Climate and monthly weather forecast
Phalaborwa, South Africa

Phalaborwa, located in South Africa, follows the patterns of a BSh, or subtropical steppe, climate as per the Köppen climate classification. This classification is characterized largely by hot summers and mild winters, ensuring a rather warm weather pattern for most of the year. The unique geographical position of Phalaborwa brings about variations in weather conditions throughout the year.

Diving into the specific climatology, it can be seen that the average temperature highs range between 26°C (78.8°F) during the cooler month of July and a maximum of 34°C (93.2°F) in January, showcasing the summer heat. During the cooler period of the year, low temperatures drop to between 9°C (48.2°F) in July and rise to 21°C (69.8°F) during the hotter months of January, February, and December. A marked distinction between daytime high and nighttime low temperatures is evident, suggesting significant diurnal temperature swings.

Rainfall statistics provide further insights into Phalaborwa's climate. Throughout the calendar year, precipitation varies considerably. The driest period includes June and July, registering barely 4mm (0.16") and 8mm (0.31") respectively. On the opposite end, January holds the title for the wettest month, soaking the earth with an average of 97mm (3.82") of rainfall.

Daylight conditions also fluctuate throughout the year. Sunlight is abundant, with the shortest day in June seeing around 10.7 hours of daylight and the longest day in December with approximately 13.6 hours. A predictable pattern of increasing and decreasing daylight hours is observed, following the global norm of seasons.

Despite the appealing climate throughout the year, the optimal time for visiting Phalaborwa can be narrowed down to the period from May to September. This time frame presents mild temperatures with highs averaging from 27°C (80.6°F) to 31°C (87.8°F) and the lows averaging between 10°C (50°F) and 14°C (57.2°F), ensuring comfortable conditions for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing. Additionally, it is the driest season with rainfall amounts decreasing to as low as 4mm (0.16") in June, minimizing the likelihood of disrupted travel plans due to weather. The duration of daylight hours also remains decently above 10 hours, allowing ample time for sightseeing during the day.

The less desirable period for tourism in Phalaborwa falls between January and February. This timeframe is characterized by the hottest conditions of the year with high temperatures soaring to about 34°C (93.2°F) and 33°C (91.4°F) along with lows settling around 21°C (69.8°F). Coupled with this, the region experiences the highest rainfall numbers especially in January with an average of 97mm (3.82"), potentially creating circumstances not ideal for outdoor activities. However, some visitors might find this time of year attractive for the lush green landscapes resulting from the heavy rains.

Spring weather in Phalaborwa covers September to November. High temperatures in this season fluctuate from 28°C (82.4°F) in September to 32°C (89.6°F) in November. The nighttime lows increase from 11°C (51.8°F) to 19°C (66.2°F). There's a gradual increase in rainfall from 7mm (0.28") in September to 69mm (2.72") by November, marking the onset of the rainy season. Daylight hours also experience a rise during spring, increasing from 11.3 to 13.3 hours from September to November, providing extended hours of sunlight indicative of the season.

December through February designates summer in Phalaborwa. Temperature highs during this period peak at 34°C (93.2°F) in December and January, eventually falling slightly to 32°C (89.6°F) in February. Minimum temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) in December to 21°C (69.8°F) in February. As mentioned earlier, this is the season that receives the most rainfall, averaging between 65mm (2.56") in February to a significant 97mm (3.82") in January. Daylight hours remain long with an average duration from 12.7 to 13.6 hours.

Autumn encompasses March to May in Phalaborwa. Average high temperatures show a steady decrease from 30°C (86°F) in March to 27°C (80.6°F) in May. Meanwhile, nighttime lows fall further from 19°C (66.2°F) in March to 10°C (50°F) by May. Rainfall also significantly decreases during this period, dropping from 81mm (3.19") in March to a mere 4mm (0.16") by the end of May. Daylight hours gradually decrease showing a drop from 12.2 hours in March to 10.7 hours by May.

