Angola's Snowy Surprises: Unveiling The Unexpected

Angola is a country in southwestern Africa known for its diverse landscapes and pleasant weather. With temperatures ranging from warm to hot throughout most of the year, Angola offers a temperate climate that rarely sees extreme weather conditions. While the country experiences distinct seasons, with rainfall typically occurring during the summer months, one may wonder if it ever snows in Angola. So, does it snow in Angola?

Angola's climate

Angola has a temperate climate, with average temperatures that vary little throughout the year. The weather feels hot for about half of the year and otherwise nice, with very little rain. The hottest months are March, April, and February, with average highs regularly reaching 85.3°F (29.6°C). Even at night, temperatures rarely drop below 73.4°F (23°C). The coldest month is January, with an average low of 21°F and a high of 32°F.

The dry season in Angola lasts from December to March, with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in June, July, and August. The wettest month is April, with an average of 111mm of precipitation.

Although it can be humid in Angola, with January being the most humid month, the wind is usually calm. October is the windiest month, followed by November and August, with average speeds considered a "light breeze."

Snow is not a common occurrence in Angola, with weather stations reporting no annual snow.

Snow in Angola

Angola, a country in southwestern Africa, does not usually experience snow. The climate in Angola is generally temperate, with average temperatures that vary little throughout the year. The warmest time of year is typically early to mid-March, with highs regularly around 85.3°F (29.6°C). Even during the coldest months, such as January, the average low is 21°F (-6°C).

While there can be significant precipitation in the form of rain, snow is rare in Angola. Weather stations report no annual snow in the country. This is due to the country's tropical and subtropical climate, influenced by its location near the equator and the Atlantic Ocean. The absence of snow is also consistent with the overall dry climate in Angola, which experiences a dry season from May to October.

However, it is worth noting that there may be exceptions to the absence of snow in Angola. Mountainous regions, such as the highlands in the east and south of the country, can experience more extreme weather conditions. These areas may occasionally see frost or even light snow at higher elevations.

The best time to visit Angola for ideal weather is generally considered to be from May 21st to September 30th. During this period, the temperatures are comfortable, and there is little rainfall. The busiest month for tourism is October, followed by June and April, with higher prices for accommodations.

In summary, while Angola does not typically experience snow, it has a pleasant climate with warm temperatures and little variation throughout the year. The country experiences a dry season from May to October, and the busiest period for tourism is from June to October.

Angola's seasons

Angola has roughly two seasons, with the dry winter months falling between May and October, and the warm and humid summer months falling between October and May. However, the country can be divided into five distinct climate zones, with temperatures and weather patterns varying significantly between the north, the central regions, and the south.

In the north, the wet season runs from September to May, with the most rain falling in April. The central regions of the country experience a rainy season from October to May, with the dry season falling between June and September. The southern region, meanwhile, sees rain between December and March, with the dry season lasting from June to November.

The coastal areas of Angola have a warm desert climate, with average temperatures of 16°C in winter and 21°C in summer. The north is the only area with a tropical savannah climate, providing lush greenery and an abundance of wildlife. The central highland region has a temperate tropical climate, with a rainy season between October and March. The south of the country is arid or semi-arid, with little rainfall.

The capital city of Luanda has a moderately tropical climate, with a dry season between June and September and a hot and humid season between October and May. The city receives an average of 340 mm of rain per year.

The best time to visit Angola is generally considered to be during the dry winter months, from May or June to September, when temperatures are cooler and there is less rainfall.

Angola's tourism

National Parks

Angola has several national parks that attract tourists:

• Cameia National Park: This park is located in the Moxico province at about 1100 m above sea level. It shares its name with the nearby municipality of Cameia and is known for its lakes, Lago Cameia and Lago Dilolo, which lie outside the park boundaries and feature extensive reed beds and grassy swamps rich in aquatic birds.
• Cangandala National Park: This is the smallest national park in Angola and is situated in the Malanje province between the Cuije River and two unnamed territories of the Cuanza River.
• Iona National Park: Located in the Namibe Province, about 200 kilometres from the city of Moçâmedes, Iona is the largest national park in the country. Before the civil war, Iona was known for its rich wildlife, but illegal poaching and infrastructure destruction have caused significant damage. The park is also known for its unique flora and rock formations.
• Mupa National Park: Located in the southwestern Cunene province, Mupa National Park was established to protect the giraffe subspecies, Giraffa camelopardalis angolensis. However, by 1974, none were left due to the vulnerability of the white giraffe to landmines left over from the civil war.

Practical Information

The official currency of Angola is the Kwanza (AOA), and the official spoken language is Portuguese, although in the countryside, many tribal languages are also spoken. U.S. passport holders travelling for tourism are eligible for visa-free entry for stays of up to 30 days at a time (90 days total per calendar year). All other travellers must obtain a visa or visa pre-approval before their trip. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is mandatory, and it is recommended to get vaccinated against tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and hepatitis A and B. Malaria prophylaxis and mosquito repellent are also advised, as Angola is a malaria area.

When it comes to transportation, car hire is available in major cities, but traffic can be challenging. Public minibus taxis (Candongueiros) are available in city centres, but they do not operate according to a timetable. Travelling by train is an option, as trains are punctual and relatively modern, but sleeping options and air conditioning are limited. Long-distance coaches are also available, and their number is steadily increasing.

Safety

While Angola is considered a safe travel destination compared to neighbouring African countries, violent crime, such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, and homicide, is common. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious incidents. Additionally, landmines are still present in some parts of the country, especially outside major cities.

Angola's rainfall

Angola's rainy season lasts from October to May and is characterised by hot and humid weather. The Inter-tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) controls rainfall as it migrates southward from the equator in October, bringing rainfall to Angola. The rainy season coincides with the warmest months of the year, with average temperatures ranging from 22-23°C.

During the rainy season, there is a significant amount of monthly rainfall variation across Angola. Northeastern Angola receives the most rain, while rainfall amounts decrease as you move from north to south and from east to west. The city of Luanda, for example, experiences its wettest month in April, with an average of 111 mm of precipitation. On the other hand, June is typically the driest month, with only 1 mm of precipitation.

The dry season in Angola, known as "Cacimbo," occurs from June to September and is the coolest time of the year. During this period, temperatures average between 18-20°C, providing a slight respite from the tropical heat.

Angola's climate is heavily influenced by its location along the Atlantic Ocean, with sea surface temperatures and variations in the Benguela Cold Current playing a role in shaping the country's weather patterns.

Frequently asked questions