The climate of Kitwe
The city of
Kitwe falls under the Köppen climate classification of Cwa, known as a humid subtropical climate with a dry winter. This Zambian metropolis experiences a typical climate pattern characterized by distinct conditions throughout the year.
A close examination of the monthly averages of weather parameters reveals distinctive changes over months. The high temperature ranges from 25.1°C (77.2°F) to a peak of 33.5°C (92.3°F), while the low temperatures fluctuate from 10.5°C (50.9°F) to 19.1°C (66.4°F). It is observed that months from
January to
March and from
December have considerable humidity, reaching up to 89%, and then it falls as low as 30% from
May to
September.
Kitwe receives considerable rainfall, with cumulative average amounts peaking between January and March at over 165mm (6.5") and reaching a plateau from May to September with negligible rainfall. The city experiences an unpredictable pattern in terms of daylight hours, swinging between 11.4 hours to a high of 12.9 hours, as well as in terms of sunshine hours, registering a low of 7 hours in
February and a high of 12.2 hours in
October.
Notably, Kitwe experiences elevated UV index values from May to October, peaking at 7. The wind speeds in the area display substantial increases from January onwards, with gusts reaching up to 17.7km/h (11mph) in September.
The best time to visit Kitwe
The best time to visit
Kitwe would arguably be during the dry season, which runs from
May to
September. During these months, tourists can enjoy relatively lower humidity levels, ranging from 30% to 59%, and negligible rainfall. Also, the daylight hours increase during these months, offering longer days for outdoor activities. Wind gusts are at their peak during this time, reaching up to 16.6km/h (10.3mph) in
July and 17.7km/h (11mph) in September, further enhancing the refreshingly pleasant conditions.
The worst time to visit Kitwe
Tourists are advised to avoid visiting
Kitwe during the first quarter of the year.
January to
March characterized by high rainfall amounts of up to 204mm (8.03"), combined with high humidity levels moving upwards of 88%. Although these are the months with the lowest wind speeds, the gusts reach up to 10.8km/h (6.7mph) in March.
Spring weather in Kitwe
Spring in
Kitwe, from
September to
November, endures a transitional period marked by gradually increasing rainfall and humidity. September kicks off with high temperatures hovering around 32.2°C (90°F) and relatively low rainfall. However, by November, the rainfall more than doubles from 1mm (0.04") to 105mm (4.13"), while the humidity rises from 30% to 63%.
Summer weather in Kitwe
Summer months in
Kitwe from
December to
February are humid with extensive rainfall. February is the wettest month, with up to 184mm (7.24") average rainfall. The high temperatures during summer range from 25.1°C (77.2°F) to 29.1°C (84.4°F), while the humidity remains high, around the 80% mark, further enhancing the warm, tropical ambiance.
Autumn weather in Kitwe
The autumn in
Kitwe, between
March and
May, sees a marked decrease in rainfall with May receiving no significant rainfall. This period witnesses a notable drop in the mercury levels with low temperatures slipping to 12.8°C (55°F). The humidity also experiences a downward trend from 88% in March to 59% in May.
Winter weather in Kitwe
Winter in
Kitwe, from
June to
August, is refreshingly pleasant. The high temperatures hover around 25.5°C (77.9°F) to 29.1°C (84.4°F) with negligible rainfall and reduced humidity levels as low as 38% in August. June and
July offer maximum daylight hours of 11.4, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
Weather in January
January in
Kitwe,
Zambia, is a month characterized by high humidity, frequent rainfall and limited sunlight. The weather transitions from the high temperatures of the last month,
December, with a drop in maximum temperatures from 26.5°C (79.7°F) to 25.1°C (77.2°F).
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
Kitwe,
Zambia,
February witnesses a slight drop in rainfall but still remains quite humid and damp. This weather pattern is quite similar to
January but with a marginally higher average temperature. Despite a reduction of the downpour from 204mm (8.03") to 184mm (7.24"), February retains its cloudy atmosphere.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Kitwe marks the transition from the rainy season towards a period of more sunshine. The weather patterns shift noticeably from
February, with a discernible decrease in rainfall, humidity, and cloudiness. Rainfall is reduced to 165mm (6.5") from 184mm (7.24") in February, decreasing the cloud cover and raising sunshine duration.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Kitwe,
Zambia steps into its drier season in
April. There is a significant shift from
March’s weather, marked by things brightening up with longer periods of sunlight and significantly less rainfall, even though temperatures begin to cool.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings a considerable amount of sunshine to
Kitwe, as the city enters its dry season. The city's climate moves away from the wet conditions of
April, shedding most of its humidity and rainfall. This month sees drastic reduction in the number of rainfall days to 5.3 and a drop in rainfall levels to 6mm (0.24").
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Kitwe,
Zambia, is characterized by a very dry climate with a considerable increase in sunlight hours. The city continues to move further into its dry season, transitioning sharply from the weather conditions in
May. The almost absence of rainfall, registering a mere 0.5 days with almost no rainfall, and the minimum cloud cover highlight the month.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The weather in
Kitwe during
July remains significantly dry, carrying the trend from
June. The city experiences its lowest annual humidity and almost no rainfall, making it a perfect month for outdoor activities. The almost non-existent rainfall, which records at a non-observable level, and the lowest relative humidity at 52%, are standout features for July.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August in
Kitwe sees a slight shift in weather as it nears its hottest month. The dry spell from
July continues, albeit with slightly higher temperatures. The city sees its highest average temperature in August, soaring up to 29.1°C (84.4°F).
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Kitwe,
Zambia brings a slight increase in temperature, marking it as the hottest month of the year. The previous trend from
August persists, with a constant rise in temperature and no significant change in rainfall.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Kitwe witnesses a change in the weather pattern as it starts transitioning to a rainy season. From the hot and dry conditions of
September, there is a noticeable cooling, although the temperatures remain relatively high.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Kitwe,
Zambia, marks a significant change, transitioning from the relatively dry weather of
October towards the rainy season. The weather sees a reversal with an increase in cloud cover, humidity, and significant rainfall.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Kitwe witnesses frequent occurrences of rainfall, concluding the weather cycle on a wetter note. The weather moves from the moderate conditions of
November back to significant rainfall and high humidity. Rainfall measures up to 208mm (8.19"), making it one of the wetter months of the year.
Weather in December »