The climate of Cyangugu
Cyangugu, nestled in the heart of East Africa and situated alongside Lake Kivu, is home to a unique microclimate under the Köppen-Geiger climate classification system, known as "Cwb." This Climate grade recognizes regions with a temperate highland tropical climate characterized by dry winters.
Varied facets of the weather pattern in Cyangugu throughout the year include fluctuations in temperature, humidity, rainfall, daylight, sunshine, UV index, visibility, cloud percentage, atmospheric pressure, and wind speed. The high temperatures range from 22.8°C (73°F) to 24.6°C (76.3°F), while lows tend to fall between 12.5°C (54.5°F) and 15.2°C (59.4°F).
An analysis of rainfall shows an interrupted wet and dry season, with precipitations peaking at 167mm (6.57") in
December and dropping as low as 21mm (0.83") in
July. The dominant pattern reflects a seasonality with mildly damp months from
January to
May, a relatively dry period from
June to
September, followed by increased rainfall again from
October to December. Concurrently, humidity levels exhibit minor fluctuations throughout the year, with a higher percentage during the periods of maximum rainfall.
The daylight hours in Cyangugu remain constant, averaging around 12 hours throughout the year. Sunshine hours correlate with the rainfall pattern, with the maximum of 10.6 hours in December and minimum of 8.6 hours in
April. The UV index maintains a steady level of 5 across the twelve months.
The best time to visit Cyangugu
Optimal visiting times in
Cyangugu largely depend on the activities one wishes to partake in. For those who prefer warmer temperatures with increased sunshine hours and lesser rainfall, the period from
June to
August seems to be ideal. This is when the rainfall reduces to its yearly low of 21mm (0.83") in
July, coupled with lower humidity relative to the rest of the year and longer sunshine hours extending up to 9.7 hours in August.
The worst time to visit Cyangugu
If avoiding heavier rainfall is a priority, it would be best to steer clear of
Cyangugu between
October and
December, when rainfall peaks at 167mm (6.57") and the number of rainy days reaches 30.1 in December. Though the temperature and daylight hours do not vary significantly, the increase in precipitation may hamper outdoor activities and travel plans.
Spring weather in Cyangugu
Although
Rwanda does not experience a typical Spring season due to its tropical location, the period from
March to
May mirrors some Spring-like features. During this time, temperature highs fluctuate between 23.3°C (73.9°F) and 24.1°C (75.4°F), while lows vary between 13.3°C (55.9°F) and 13.7°C (56.7°F). It also marks a period of increased rainfall, reaching up to 146mm (5.75") in
April. Consequently, humidity also rises, peaking at 81% in May.
Summer weather in Cyangugu
The summer period in
Cyangugu, spanning from
June to
August, witnesses a welcomed decline in rainfall, reaching its yearly low in
July. Accompanied by lower humidity levels, the high temperatures continue to range comfortably from 22.9°C (73.2°F) to 24.6°C (76.3°F), along with constant daylight hours. The wind speed also increases to about 5.6 KPH during this period, providing a cooling effect.
Autumn weather in Cyangugu
Softly transitioning into Autumn from
September to
November,
Cyangugu starts to experience an increase in rainfall again, peaking at 156mm (6.14") in November. Although the temperature remains relatively consistent with the high averaging around 24°C (75.2°F) and the low around 14.5°C (58.1°F), the humidity level starts to surge in response to the rising precipitation.
Winter weather in Cyangugu
Closing the year,
December in
Cyangugu can be likened to mild winter months experienced in temperate climates. The high temperature dips marginally to 23.1°C (73.6°F), and the low to 13.7°C (56.7°F). While daylight hours remain constant, sunlight hours reach their yearly high in December. However, precipitation also scales up to its maximum, reaching 167mm (6.57"), along with the highest number of rainy days.
Weather in January
January in
Cyangugu,
Rwanda showcases a humid climate with a relative humidity of 75%. Mild temperatures and consistent daylight set the rhythm for the start of the year. The breeze from the southeast adds a touch of freshness. Rainfall decorates the landscape abundantly, ensuring dense greenery.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
February, the weather continues to reflect similar conditions of humidity and temperatures to
January.
Cyangugu experiences more stable weather with fewer fluctuations compared from the previous month. February carries on the rainy season tradition from January, though the number of rainy days slightly decreases.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Moving on to
March, the temperature dips slightly in
Cyangugu. The weather conditions become more diverse with changes in daylight and pressures. Though the wind keeps its speed steady, the rain features more prominently. The city undergoes the highest number of rainfall days, about 30.1 days, painting vibrant rainbows across the sky.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The month of
April unveils a surge in rainfall as compared to the previous month, with precipitation reaching 146mm (5.75"). Taking cues from the previous weather tendencies, April maintains high humidity in
Cyangugu. This phase marks the transition from the tropical to the rainy season.
Weather in April »Weather in May
As the fifth month of the year starts,
Cyangugu experiences mild weather shifts. With a decrease in rainfall, the city starts to dry up, setting off a soft cooling effect. Though the wind speed gains momentum, the city prepares itself for less rainy days.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June introduces
Cyangugu to clearer skies and fewer raining days, particularly with rainfall dropping to 48mm (1.89"). The weather remains pleasant with stable temperatures and an increasing number of sunshine hours. The city sounds a goodbye to the rainy season and welcomes the pre-winter phase.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The weather in
July transits to drier conditions, establishing July as the driest month in
Cyangugu with rainfall only 21mm (0.83"). The humidity reduces and temperature fluctuates mildly. Despite fewer cloud cover, daylight remains constant.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August mirrors
July's weather patterns closely with a slight increase in rainfall to 26mm (1.02"). The city of
Cyangugu experiences consistent temperatures and pressure. Despite more rainfall days, the wind maintains its speed and direction.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September presents an apparently unusual number of sunshine days - about 10.4 hours per day. The start of autumn in
Cyangugu brings in cooler nights with steady decreases in temperatures. Increased cloud coverage speaks of the approaching rainy season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October, rainfall begins to dominate the weather scenario again with precipitation climbing to 149mm (5.87"). Gradual cooling becomes more noticeable as winter creeps in slowly. Days shorten and temperatures dip, hinting at the incoming cooler months.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November showcases a similar weather pattern with humidity and temperatures as
October. The city of
Cyangugu gears up for heavy showers with rainfall days peaking to 29.5 days. The wind lowers its speed and remains constant for the rest of the month.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings in the end of the year with the highest rainfall of 167mm (6.57") in
Cyangugu, displaying an apt end to the rainy season. Harmony between temperatures and humidity sets the mood for festivities. The noticeable dip in wind speed at 4.1km/h (2.5mph) makes the weather favourable for sightseeing and travel.
Weather in December »