The climate of Bukama
Nestled in the
Democratic Republic of Congo,
Bukama boasts an Aw climate classification according to the Köppen climate system, also known as a tropical wet and dry or savanna climate. This typically translates to warm temperatures throughout most of the year and distinct wet and dry seasons.
As the year progresses, weather conditions in Bukama varies in all aspects including temperature, humidity and rainfall. On an average scale, the highest temperature touches 34.2°C (93.6°F) during the season of summer while it plunges to a bottom of 15.7°C (60.3°F) during colder months. Humidity levels drop from an annual high of 89% in the months of
January and
December, to a low of 30% around
August.
Rainfall in Bukama presents a distinct pattern. The town receives significant rainfall, peaking at a maximum of 269mm (10.59") in December, while towards the middle of the year, there is virtually no rainfall from
June to
July. This trend dictates the wet and dry seasons typical to a savanna climate. It is also notable the windy season, reaching its peak at 7.7km/h (4.8mph) in July and at its calmest at 4.7km/h (2.9mph) in
February.
The best time to visit Bukama
Considering the climate factors, the optimal time to visit
Bukama falls between
June and
September. During this period, an appealing combination of weather elements awaits visitors. Temperatures are moderately warm with ranges from 29.8°C (85.6°F) to 34.2°C (93.6°F). Around this time, there is virtually no rainfall with only 2mm (0.08") precipitating in
August.
Sunshine hours reach a maximum of 10.9 hours a day in
October but hover around 10 hours from June to September. This period also allows for long daylight hours, exceeding 11.6 hours a day, and the relatively clear skies with cloud coverage dipping to a mere 6% in August, ensuring that there is plenty of sunshine to indulge in outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Bukama
On the other end of the scale, the time frame from
October to
January can be considered less suitable for tourists. In October and
November, although the temperatures remain warm from 31.5°C (88.7°F) to 28.2°C (82.8°F), the sudden increase in rainfall, peaking at a whopping 269mm (10.59") in
December, can hinder outdoor activities.
The cloud coverage also increases from 27% in October to a high of 60% in December which might lead to fewer sunshine hours. Additionally, the humidity can reach uncomfortable levels of up to 89% during these months.
Spring weather in Bukama
Though
Bukama does not experience a typical spring season due to its tropical climate, the months of
March to
May can be considered in this context. During this period, the average high temperature ranges from 26.9°C (80.4°F) to 28.5°C (83.3°F) while the low stays between 18.2°C (64.8°F) and 17.4°C (63.3°F), making the weather relatively warm and comfortable.
The rainfall starts to drop significantly from 182mm (7.17") in March to just 19mm (0.75") in May, announcing the end of the wet season and the beginning of the dry one. On the other hand, humidity levels start to decrease, going from 87% in March to 68% in May.
Summer weather in Bukama
June marks the commencement of the summer season in
Bukama. The average high temperature climbs from 29.8°C (85.6°F) in June to a peak of 34.2°C (93.6°F) in
August. At the same time, the low temperature ranges from 15.7°C (60.3°F) to 21°C (69.8°F). This period is characterized by dry weather, with virtually no rainfall, marking it as one of the driest periods in Bukama.
The relative humidity level plummets during the summer season, reaching the lowest mark of the year at 30% in August. This makes for an extremely dry and hot season. However, with 10 hours of sunshine and long daylight hours, summer is the ideal season for outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Bukama
Again, a traditional autumn does not occur in
Bukama because of its tropical climate. However, from
September to
November, the weather undergoes changes that parallel those of an autumn season in temperate regions. The temperature begins to plummet, going from a high of 31.5°C (88.7°F) in September to a milder 28.2°C (82.8°F) in November.
September marks the end of the dry season with rainfall amounting to 19mm (0.75") and then increasing significantly to 95mm (3.74") in
October and a substantial 192mm (7.56") in November. Simultaneously, the humidity starts to rise again reaching a high of 83% in November.
Winter weather in Bukama
December constitutes the winter period in
Bukama, ushering in some of the coolest temperatures of the year with a high of 26°C (78.8°F) and a low of 18.3°C (64.9°F). However, keep in mind that these are still relatively warm temperatures, fitting of a tropical climate.
In December, Bukama experiences its heaviest rainfall of the year at 269mm (10.59"), marking the peak of the wet season. This comes coupled with a high humidity level of 89%, making December a damp month overall. Despite these conditions, Bukama enjoys prolonged sunshine time of 7.6 hours a day along with 12.7 hours of daylight.
Weather in January
The new year in
Bukama,
Democratic Republic of Congo, commences with mild weather conditions in comparison to the subsequent months. High humidity at 89% couples with relatively high rainfall at 221mm (8.7"), indicating a wet outlook for this month.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February’s weather offers a slight geographical respite as compared to the cooler, rainier months. The average rainfall decreases from
January, and this lower precipitation coincides with fewer daylight hours. February sees a marginal increase in the maximum temperature, rising to 26.7°C (80.1°F), thereby hinting at the upcoming warmer days.
Weather in February » Weather in March
The transition from
February to
March in
Bukama brings little change in the overall weather pattern. With temperatures, humidity, and rainfall relatively stable, the city continues to experience a balanced weather profile. The visibility improves to 7km (4.3mi), suggestive of clearer skies and possibly more sun.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Bukama transitions into a drier phase in
April, marking noticeable shifts in weather patterns. A significant decrease in rainfall to 94mm (3.7") creates a drier atmosphere, considerably less humid than the preceding months. Concentrated sunshine enhances the daylight hours, brightening up afternoons.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings
Bukama the onset of dry months. The city's weather now takes on a markedly different character, with both temperatures and detections of sunlight steadily climbing. A hiked maximum temperature of 28.5°C (83.3°F) invites the warmth and precedes the yearly high temperatures ahead.
Weather in May » Weather in June
In the year's midpoint,
June,
Bukama's weather exhibits a clear break from its usually humid and rainy character. Rainfall reaches the yearly low with no measurable precipitation, and relative humidity drops to 47%. This reduction in moisture also impacts the wind flow, leading to increased wind speeds.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July greets
Bukama with the warmest days of the year. The peak of the dry season translates to the highest temperatures, reaching 31.3°C (88.3°F), turning the daytime considerably hot. With less cloud cover and more sun, the UV index increases to seven, indicating the need for necessary skin protection.
Weather in July » Weather in August
As the peak summer month,
August flaunts the highest recorded temperatures in
Bukama, reaching a scorching 33.6°C (92.5°F). This month's weather is characterized by harsh sun, high temperatures, and wind patterns leaning towards the extreme.
Weather in August »Weather in September
The city of
Bukama starts experiencing early signs of the rainy season in
September. A shift from the blistering summer temperatures signifies a relief for residents as maximum temperatures drop to a more comfortable 34.2°C (93.6°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings along a refreshed weather pattern for
Bukama as rainfall escalates to 95mm (3.74") after the scorching summer season. Correspondingly, the relative humidity level elevates to 65%, aiding in the cooling of the environment further.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Bukama has weather taking a definitive turn towards a cooler, more humid trend. The increased rainfall of 192mm (7.56") and relative humidity of 83% reveal the onset of yet another wet period for the city. The pressure remains relatively consistent, indicating stable weather patterns.
Weather in November » Weather in December
In
Bukama,
December ushers in the highest level of rainfall, reaching a peak at a substantial 269mm (10.59"). Intense rainfall occurs under the cloud cover, which increases to 60%, indicating the strong presence of the rainy season.
Weather in December »