Winter in Phalaborwa spans June to August. High temperatures in this period range from 26°C (78.8°F) in July to 28°C (82.4°F) in August whereas low temperatures dip to 9°C (48.2°F) in July before rising to 11°C (51.8°F) in August. The season is characterized by very minimal rainfall, with June and July recording the least rainfall of 4mm (0.16") and 8mm (0.31") respectively. Daylight hours are at their lowest in this season, ranging between 10.7 hours in June and 11.3 hours in August, reflecting the shorter winter days.

January in Phalaborwa, South Africa, commences the year with high temperate climate assumptions. With temperatures reaching a peak of 34°C (93.2°F), it is the warmest month, setting a tone for the summer season. Comparatively more rainfall, amounting to 97mm (3.82"), paint a landscape of tropical showers intermittently enriching the sultry afternoons. Weather in January »

February sees a slight decrease in temperature, making the weather more comfortable than the previous month. The rainfall too dips down to 81mm (3.19") from January’s 97mm (3.82") making afternoons less prone to showers. Notable for its consistent daylight hours compared to March, February offers approximately 12.9 hours of daylight. Weather in February »

Phalaborwa's weather during March presents a conciliatory narrative between February and April. The ambient conditions involve a further decrease in temperature and rainfall to 32°C (89.6°F) and 65mm (2.56"), respectively. Among noticeable attributes are the shorter daylight durations of around 12.2 hours, aligning it closer to the trend in April. Weather in March »

April presents a pivotal point in Phalaborwa's climatology, moving further into the cool spectrum. The temperature continues to drop, reaching a low of 30°C (86°F), and rainfall subsides to 25mm (0.98"). A distinctive trend emerges during April where daylight hours shrink to approximately 11.5 premium hours, nearly an hour less than March. Weather in April »

Following April's pattern, the weather in Phalaborwa during May witnesses a further drop. Darkening clouds substantially recede as rainfall plummets to 12mm (0.47"). With daylight hours about 11, it blends harmoniously with cooler weather, offering more comfortable outdoor conditions. Weather in May »

June introduces Phalaborwa to its winter, albeit mild concerning temperature swings. Though the temperature goes down to 27°C (80.6°F), it stays moderately warm compared to traditional winter standards elsewhere. The reduced daylight hours of June, clocking at 10.7 hours, align with the conventional norms of the winter solstice period. Weather in June »

July holds a special place in the atmospheric tapestry of Phalaborwa as it's the coolest month. The temperature registers a year-low at 26°C (78.8°F), presenting a mild winter climate. Notable is its minimal rainfall, amounting to 8mm (0.31"), indicative of a prevalent drought-like scenario during this time. Weather in July »

August in Phalaborwa presents a unique blend of weather characteristics. Despite being the succeeding month, August records higher temperatures, around 28°C (82.4°F), and marginally less rainfall than July. The daylight hours also increase to about 11.3 hours/day, slightly longer than July's 10.8. Weather in August »

September announces a noticeable onset of spring, with rising temperatures and daylight hours. The temperature sees an increase to about 31°C (87.8°F), and daylight extends to approximately 12 hours, three quarters of an hour more than August. Weather in September »

In October, Phalaborwa officially welcomes back its summertime weather climate. A notable increase in temperature to 32°C (89.6°F) from the previous month's 31°C (87.8°F), accentuates the warm trend. Rainfall doubles from 21mm (0.83") in September to 46mm (1.81") in October, reinforcing the onset of the wet season. Weather in October »

The climate of Phalaborwa in November is essentially a prelude to the intense summer conditions. The temperature hits around 32°C (89.6°F) with a notable jump in rainfall to 69mm (2.72"). As it progresses towards the end of the year, November registers longer daylight hours of 13.3, reflecting the after-effects of the summer solstice. Weather in November »

Concluding the year, December in Phalaborwa, South Africa unveils the climate at its tropical best. With similar temperatures to November around 33°C (91.4°F) and rainfall shooting up to 96mm (3.78"), it assumes a rich, tropical persona. Weather in December »