The climate of Welkom
Welkom, found in the heartland of
South Africa, boasts a BSk Köppen climate classification, which maps to a Mid-latitude Steppe climate. The region enjoys sizable temperature fluctuations from the chillier 5.5°C (41.9°F) low in
July to the sweltering summer highs of 30.2°C (86.4°F) in
January. Amidst these peaks and troughs, the median temperature stays within a comfortable mid-range. This climate type allows for a semi-arid weather condition with reprieve provided by sporadic, light showers.
Year-round, the sunlight graces Welkom for approximately 10.4 hours to 13.7 hours a day. Although here sunshine does not just denote daylight, it is a measurement of direct, unfiltered sunlight, which ranges from 7.4 hours in
August to 11.9 hours during
November and
December. Over the course of the year, cloud coverage remains relatively low, reaching a peak of 19% in January and
February while dropping to a measly 6% in July and August.
Rainfall in Welkom follows a predictable pattern. Heightened precipitation is observed in the summer months, revealed in the recorded levels of 33mm (1.3") in January and decreasing to 29mm (1.14") in December. Contrastingly, the dry winter leaves the landscape parched with barely 2mm (0.08") of rainfall from
June to August. It is also important to note the wind conditions throughout the year. With average wind speeds reaching up to 14.4km/h (8.9mph) in November and gusts topping 21.2km/h (13.2mph), it is worth considering when planning outdoor activities.
The best time to visit Welkom
Whilst favorable conditions might be subjective based on individual preferences, the general consensus points towards the autumn months of
April and
May as ideal for a visit. During this period, the weather is mild with high temperatures ranging from 23.6°C (74.5°F) to 21.3°C (70.3°F) and lows falling between 12.5°C (54.5°F) to 9.7°C (49.5°F). Rainfall is also relatively low during these months, only reaching 22mm (0.87") in April and falling to 4mm (0.16") by May.
Moreover, visitors get the opportunity to experience longer daylight hours, approximately 10.7 to 11.4 hours and following the sun, visitors can make the most of 7.6 to 8 hours of direct sunshine. Although the UV index remains at 4, visitors should protect their skin and eyes against potential harm due to exposure.
The worst time to visit Welkom
Based on climatological data, winter months, specifically
June and
July, are considered less favorable times to visit
Welkom. The weather during this period gets considerably colder with low temperatures falling to 5.7°C (42.3°F) in June and reaching a winter low of 5.5°C (41.9°F) in July. Alongside this, the month of June sees minimal rainfall with a recording of 3mm (0.12"), further plummeting to 2mm (0.08") by July, offering limited rejuvenation to the arid environment.
Spring weather in Welkom
Welkom's spring blooms from
September to early
December. In this period, temperatures record a steady rise from 25.8°C (78.4°F) in September to 30.1°C (86.2°F) by December with corresponding lows of 10.8°C (51.4°F) to 17.5°C (63.5°F). With the advent of spring, diminishing cloud cover allows for increased sunshine hours varying between 9.8 hours in September to as high as 11.7 in December. While rainfall gradually increases from a minimal 6mm (0.24") in September to 29mm (1.14") by December, the wind simultaneously picks up speed from 13.3km/h (8.3mph) to 13.2km/h (8.2mph).
Summer weather in Welkom
Summers in
Welkom stretch through the months of
December to
March, bearing witness to the highest recorded temperatures from 27.8°C (82°F) to 30.2°C (86.4°F). Correspondingly, the lowest temperatures fluctuate from 14.2°C (57.6°F) to 18.6°C (65.5°F). Although the summer period carries the heaviest rainfall, ranging between 14mm (0.55") in
October to 33mm (1.3") in
January, it is also the period of highest sunlight receiving around 11.7 to 11.8 hours of direct sunshine.
Autumn weather in Welkom
Autumn graces
Welkom from
April till
June, bringing a noticeable drop in temperatures. High temperatures start at 23.6°C (74.5°F) in April, steadily decreasing to 17.3°C (63.1°F) in June, and the lower limit also decreases, measuring 12.5°C (54.5°F) in April and dropping to 5.7°C (42.3°F) in June. These cooling temperatures coincide with a substantial decline in rainfall, a mere 22mm (0.87") in April dropping to 3mm (0.12") in June.
