relative increase in cloud cover and humidity.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings a more significant shuffle in
Stellenbosch's weather than the transition seen in
March. While temperatures continue to drop, rainfall peaks from March's average 12mm (0.47") to 35mm (1.38"), indicating the onset of a wet period.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Stellenbosch unfolds with a continuous cool-down, achieved by a consistent drop in temperature from
April. The month showers the city with its highest average rainfall, 42mm (1.65"). Clouds become a more typical part of the sky, leading to an increase in relative humidity.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Stellenbosch is characterized by a wintry facade. The coolest phase revisits with average temperatures going down to 8.7°C (47.7°F) to 16.2°C (61.2°F). Despite a dip in rainfall from
May's level, June stands as the month with maximum rainy days, signaling the height of the wet season.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July perpetuates the cooler weather pattern from
June in
Stellenbosch. Temperature and rainfall levels remain quite identical, marking a stable phase in the city's weather. There is also a semblance in cloud percentage and relative humidity.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Stellenbosch experiences a noteworthy shift in the weather during
August. The rainfall maxes out at 71mm (2.8"), creating the wettest chapter of the year. However, steadily increasing daylight brings a contrast to the town's gloomy rains.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September provides a sign of respite from rainfall to the people of
Stellenbosch. This month brings a considerable drop in rainfall from the saturating wetness of
August. As a result, cloud cover starts to thin out, making way for more sunshine hours.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Stellenbosch witnesses a substantial uplift in weather conditions from
September. A temperature increase hints at the city's slow but steady return to its warmer days. Sunshine hours climb back into the double digits, bathing the city in bright daylight for longer periods.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Stellenbosch embraces the high-spirited
November with a warmer demeanor and falling rain. Unhindered by excessive rainfall, the city enjoys clear skies for more hours due to declining cloud cover. This drop in cloud presence is synonymous with the fall in rainfall from
October's level.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Stellenbosch culminates the year in
December graced by a combination of ascending temperature and descending precipitation. As a result, December stands distinct amongst other months with maximum daylight hours and lower average rainfall.
Weather in December »