Angola's Weather: Cold Or Comfortable?

Angola is a large African country with a diverse climate. While it is warm to hot all year round, with an average annual temperature of 27.6°C, the country has five distinct climate zones. The north has a tropical climate, while the south is desert-like and the central highland region has a temperate tropical climate. The coastal areas are warm and dry, and the Benguela Current keeps the climate mild and dry in the central and southern parts. The wet season in Angola runs from October to May, and the dry season from June to September. The coldest months are July and August, with average maximum temperatures of 23°C and 18.9°C, respectively. So, does it get cold in Angola?

Angola's climate varies from tropical savannah in the north to desert in the south

The climate in Angola is tempered by a cool sea current, the Benguela Current, along the coast and by the altitude of the plateau found in the interior. The result is a sub-tropical climate almost everywhere. The coastal areas are generally mild and dry due to the influence of the Benguela Current, with the southernmost coast having a desert climate.

Angola's rainy season lasts from October to May and is characterised as hot and humid. The Inter-tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) controls rainfall as it moves between the equator and tropics, bringing rainfall to Angola as it migrates southward from the equator in October. The rains coincide with the warmest months of the year, with average temperatures ranging from 22–23°C. The dry season, known as "Cacimbo", occurs from June to September and is the coolest time of the year, with average temperatures between 18–20°C.

The best time to visit Angola is during the winter months from May to October. The average temperature on the coast is 15.6°C (60°F) in winter and 21°C (70°F) in summer. The winter months are dry and cooler, while the summer months are warm, humid, and rainy.

The Benguela Current makes the southern coast arid or semi-arid

Angola has a varied landscape, from the central highlands to desert regions in the south and a long coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The country's climate is tempered by a cool sea current—the Benguela Current—along its coast and by the altitude in the plateau found in the interior. The Benguela Current is a broad, northward-flowing ocean current that forms the eastern portion of the South Atlantic Ocean gyre. The current is driven by prevailing south-easterly trade winds, which drive coastal upwelling, forming the Benguela Upwelling System. This upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich waters from around 200-300m depth results in high rates of phytoplankton growth, which sustains the Benguela ecosystem.

The Benguela Current plays a crucial role in reducing rainfall along the coast of Angola, making the region relatively arid, particularly south of Benguela, where it forms the northern extension of the Namib Desert. Even in its northern reaches, the Benguela Current contributes to a dry climate. The southern coast of Angola experiences inconsistent rainfall, which keeps the region relatively dry. This climate pattern is characterised by sand dunes giving way to dry scrub along the mid-coast.

The Benguela Current also influences the temperature in Angola, with the coastal lowlands experiencing significantly lower temperatures due to its north-flowing cold waters. The Benguela Current's impact on temperature and rainfall results in a semi-arid to arid environment in the southern coastal region of Angola.

The Benguela Current has shaped the natural landscape and climate of Angola's southern coast, contributing to its arid or semi-arid conditions. The interaction between the current and the prevailing winds creates a unique ecosystem that supports a diverse range of marine life, including fish, seabirds, and marine mammals.

The wet season in Angola runs from October/November to March/April

Angola is located in the Southern Hemisphere and has a tropical climate with five distinct climate zones. The coastal areas have a warm desert climate, while the north of the country is the only area with a tropical savannah climate. The wet season in Angola runs from October/November to March/April, depending on the region.

In the central regions of Angola, the rainy season lasts from October to May, with the dry season occurring from June to September. During the wet season, there can be heavy amounts of rain, especially in the north. The month of April is usually the wettest month, with high temperatures and high humidity, making it the hottest month of the year.

In the northeast of the country, the rainy season runs from mid-September to April, while in the south, it lasts from November to March. Along the coast, the rainy season is shorter, typically lasting from February to April in Luanda, and it is almost non-existent on the southern coast, which has a desert climate.

The wet season in Angola is characterized by hot and humid weather, with temperatures reaching as high as 30°C in some regions. The amount of precipitation during this season can be significant, with up to 1500 mm of rainfall in the central regions. The wet season is also known for its high humidity, which can make the weather feel uncomfortable, especially in March.

Overall, the wet season in Angola varies across the country but generally runs from October/November to March/April. This season is marked by abundant rainfall, high temperatures, and high humidity, creating a tropical climate in most parts of the country.

The dry season, called Cacimbo, runs from May to August

Angola has a diverse climate with five distinct climate zones. The coastal areas have a warm desert climate, which transitions into a warm steppe climate inland. The north of Angola is the only area with a tropical savannah climate. The central highland region has a temperate tropical climate, and the south of the country is dry and desert-like.

In the coastal areas, fogs and low clouds are common during the Cacimbo season. However, the temperature remains pleasant, and the cool sea current, known as the Benguela Current, keeps the climate mild and dry. The coastal areas have an average winter temperature of 15.6°C (60°F).

The dry season is the best time to visit Angola, as the weather is mild and there is little to no rain. This is especially true for the inland regions, where the rains are generally more abundant than on the coast. The dry season is also a good time to visit Luanda, the capital city, as the city experiences a fresh and dry season during these months.

The coldest months in Angola are July and August

Angola has a diverse climate, with five distinct climate zones. The coastal areas have a warm desert climate, which transitions into a warm steppe climate inland and in the northern coastal areas. The north of the country is the only area that has a tropical savannah climate. The central highland region has a temperate tropical climate, and the south is dry and desert-like.

The country experiences two seasons. The winter months are dry and cooler, and the summer months are warm and humid. The wet season runs from October to May, with heavy rainfall in the north. The best time to visit Angola is during the winter months from May to October, as it is the coolest and sunniest period.

The capital city of Luanda has a moderately tropical climate, with a fresh and dry season between June and September. The city experiences a hot and humid season between October and May, with an average of about 340 mm of rainfall annually. The seawater temperature in Luanda ranges from a low of 22°C to a high of 29°C in March.

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