The climate of Samfya
Characterized by a predominant humid subtropical climate with a dry winter as defined by Köppen climate classification (Cwa),
Samfya in
Zambia experiences a dynamic array of weather conditions. The annual temperature tends to vary between a low of 12°C (53.6°F) and a high of 33.1°C (91.6°F), with the hottest months being
September to
November. Rainfall is particularly significant in the region, noted for high levels from
December to
March peaking about 267mm (10.51"), thereafter, sharply declining to nearly nonexistent from
May to September.
Extreme climatic contrasts are revealed in relative humidity, which varies considerably from 87% during the wet season to only 34% during the driest months. Amid these weather variations, sunshine fills the sky for an average of 7.6 hours up to a maximum of 11.2 hours − observed in November. The average visibility oscillates around 7 to 10 km, impacted by seasonal weather changes. Cloud cover is partially present throughout the year, but it significantly decreases from 57% in
January to a mere 4% by September.
Wind patterns follow a similar rhythm, ranging from 6.4km/h (4mph) to 11.6km/h (7.2mph) with wind gust velocities noted between 10.4km/h (6.5mph) and 17.9km/h (11.1mph). Atmospheric pressure is fairly constant between 1011.1mb to 1018.5mb across the 12-month cycle demonstrating the uniformity within this element of the climate.
The best time to visit Samfya
Undeniably, the most ideal time to visit
Samfya is during the dry season which stretches from
May to
September. During this period, rainfall is virtually nonexistent and humidity drops to the lowest levels. Temperatures remain pleasantly warm between 14.5°C (58.1°F) to 31.5°C (88.7°F), proffering undiluted warmth and sunshine. With an average of 11.5 daylight hours and up to 10 hours of sunshine, conditions are perfect for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.
The worst time to visit Samfya
Visiting
Samfya from
December to
March might not be as agreeable due to incessant heavy rainfall. The temperatures comparatively cooler, ranging from 12°C (53.6°F) to 25.2°C (77.4°F). The relative humidity is also at its peak, making conditions muggy and damp. It's advisable to plan a visit outside these wet months.
Spring weather in Samfya
Spring weather from
September to
November in
Samfya showcases a temperature range between 17.5°C (63.5°F) and 33.1°C (91.6°F), with increasing warmth. While the beginning of spring might occasionally have scarce rainfall, by November, rainfall is virtually absent. Days get brighter with 12 to 12.4 hours of daylight and 9.3 to 11.2 hours of sunshine.
Summer weather in Samfya
Defined by hot conditions and drastic reduction in rain, the summer in
Samfya (
December to
February) holds temperatures from 17.8°C (64°F) up to 25.2°C (77.4°F). Despite the high humidity levels and heavy rains amounting to 267mm (10.51") in December, an abundance of sunshine persists with an average of about 8.4 to 7.5 hours of clear, sunny skies.
Autumn weather in Samfya
Autumn is another dry season in
Samfya starting from
March until
May. Temperatures during this time fall into a comfortable range from 12.3°C (54.1°F) to 25.7°C (78.3°F). Rainfall almost completely disappears in May, creating a dry atmosphere with lower relative humidity at 62%.
Winter weather in Samfya
Winter in
Samfya spans from
June to
August. The climate remains dry, with little to no rainfall. This period sees the lowest temperatures of the year, falling to 12°C (53.6°F) in June and rising to around 28.7°C (83.7°F) by August. With the humidity at its lowest and an average of 11.5 daylight hours, conditions are relatively pleasant without detriment to outdoor activities.
Weather in January
With the coming of the New Year,
January brings cloudy conditions, imbuing
Samfya with a hushed tranquillity. Largely overcast skies result from generous rainfall, delivering significant moisture to the surrounding vegetation. Adverse atmospheric conditions often limit visibility, engendering an enveloped landscape.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Transitioning into
February, the weather in
Samfya continues to reflect the damp conditions of
January, albeit with slight improvements. The frequency of rainy days decreases, promising slightly more sunshine hours and presenting a gradual drift towards brighter days.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Following
February's damp atmosphere,
March sees a marked reduction in precipitation. The cloudy skies slowly give way to clearer vistas, affording more sunlight hours. The prevailing winds gradually intensify, ushering a pleasant breeze through the town.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April ushers in notable weather changes in
Samfya. The transition from the rainy to the drier months gains momentum as the rainfall decreases substantially. Concurrent with this decline, humidity drops, signalling the retreat of the damp conditions of the preceding months.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The month of
May characterises the definite break from the damp conditions that dominated the first quarter of the year in
Samfya. Skies turn significantly clearer, reflecting the declining rainfall levels. Concurrently, humidity descends further, marking the landscape with the distinct crispness of the dry months.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June exemplifies the dry season in
Samfya. Cloud coverage reduces to a minimum, yielding brilliantly sunlit days. These clear skies provide ample sunlight, fostering warmer average temperatures across the city. The air turns drier still, characterised by the low humidity levels.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues the dry spell in
Samfya, maintaining the pristine conditions of
June. Limited cloud coverage allows for plentiful hours of sunshine, while temperatures remain consistently warm. Simultaneously, the air maintains its dryness, characterised by the persistently low humidity levels.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Despite the progressing year,
August retains the prominent features of the dry season, akin to its predecessors,
June and
July. The sunlit days and clear skies continue to dominate the weather in
Samfya. The wind remains steady, refreshing the otherwise static conditions of the dry months.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September marks the transition from the dry months with a gradual increase in humidity and cloud cover. Despite this, days remain predominantly clear, granting generous sunlight hours. The breeze moderates slightly, yet continues to carry the crispness of the previous dry months.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October observes a further shift towards increased moisture and cloud cover. The warm temperatures slowly yield to cooler averages, signalling a shift in weather. Winds maintain mild gusts, dispersing the incremental humidity across
Samfya.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The transitional trend observed in
October intensifies in
November. Cloud coverage increases noticeably, partially shading the otherwise vibrant sunlit hours. Steadying winds draw a cooler breeze through
Samfya, lowering average temperatures.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Finally,
December reinstates the substantial rainfall that characterises
Samfya at the beginning of the year. Enveloped by increased cloud cover, the town sees limited sunshine hours, casting a shaded tranquillity. Winds mellow down, further augmenting the calmness of the month.
Weather in December »