The climate of Chingola
Chingola,
Zambia is characterized by a Cwa climate classification under the Köppen system. This indicates a humid subtropical climate with dry winters. The town resides within the tropics, which contributes to its overall warm weather conditions throughout the year.
Examining the climatological data, it becomes evident that temperatures remain relatively consistent over the course of the year. The high temperature typically hovers between 24.5°C (76.1°F) to 33.1°C (91.6°F), while the low temperature ranges from 10.7°C (51.3°F) to 19°C (66.2°F). Furthermore, relative humidity levels reach their peak during the early months of the year, specifically between
January to
March, averaging around 89%. The driest periods are from
May to
September with humidity decreasing substantially to around 30%.
Rainfall patterns in Chingola are distinctive, particularly towards the ends of the year. The highest recorded rainfall of 247mm (9.72") occurs in
December with a corresponding increase in rainy days to approximately 29.8. Conversely, there is virtually no rainfall from May to September. During these unprecedented dry spells, the recorded averages stand at 0mm (0") of rainfall and less than 1 rainy day, signifying a clearly defined dry season. This dry season coincides with increased wind speeds which average from 10.3km/h (6.4mph) in May to 12km/h (7.5mph) in September.
The best time to visit Chingola
Given
Chingola's overall warm and sunny weather conditions, the best time to visit would ideally coincide with the dry season. From
May to
September, there is minimal rainfall, low humidity levels, and relatively cooler temperatures, with highs averaging 24.8°C (76.6°F) to 31.9°C (89.4°F) and lows between 10.7°C (51.3°F) to 16.8°C (62.2°F). These conditions are perfect for outdoor activities such as wildlife watching, hiking, or simply exploring the sights of the city.
The worst time to visit Chingola
While the concept of a "worst" time to visit is subjective and dependent on an individual's tolerance for certain weather conditions, it is advisable to avoid visiting
Chingola during the rainy season. From
October to
April, the region experiences heavy rainfall with
December recording the highest average of 247mm (9.72") and around 29.8 rainy days. Additionally, the high levels of relative humidity during this period, reaching up to 89%, can create discomfort for visitors not accustomed to such conditions.
Spring weather in Chingola
Considering that
Chingola is located in the tropics, traditional seasons synonymous with temperate climates are not applicable. However, the period from
September to
November can be considered analogous to spring due to moderating temperatures and receding dryness. During these months, temperatures rise slightly with averages from 24.8°C (76.6°F) to 33.1°C (91.6°F) while humidity begins to increase, marking the transition towards the rainy season.
Summer weather in Chingola
Summer in
Chingola, spanning
December to
February, is characterized by the region's highest temperatures, peaking at an average high of 33.1°C (91.6°F) in
January, coupled with increased humidity levels of approximately 89%. Concurrently, this period marks the onset of the rainy season, hence, one should expect significant increases in precipitation and rainy days.
Autumn weather in Chingola
From
March to
May,
Chingola experiences a period of "autumn-like" weather. This period, transitioning from the rainy to the dry season, sees a decrease in temperatures to as low as 24.9°C (76.8°F) and similarly reduced rainfall. Additionally, humidity levels begin to recede from their previous highs, culminating in more comfortable weather conditions.
Winter weather in Chingola
Finally,
Chingola's dry season, from
June to
August, takes on a winter-like quality. Throughout this period, the region experiences noticeably cooler temperatures, ranging from 24.8°C (76.6°F) to 28.7°C (83.7°F) along with lower humidity levels, reaching a minimum of 37% in August. This period also records the least amount of rainfall, with virtually zero precipitation and minimal rainy days. Despite the referred term "winter", visitors can still expect warm and comfortable conditions due to Chingola’s overall tropical climate.
Weather in January
Weather in
Chingola,
Zambia starts the year with high humidity, dense cloud cover and significant amounts of rain. With the wind speed peaking at 7.8km/h (4.8mph),
January is not particularly windy. As is typical for this time of year, the amount of daylight ranks considerably lower than in the summer months.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The month of
February sees slight changes in the weather patterns compared to
January. Overall,
Chingola experiences slightly less rainfall and offers improved visibility. The month is characterised by a marginal decrease in humidity, while the temperature remains relatively constant.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Transitioning towards drier conditions, weather in
March shows a reduction in both rainfall and relative humidity from the high levels seen in
February. Despite dip in rainfall, temperatures remain consistent with previous months, providing a welcoming environment for outdoor activities.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As
April arrives,
Chingola sees a significant reduction in rainfall to 61mm (2.4"), marking the transition from wet to dry season. The decrease in rainfall is accompanied by a noticeable drop in cloud cover and an increase in daylight hours.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May signals the start of the dry season in
Chingola. This month is characterised by its dryness, as rainfall activity significantly decreases. A notable weather pattern this month is an increase in visibility, attributed to the reduction in cloud cover.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Weather in
June sees the continuation of
Chingola's dry season with no rainfall recorded. The exceptionally dry weather is accompanied by a substantial increase in sunshine days to 28.7, considering the decrease in cloud cover. There is a noticeable decrease in temperature, yet the overall climate remains quite pleasant.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July introduces the windiest conditions of the year in
Chingola, with wind gusts reaching up to 17.6km/h (10.9mph). Despite being the windiest month, July remains the driest month with the absence of rainfall. Temperature drops marginally, continuing the cooling trend.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The weather in
August in
Chingola remains consistent with previous months, maintaining high pressure and low humidity. Despite the lack of rainfall, temperatures start to increase, signalling the end of the cooler, dry period. A slight reduction in wind speed is also observed.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September sees the first signs of the wet season returning to
Chingola, with an observed rainfall of 1mm (0.04"). As the rains return, temperatures continue to increase, making the city gradually warmer. September weather still benefits from the high number of sunshine hours and days, while wind speeds maintain their moderation.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings a significant shift in the weather as
Chingola enters the rainy season with rainfall increasing to 15mm (0.59"). Despite the return of the rains, the month benefits from a high number of sunshine hours per day. In keeping with the change in weather, the month sees an increase in humidity and a decrease in wind speeds.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November is characterised by a notable increase in rainfall, setting the pace for the forthcoming wet season. The month marks a drastic rise in humidity levels, commensurate with the increase in rainfall. Despite the weather change, temperatures remain pleasantly warm.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December represents the height of the rainy season in
Chingola, with rainfall escalating to 247mm (9.72"). The month is punctuated by a significant increase in cloud cover, reducing sunshine hours and lowering visibility. Despite the heavy rains, temperatures remain consistent and comfortably warm throughout the day.
Weather in December »