Winter weather in Welkom
Winter takes its course in
Welkom from
June to
August. This period is characterized by lower temperatures ranging from 17.5°C (63.5°F) to 21.1°C (70°F) with corresponding lows of 5.5°C (41.9°F) to 7.3°C (45.1°F). This period witnesses the least rainfall, with just 2mm (0.08") precipitation in
July and August. Though the winter period carries fewer daylight hours, direct sunshine still stands relatively strong, offering around 7.5 to 7.6 hours of sunlight.
Weather in January
In
January,
Welkom's climate transitions from a year-end mellow to a full-throttle warm period. It tends to be hotter than
December, averaging a high temperature of 30.2°C (86.4°F), with humidity levels hovering around 49%. Expect fewer hours of daylight and sunshine compared to December, while rainfall sits moderately at 33mm (1.3").
Weather in January »Weather in February
February in
Welkom brings a slight decrease in temperatures compared to the heat levels of
January. However, temperature changes tend not to be dramatically different from the preceding months. The humidity level subtly increases, intensifying the atmospheric density.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Welcoming autumn,
March in
Welkom sees another temperature drop from 29.3°C (84.7°F) to 27.9°C (82.2°F) and a marginal increase in atmospheric pressure. The overall climate becomes visibly cooler as the month progresses, preparing the pathway for autumn.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April,
Welkom's weather undergoes noticeable changes, signaling the midst of autumn. A marked temperature drop from 27.9°C (82.2°F) in
March to April's 23.6°C (74.5°F) signals a definite shift in climate. The days continue to shorten, and a dip in the UV index demonstrates the sun's weakening intensity.
Weather in April »Weather in May
With the month of
May,
Welkom embraces the colder season. The temperature begins to drop even further, and the difference compared to
April is noticeable. The dropping temperature also brings a welcome reduction in humidity, leading to crisp, clear skies.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the arrival of winter in
Welkom. The city experiences its coldest temperatures of the year in this month, significantly lower than in
May. However, drier air brings about clearer skies and increased visibility. The decrease in temperature is accompanied by a reduction in rainfall, making June the driest month of the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Welkom's weather in
July is characterized by the continual cold winter temperatures that began in
June. Nevertheless, a tiny rise in temperature does occur, indicating that the coldest phase has passed. Albeit the temperature rise, the climate remains chilly, with minimum temperatures scarcely rising above 6°C (42.8°F).
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August,
Welkom begins to experience early signs of the coming spring. While the weather remains cold compared to the summer months, there is a slight increase from the winter temperatures seen in
July. The city gains longer daylight hours, and a slight rise in UV index marks the return of Welkom's typically sun-drenched weather.
Weather in August »Weather in September
Welkom's weather shifts significantly in
September, with a dramatic rise in high temperatures from
August's 21.1°C (70°F) to a steaming 25.8°C (78.4°F). The welcomed warmth signifies the onset of spring and a departure from the cold and crisp winter weather.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Welkom is relatively warm following the considerable temperature rise in
September. A resurgence in rainfall becomes apparent, marking a break in the dry spell that dominates since the departure of
July's drizzle. Despite increasing rainfall, the city basks in plenty of sunshine, making the month comfortably warm rather than stifling, especially compared to the impending rise in heat that
November will bring. As Welkom welcomes October, the average high-temperature stabilizes at a still warm 27.8°C (82°F), showing little deviation from September's 25.8°C (78.4°F).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November denotes the onset of summer in
Welkom, with noticeable changes in weather conditions. There's a rise in both temperature and humidity, reflecting the change of seasons. Cloud cover starts to build up, preparing for the increased rainfall typical of
December.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Welkom culminates in the year's hottest temperatures, averaging a high of 30.1°C (86.2°F), an increase from
November's heat. The rise in heat is accompanied by an uptick in cloudiness and precipitation, hallmarking Welkom's rainy season.
Weather in December »