The climate of Bujumbura
In a city nestled within the heart of Africa, the climate adheres to the Köppen climate classification as a tropical wet and dry, or savanna climate.
Bujumbura, the capital city of
Burundi, experiences a significant seasonal variation in the amount of rainfall, however, little variability in the temperature. Being near the equator, the city does not experience the traditional four seasons but alternates between the wet and dry periods.
The range of rainfall varies immensely, seeing values from a serene 9mm (0.35") in
July to a torrential 167mm (6.57") in
April. This dramatic contrast heralds the divide between the wet and dry seasons, providing the city with definite periods of growth and aridity. The number of days in which the city experiences rainfall ranges from a minimum of 7 days in July to a peak of 29 days in April, further highlighting the dichotomy between the wet and dry periods.
Constantly swathed in tropical warmth, Bujumbura's average high temperature fluctuates mildly between 21.3°C (70.3°F) in
May and 23.7°C (74.7°F) in
February. The lower temperatures also remain consistent throughout the year, wavering only between 12.4°C (54.3°F) in
June and 15.5°C (59.9°F) in
October. Apart from rainfall, other weather metrics such as relative humidity, daylight hours, sunshine hours, and wind speed display only subtle variations throughout the year.
The uniqueness of Bujumbura lies in its relative consistency, with the glaring exception of rainfall. The climate can be predicted fairly reliably, providing comfort in familiarity.
The best time to visit Bujumbura
The optimal period to experience the serenity and vibrancy of
Bujumbura happens from
June to
August. During this time, rainfall is at its lowest, averaging at 12mm (0.47") per month, paving the way for leisurely outdoor explorations. The number of rainfall days is also reduced to a range of 7 to 8.8 days. Coupled with an average of 9.8 to 10.3 sunshine hours daily, these months offer ample opportunities for sightseeing and engaging in outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Bujumbura
The heavy downpours from
March to
May mark the least favourable period for a visit to
Bujumbura. With an overwhelming monthly average rainfall of 144mm (5.67"), frequent disruptions to travel and outdoor activities can be expected. The number of sunshine days during this period also takes a plunge, going down to an average of about 2, leaving these months relatively gloomy and overcast.
Spring weather in Bujumbura
In the context of
Bujumbura's tropical climate, "spring" stretches from
March to
May. These months are characterized by the heaviest rainfall of the year, averaging at an intense 144mm (5.67") per month. Correspondingly, the highest number of rain days also occurs during this period, reaching a staggering of 29 days in
April. The high temperature averages between 23.4°C (74.1°F) and 21.3°C (70.3°F), while the low temperature oscillates between 14°C (57.2°F) and 13.4°C (56.1°F). It is also the time of slightly diminished sunshine with an average of 7.57 hours daily.
Summer weather in Bujumbura
Bujumbura's "summer", or the dry period, spans from
June to
August. These months are marked by a drastic reduction in rainfall, descending to an absolute low of 9mm (0.35") in
July. At the same time, the city savours an average of 9.8 sunshine hours daily. The average high temperature during this period hovers between 21.4°C (70.5°F) and 23.2°C (73.8°F), while the low temperature fluctuates between 12.4°C (54.3°F) and 14.3°C (57.7°F).
Autumn weather in Bujumbura
The "autumn" period in
Bujumbura, from
September to
November, signals the gradual return of the rainy season. Rainfall begins to climb from 35mm (1.38") in September to 127mm (5") by November. The number of sunshine hours begins to descend, averaging 8.9 hours daily by November. Throughout this season, the average high temperature ranges from 23.6°C (74.5°F) to 22.8°C (73°F), while the low temperature rises from 14.5°C (58.1°F) to 14.8°C (58.6°F).
Winter weather in Bujumbura
"Winter", or late rainy season in
Bujumbura, extends from
December to
February. Average rainfall during this period is high, peaking at 137mm (5.39") in December. Despite the heavy rains, the city continues to average between 8.6 to 10.5 hours of sunshine per day. The high temperatures during this season remain relatively constant at approximately 23°C (73.4°F), while the low temperatures stay around 14°C (57.2°F).
Weather in January
The onset of the year in
Bujumbura,
Burundi, is characterized by warm and humid conditions. Compared to
December, the average high and low temperatures remain relatively stable. Rainfall in this period is significant, with an accumulation of 100mm (3.94") over 26.7 days of precipitation.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February experiences conditions comparable to those in
January. Nonetheless, a slight decrease in average high temperature accompanies a slight rise in rainfall to 112mm (4.41"). Winds remain calm, contributing to the overall mild weather in
Bujumbura.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Increased rainfall distinguishes the weather condition in
March, with
Bujumbura receiving 154mm (6.06") spread over 29.2 precipitation days. This makes it the month with the third-highest rainfall in the year. Temperature highs and lows are almost in sync with the preceding month.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April weather remains relatively similar to
March, albeit with the highest rainfall of 167mm (6.57") during the year. High and low temperatures fall slightly, but the weather remains pleasantly warm. Due to the increased cloud cover, April sees the least sunshine in the year.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The weather in
May takes a somewhat different trajectory compared to
April. Highlighted by a significant drop in rainfall to 114mm (4.49"), the month also experiences a decrease in cloud cover. While the average high and low temperatures decrease slightly, they still retain the characteristic warmth of
Bujumbura.
Weather in May »Weather in June
Bujumbura undergoes a dramatic shift in weather conditions during
June. Rainfall is at its lowest, recorded at 23mm (0.91"), significantly decreasing the number of rainfall days. This corresponds to a noticeable decline in humidity and a reduction in cloud coverage.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July, the weather remains relatively dry, with a minor increase in precipitation to 9mm (0.35"). It features the least number of rainfall days in the year. While temperatures remain relatively stable, wind speeds see a marginal increase.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August marks a continuation of the dry and warm trend set in previous months. An uptick in rainfall reaching 15mm (0.59") is notable. The long hours of sun are consistent courtesy of reduced cloud cover and high visibility. Despite a slight increase in the average high and low temperatures,
Bujumbura remains on the warmer side.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
September,
Bujumbura,
Burundi experiences an uptick in rainfall, recording 35mm (1.38") over 14.7 days. With the increase in precipitation, there's a corresponding rise in relative humidity. Despite these alterations, the temperatures, sunshine, and visibility conditions remain relatively stable.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October heralds in significant changes, beginning with a substantial increase in rainfall to 98mm (3.86"). This surge in rainfall ushers in cooler temperatures. However, daylight hours remain the same, with sunshine hours dropping slightly due to an augmentation of cloud cover.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November weather portrays an increase in precipitation, registering at 127mm (5"). The high and low temperatures remain relatively stable compared to
October. With more days of rainfall, the city experiences a rise in humidity and an escalation in cloud cover, resulting in less sunshine.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December is characterized by an almost steady continuation of
November's weather trends. Rainfall totals rise slightly to 137mm (5.39"), marking it as the month with the second-highest precipitation level. Cloud conditions and sunlight hours remain relatively constant, with minor changes in other parameters.
Weather in December »