The climate of Lobamba
Known as a hub of traditional Swazi culture,
Lobamba carries a dignified label as
Swaziland's royal and legislative capital. However, it has its own tale to narrate when it comes to its climatic conditions. Embracing the Köppen climate classification of Cwb, Lobamba experiences a temperate highland tropical climate with dry winters.
Throughout the year, Lobamba's temperatures differ remarkably. A gradual variation is present in the annual high temperature readings, ranging from 21.4°C (70.5°F) to 27.5°C (81.5°F). Simultaneously, the lower temperature levels fluctuate between 9.3°C (48.7°F) and 17.5°C (63.5°F), marking significant seasonal changes. Rainfall differs starkly too, with
November bearing the highest rainfall of 110mm (4.33") and
July enduring the lowest with mere 4mm (0.16").
Speaking of humidity, the figures continue to be high all year round with minor fluctuations about 57 to 82%. The daily hours of daylight and sunshine vary slightly throughout the year, although the sunshine hours vary substantially from 5 to 8 hours. Correspondingly, the wind speed oscillates mildly throughout the year, reaching a peak of 8.2km/h (5.1mph) during
September and a low of 6.1km/h (3.8mph) in
March.
A distinguishing observation is the high UV index of 6 during warmer months from
January to March and again from November to
December. In contrast, the UV index dips to 5 during the cooler months but maintains at this level throughout the most part of the year.
The best time to visit Lobamba
The most favourable period to visit
Lobamba would be from
May to
September. These months proffer pleasant, cooler temperatures ranging from 21.4°C (70.5°F) to 24.3°C (75.7°F) during daytime and 9.3°C (48.7°F) to 11.8°C (53.2°F) in the night. Rainfall is relatively low during these months, making it an ideal time for outdoor exploration. Additionally, with relative humidity ranging from 57% to 67% marking the lowest throughout the year, visitors will find this time-frame comfortable. The UV index decreases to 5, making it less harsh for the skin against the mostly sunny or partly cloudy skies.
The worst time to visit Lobamba
The least ideal time to visit
Lobamba would be the summer months of
November,
December, and
January. These months witness the highest temperatures, soaring number of rainfall days, and high humidity. November is the wettest month, with an average rainfall of 110mm (4.33") spread over approximately 22.7 days, causing possible inconvenience for the visitors.
Spring weather in Lobamba
Spring in
Lobamba, from
September through
November, experiences an increase in temperature with November marking the highest average temperature during spring, nearing 26.4°C (79.5°F). During this time, rainfall also begins to increase, starting from 18mm (0.71") in September to a maximum of 110mm (4.33") in November. Relative humidity levels increase considerably during spring, ranging from 59% to 74%, while the daylight received hovers between 12 to 13.4 hours, providing ample sunlight for outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Lobamba
From
December to
February,
Lobamba experiences its summer. Average high temperatures continue from 26.4°C (79.5°F) to 27.5°C (81.5°F) during these months. December and
January experience substantial rainfall, measuring 71mm (2.8") and 94mm (3.7") respectively. Humidity remains high during these months, ranging from 74% in December to 82% in February. These factors combined might discourage visitors during summer.
Autumn weather in Lobamba
During the autumn months of
March through
May,
Lobamba experiences a gradual decline in temperature with an average high temperature ranging from 26.6°C (79.9°F) to 23.8°C (74.8°F) and a decreasing trend in rainfall, from 58mm (2.28") to a low of 6mm (0.24"). Relative humidity dips during this period to as low as 67% providing more comfortable conditions for visiting.
Winter weather in Lobamba
In winter, from
June to
August,
Lobamba transforms into a favourable destination with average high temperatures fluctuating from 21.4°C (70.5°F) to 23.8°C (74.8°F), and nominal rainfall figures from 4mm (0.16") to 9mm (0.35"). The winters are relatively dry, adding comfort with relatively lower humidity levels between 57% to 59%. Thus, winter proposes an alluring time-period for tourists to visit Lobamba.
Weather in January
January, marking the beginning of the year in
Lobamba,
Swaziland, witnesses a noticeable change in weather with temperature readings from 17.4°C (63.3°F) to 27.3°C (81.1°F). Such conditions result in a warm and humid climate that is characteristic of the month.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
February,
Lobamba basks in a pleasant warm weather identical to
January, with the temperature showing an insignificant increase, ranging from 17.3°C (63.1°F) to 27.4°C (81.3°F). Despite a slight increment in humidity, this month witnesses a fall in rainfall patterns, providing respite to the residents.
Weather in February »Weather in March
For
Lobamba,
March presents a noticeable shift in weather with the temperature dropping from 27.4°C (81.3°F) in
February to 26.6°C (79.9°F). Surrounding this, the rainfall also experiences a decrease, resulting in a drier environment.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April comes with a noticeable dip in temperature in
Lobamba, dropping down to a range between 13.7°C (56.7°F) and 24.3°C (75.7°F). The city starts transitioning towards lower temperatures, evoking a semi-cool climate. Less rainy days and a significant fall in rainfall marks the shift towards a dry season.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings in a further decrease in temperature, turning
Lobamba's weather cool with readings from 11.8°C (53.2°F) to 23.8°C (74.8°F). It is quite distinct from
April's relatively warm weather. A drastic decrease in rainfall to a meager 6mm (0.24"), coupled with a 67% relative humidity, steers the city towards a dry spell.
Weather in May » Weather in June
In
June,
Lobamba experiences a significant decline in temperature compared to
May, with readings marked between 9.4°C (48.9°F) and 21.7°C (71.1°F). This shift in weather conditions brings about colder mornings and nights. The already low rainfall continues its downward trend, resulting in drier conditions.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July maintains a persistently low temperature for the city of
Lobamba, ranging from 9.3°C (48.7°F) to 21.4°C (70.5°F). It follows
June's trend of cold winds, leading to a chilly weather. The rainfall remains scarce, keeping the city under predominately dry and cool conditions.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The weather in
August marks a shift towards gradually warmer condition in
Lobamba, with temperature levels up from 9.3°C (48.7°F) to 23.8°C (74.8°F). This month witnesses an uptick in temperatures compared to
July, indicating the start of a transition towards the hot season.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September sees a further rise in temperature, moving from 13.6°C (56.5°F) in the previous month to 25.9°C (78.6°F). In contrast to
August,
Lobamba experiences a greater amount of rainfall and more cloudy days. Wind speeds reach a yearly high of 8.2km/h (5.1mph), bringing about a breezy climate.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Lobamba continues to witness a warm climate, with the temperature fluctuating from 15°C (59°F) to 25.6°C (78.1°F). This month bridges the transition between the balmy weather of
September and the upcoming high temperatures.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November, the weather in
Lobamba manifests substantially high temperatures, swinging between 16.1°C (61°F) and 26.4°C (79.5°F), coinciding with an increase in rainfall to 71mm (2.8"). The approach of the hot season is apparent, announcing a change from the mild
October climate.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December indicates the start of the hot season in
Lobamba with the temperature surging from 17.5°C (63.5°F) to 27.5°C (81.5°F). This rise is accompanied by the highest rainfall of the year at 110mm (4.33"), making it the wettest month compared to
November.
Weather in December »