The climate of Choma
Choma, located in
Zambia, experiences a climatic condition defined as Humid subtropical, dry winter in the Köppen climate classification (Cwa). The weather in Choma showcases distinct variations seen in the average monthly temperature, humidity, rainfall, and sunshine hours.
Throughout the year, temperatures fluctuate between a maximum average of 32.6°C (90.7°F) and a minimum average of 10.5°C (50.9°F). The months of
October and
November record the highest average temperature at 32.6°C (90.7°F) and 30.5°C (86.9°F), respectively, while the coldest month is
July with a minimum average of 10.5°C (50.9°F).
Choma's climate is moderately humid with an annual average relative humidity of 82% in
January and 53% in July. A similar trend is visible in rainfall patterns as well. The city receives an average annual rainfall ranging from 156mm (6.14") in
December to 1mm (0.04") in
June and July, concentrated mainly in the rainy season from November to
March.
Sunlight is prevalent in Choma with the shortest daily sunlight recorded at 7.6 hours (in
May, June, and July) and the longest at 12.2 hours (in October). Wind movements remain fairly consistent throughout the year, ranging on average from 8.2km/h (5.1mph) to 12.9km/h (8mph).
The best time to visit Choma
Ideal conditions for visiting
Choma are typically from
June to
October. During these months, Choma experiences the least rainfall (from 1mm (0.04") in June and
July to no rainfall from
August to October) with an average temperature of 26.6°C (79.9°F) in
September and 30.5°C (86.9°F) in October. The increase in sunshine hours up to 12.2 hours per day in October combined with the diminished humidity and negligible rainfall makes this period attractive for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Choma
The period between
December and
February can be considered the least favorable for visiting
Choma. These months register high amounts of rainfall with the average surging to 156mm (6.14") in December and still remaining fairly high at 102mm (4.02") in February. Concurrently, the relative humidity escalates up to 84% in February, creating conditions less comfortable for outdoor exploration.
Spring weather in Choma
Between
September and
November, the weather in
Choma transitions from the cooler dry season to the warm wet season. September is the driest month with no reported rainfall, while November sees a drastic surge in precipitation, up to 80mm (3.15"). The average daily temperature increases from 26.6°C (79.9°F) in September to 30.5°C (86.9°F) in November, while minimum temperatures also rise from 13.1°C (55.6°F) in September to 19.9°C (67.8°F) in November.
Summer weather in Choma
The transition into summer from
December to
February is accompanied by substantial rainfall. The average temperatures remain fairly high, peaking at 32.6°C (90.7°F) in December, with the lowest average temperature recorded at 17.6°C (63.7°F) in February. December and
January see the longest hours of daylight at 13.1 and 13 hours, but actual sunshine hours are limited due to higher cloud cover.
Autumn weather in Choma
Autumn, from
March to
May, is characterized by receding rains and cooling temperatures. Rainfall drops significantly from 54mm (2.13") in March to as low as 3mm (0.12") in May. While the period marks a decline in temperatures, humidity follows a decreasing trend as well, making it an opportune time for holiday-goers to explore.
Winter weather in Choma
Winter in
Choma spans from
June to
August, during which the city experiences the least rainfall. With an average temperature of 22.6°C (72.7°F) in
July, the weather remains mild during these months. Despite shorter daylight hours, ranging from 11.1 to 11.6 hours, sufficient sunshine allows for pleasant outdoor activities.
Weather in January
The year kicks off in
Choma,
Zambia, with
January weather marked by high humidity and substantial rainfall. Daylight hours are ample for this part of the year, but cloud cover often makes for overcast skies. The notable characteristic for January relates to a higher relative humidity of 82% and considerable rainfall of 149mm (5.87") occurring over an average of 23.6 days.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As
Choma,
Zambia moves into
February, a decrease in both rainfall and humidity from the previous month is noted, indicating a transition towards drier conditions. Despite this change, February still retains a significant amount of cloud cover, resulting in lower sunshine hours than in the following months.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Significant changes characterize the weather in
March in
Choma,
Zambia. A decrease in rainfall, relative humidity, and cloud cover from the previous month hints at the incoming dry season. The gusty weather continues, offering a cool respite from the gradually increasing temperatures.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings in a marked dry and warmer shift in the weather in
Choma,
Zambia. Compared to
March, rainfall decreases even further while pressure increases. The lessening cloud cover brings longer sunshine hours, further contributing to the warmer climate.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May oversees a significant decrease in humidity and cloud coverage in
Choma,
Zambia, from the preceding month. A subtle drop in average temperature contributes to an overall cooler climate, which is further accentuated by gusty winds.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June indicates the arrival of winter in
Choma,
Zambia coupled with a further dwindling of humidity and nearly no rainfall. The shift is stark from the proceeding month, with June exhibiting the lowest recorded temperatures for the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July carries forward the cool, dry trend in
Choma,
Zambia, similar to
June with little to no rainfall. This mid-year month witnesses lengthening daylight hours with lower cloud coverage, allowing more room for extended sunshine. The strength of the wind reaches its peak in July pushing to 17km/h (10.6mph).
Weather in July » Weather in August
The weather in
August in
Choma,
Zambia, continues along the same lines as the previous two months. Humidity remains extremely low, and rainfall is negligible, indicating that the drier winter season still holds. The month still benefits from the extended sunshine in contrast to the lowering temperatures.
Weather in August »Weather in September
A change is ushered in
September in
Choma,
Zambia, with a steady increase in both temperature and humidity. The rise in temperature indicates a departure from the winter season as the region enters spring. The warmest conditions prevail in September, witnessing a surge in the temperature to 30.5°C (86.9°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Choma,
Zambia, witnesses a further climb in both temperature and humidity. From the sharp incline in temperature and the first signs of rainfall after the long dry period, there's a considerable shift in the climate.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November brings with it the onset of significant rainfall in
Choma,
Zambia, as it transitions fully into the wet season. The sharp increase in cloud coverage and relative humidity from the previous month is accompanied by a slight dip in temperature.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December experiences a further increase in rainfall, making it the wettest month in
Choma,
Zambia. Accompanied by high relative humidity, the climate feels considerably cooler than the previous month. The highlight of December is the highest recorded rainfall of 156mm (6.14") over 24.1 days.
Weather in December »