Climate and monthly weather forecast
Kitwe, Zambia

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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 »

Frequently asked questions

What are the coldest months?

The months of January and June see the lowest levels of Kitwe's temperatures, averaging a high of 25.1°C (77.2°F).

How many days does it rain?

In Kitwe, Zambia, during the entire year, the rain falls for 154 days and collects up to 929mm (36.57") of precipitation.

What are the months with the lowest UV index?

January through June, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 5, are months with the lowest UV index.

What is the most humid month?

February is the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 89%.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

The month with the least sunshine is February, with an average of 7h of sunshine.

What is the driest month?

In Kitwe, Zambia, rain does not fall in June through August.

What is the month with the shortest days?

With an average of 11h and 24min of daylight, June has the shortest days of the year in Kitwe.

What is the least humid month?

The least humid month is September, with an average relative humidity of 30%.

When does it rain?

Months with rainfall are January through May, September through December.

What are the months with the highest UV index?

The months with the highest UV index are September and October, with an average maximum UV index of 7.

What is the hottest time of year?

The warmest temperatures occur during October, when averages reach a peak of 33.5°C (92.3°F) and a low of 19.1°C (66.4°F).

What month has the most sunshine?

With an average of 12.2h of sunshine, October has the most sunshine of the year.

What is the rainiest month in Kitwe?

December is the month with the most rainfall in Kitwe. Rain falls for 28 days and accumulates 208mm (8.19") of precipitation.

When are the longest days in Kitwe?

December has the longest days of the year, with an average of 12h and 54min of daylight.

Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

Kitwe does not utilize Daylight Saving Time (DST). CAT timezone is used over the entire year.

Average temperature
Kitwe, Zambia

Average temperature - Kitwe, Zambia

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is October (33.5°C).
The months with the lowest average high temperature are January and June (25.1°C).

The month with the highest average low temperature is October (19.1°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is July (10.5°C).

Average pressure
Kitwe, Zambia

Average pressure - Kitwe, Zambia

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is July (1019.2mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is November (1011.3mbar).

Average wind speed
Kitwe, Zambia

Average wind speed - Kitwe, Zambia

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is September (11.7km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is February (6.2km/h).

Average humidity
Kitwe, Zambia

Average humidity - Kitwe, Zambia

The month with the highest relative humidity is February (89%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is September (30%).

Average rainfall
Kitwe, Zambia

Average rainfall - Kitwe, Zambia

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is December (208mm).
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are June, July and August (0mm).

Average rainfall days
Kitwe, Zambia

Average rainfall days - Kitwe, Zambia

The month with the highest number of rainy days is January (28.4 days).
The month with the least rainy days is August (0.1 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Kitwe, Zambia

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Kitwe, Zambia

The month with the longest days is December (Average daylight: 12h and 54min).
The month with the shortest days is June (Average daylight: 11h and 24min).

The month with the most sunshine is October (Average sunshine: 12h and 12min).
The month with the least sunshine is February (Average sunshine: 7h and 0min).

Average sunshine days
Kitwe, Zambia

Average sunshine days - Kitwe, Zambia

The month with the most sunshine days is August (30.8 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is February (2.2 days).

Average UV index
Kitwe, Zambia

Average UV index - Kitwe, Zambia

The months with the highest UV index are September and October (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, April, May, June, November and December (UV index 5).

Average visibility
Kitwe, Zambia

Average visibility - Kitwe, Zambia

The months with the highest visibility are June, July, August, September and October (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February and March (6km).

Kitwe, Zambia

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