Angola's Weather: How It Affects People's Lives

Angola has a typically tropical climate, with a short wet season and a longer dry season. The weather varies across the country, from the arid south, due to its proximity to the Kalahari Desert, to the dry coastal region, influenced by the cool Benguela sea current. Luanda, the country's capital, experiences a mildly tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 70°F (20°C) to 85°F (30°C) throughout the year. While the winter months of June to August bring slightly cooler temperatures, the city's weather from February to April can be challenging due to higher temperatures, increased humidity, and heavy rainfall, which may impact infrastructure and road safety.

Angola's climate is typically tropical, with a short wet season and a longer dry season

Angola's climate is typically tropical, with distinct rainy and dry seasons. The dry season lasts from May or June to September, and the rainy season from October to April or May, with the heaviest rainfall occurring between November and March. The central regions of the country experience a longer rainy season, lasting from October to May, with a shorter dry season from June to September.

The climate is influenced by prevailing west and southwest winds, and the cold Benguela Current flowing along the coast. The coastal region has a dry tropical trade-wind climate, with low temperatures and little rainfall due to the influence of the Benguela Current. In contrast, the interior of the country experiences a more typical tropical plateau climate, with distinct rainy and dry seasons. At higher altitudes, the climate becomes more temperate, and frost is not uncommon.

The dry season, known locally as "cacimbo," is characterised by a heavy morning mist. The rainy season brings violent storms, and the amount of precipitation varies across the country, with higher levels in the north and interior regions. The average annual precipitation ranges from 1,000 to 1,500 millimeters over most of the interior, increasing with altitude.

The temperatures in Angola vary throughout the year. September and October are the warmest months, with temperatures reaching 29°C in plain areas and 22°C on the plateau, which covers 90% of the country. The coolest months are June, July, and August, with temperatures in the plains and highlands dropping to 22°C and 15°C, respectively.

The coastal region is uncharacteristically dry due to the Benguela sea current

Angola's coastal region is uncharacteristically dry due to the Benguela Current, a northward-flowing ocean current that forms the eastern portion of the South Atlantic Ocean gyre. The Benguela Current is driven by prevailing south-easterly trade winds, which create coastal upwelling. This upwelling brings cold, nutrient-rich waters from depths of 200-300 meters, fueling high rates of phytoplankton growth and sustaining the productive Benguela ecosystem.

The Benguela Current starts as a northward flow off the Cape of Good Hope and then follows the western African coast until it reaches approximately 16°S, where it meets the Angola Current to form the Angola-Benguela Front. The Angola Current, on the other hand, flows southward along the coast of Angola, reaching its highest intensity near the country. It is a fast, narrow, and stable current that extends to depths of 250-300 meters.

The interaction between these two currents creates a unique climate in the region. The Benguela Current, being a cool current, advects cold waters to the tropics, resulting in a drier coastal region in Angola compared to what might be expected in a tropical setting. The Angola Current, on the other hand, brings warmer waters southward, influencing the climate in the northern part of the country.

The Benguela Current is known for its biological productivity, with phytoplankton blooms occurring regularly. The pulses of upwelling, driven by the intensity of the wind, create optimal conditions for phytoplankton growth, which forms the basis of the marine food chain. This productivity has supported a thriving fishing industry in the region, particularly for species such as the Southern African pilchard and anchovy.

The south of Angola is arid, with proximity to the Kalahari Desert

Angola's southern region is arid, with proximity to the Kalahari Desert, a large semi-arid sandy savanna in Southern Africa. The Kalahari covers around 900,000 square kilometres, extending into Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. It is characterised by vast areas of red sand without permanent surface water. The name "Kalahari" comes from the Tswana word "Kgala," meaning "the great thirst," reflecting the arid nature of the region.

The Kalahari Desert was not always dry; fossil evidence indicates that the region previously had a wetter and cooler climate. The desert is drained by dry black valleys, seasonally inundated pans, and large salt pans, such as the Makgadikgadi Pan in Botswana. The Okavango River is the only permanent river in the Kalahari, flowing into a delta in the northwest and forming marshes rich in wildlife.

The climate in the Kalahari is subtropical, with a long dry season from April to September. The dry season lasts eight months or more, while the wet season is typically short, lasting from less than a month to four months. The southwestern Kalahari is the driest area, with annual rainfall ranging from around 110 mm to more than 500 mm in some north and east regions.

The vegetation in the Kalahari is predominantly xeric savanna or semi-desert scrub, with Acacia trees, thorny shrubs, and grasses adapted to endure long droughts. The Kalahari supports a variety of wildlife, including large predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas.

The arid conditions in southern Angola, influenced by its proximity to the Kalahari Desert, likely have significant implications for the weather patterns and ecosystems in the region. The dry conditions may pose challenges for human populations in terms of water availability and agriculture.

Luanda's climate is mildly tropical, with temperatures between 70°F and 85°F most of the year

Luanda, Angola's capital and largest city, enjoys a mildly tropical climate. With a mean annual temperature of 77.7 °F, temperatures in Luanda typically range between 70°F and 85°F throughout the year. This pleasant climate is largely due to the cool Benguela Current, which prevents moisture from condensing into rain, resulting in a surprisingly dry environment.

Located on Angola's northern Atlantic coast, Luanda exhibits a hot semi-desert climate that borders on a hot desert climate. The city experiences an almost complete absence of precipitation, with an average annual rainfall of only 15.2 inches. The driest month is typically June, with a minimal amount of precipitation.

The temperate climate in Luanda makes it a favourable destination for visitors all year round. March, the warmest month, has an average temperature of 81.6°F, while July, the coolest month, averages around 71.5°F. The temperature variation throughout the year is relatively modest, contributing to the city's mild climate.

The Benguela Current plays a crucial role in influencing Luanda's climate. Despite its tropical latitude, the city benefits from low humidity due to the current's impact. This makes the hotter months much more bearable compared to similar cities in Western and Central Africa.

In addition to its mild temperatures, Luanda also experiences a significant number of sunny days. On average, the city receives approximately 2274 hours of sunshine annually, with January offering the highest number of daily hours of bright sunshine.

February to April are the most challenging months in Luanda, with higher temperatures, increased humidity, and heavy rainfall

Angola has a typically tropical climate, with a short wet season and a longer dry season. The coastal region, including Luanda, is uncharacteristically dry due to the cool Benguela sea current, with desert or semi-desert conditions.

February to April are the most challenging months in Luanda. During these months, temperatures are higher, and the humidity is much more noticeable. The city also experiences heavy rainfall, particularly in April, which can cause issues for basic infrastructure and road safety.

February is the hottest month in Angola, with an average temperature of 31°C. The temperature often remains between 20°C and 30°C for most of the year in Luanda, only dipping slightly in the winter months of June, July, and August. These winter months are considered quite pleasant for expats, in contrast to the more challenging conditions of the earlier months.

The south of Angola is especially arid due to its proximity to the Kalahari Desert, and the climate in Luanda is mildly tropical for most of the year. However, the combination of higher temperatures, increased humidity, and heavy rainfall in February, March, and April can make this period quite uncomfortable and challenging for residents and visitors alike.

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