Angola's Climate Regions: Understanding The Country's Weather Diversity

Angola has a variety of climatic zones, with distinct regional variations in temperature and rainfall. The climate is generally tropical, with high humidity and hot temperatures, but conditions vary from hot and humid in the north to dry and desert-like in the south. The central highland region has a temperate tropical climate, and the coastal regions are arid or semi-arid due to the influence of the Benguela Cold Current.

Angola's rainy season

Angola has a variety of climatic zones, with distinct rainy seasons depending on the region. The country's climate is generally tropical and humid, with high humidity and warm to hot temperatures all year round. The rainy season in Angola typically lasts from October to May in the north of the country, with the rains falling intensely during this period. The inland highlands, on the other hand, experience a rainy season from November to April, while the southern region sees rains between December and March.

The north of Angola has a hot and humid tropical climate, with the region being the warmest and rainiest in the country. In the inland highlands, the annual average temperature is 19°C, and the rainy season is followed by a dry and cold season from May to October. The central highland region has a temperate tropical climate, with rains falling between October and March.

The southern region of Angola is drier, with a desert climate in the far south towards the border with Namibia. The rains in this region are less intense, and the average annual rainfall is less than 100 mm. The coastal regions of Angola, influenced by the Benguela Cold Current, are arid or semi-arid, with low rainfall throughout the year. The average annual rainfall in Namibe, for example, is only 50 mm.

The capital city of Luanda has a moderately tropical climate, with a fresh and dry season between June and September and a hot and humid season from October to May. Luanda receives an average of 340 mm of rainfall annually. The sea water temperature off the coast of Luanda varies between 22°C and 29°C throughout the year.

Overall, Angola's rainy season is characterized by hot and humid weather, with the Inter-tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) controlling rainfall as it moves between the equator and the tropics. The rains coincide with the warmest months, with average temperatures ranging from 22°C to 23°C. The dry season, known as "Cacimbo," occurs from June to September and is the coolest time of the year.

The dry season or 'Cacimbo'

Angola is a country in southern Africa, bordered by the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north, Zambia to the east, and Namibia to the south. The climate of Angola is strongly influenced by the prevailing west and southwest winds. The country experiences distinct rainy and dry seasons. The dry season, Cacimbo, typically lasts from May or June to September or October. During this period, the climate is mild and pleasant, with cooler temperatures and less rainfall.

Cacimbo is characterised by a notable drop in temperature, with average readings between 18 and 20°C, compared to the hotter rainy season, which has averages of 22 to 23°C. The coolest months of the year are July and August, which fall within the dry season. Frost may even form at higher altitudes during this period. The dry season is also known for its heavy morning mist.

The dry season is shortened in the north of the country compared to the central plateau region, which includes the city of Huambo and experiences five practically rain-free months. The coastal region, on the other hand, has a unique climate for its latitude, with reduced temperatures and precipitation due to the influence of the cold Benguela current. This current is responsible for the aridity of the Namibian coast and the southern coastal area of Angola.

The dry season in Angola is an excellent time to explore the country's natural wonders and cultural heritage. With comfortable temperatures and less rainfall, it is ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The Cacimbo season offers a pleasant climate for those seeking to discover Angola's diverse landscapes, history, and culture.

Overall, the dry season or Cacimbo in Angola brings cooler temperatures, less rain, and a mild climate. It is a welcome break from the heat and humidity of the rainy season, offering a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere for locals and tourists alike.

Angola's climate and the Atlantic Ocean

Angola is a large country on the southwest coast of Africa, with a coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. Its climate is tropical, with distinct rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season lasts from October to May and is hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 22°C to 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°C and 20°C.

The climate of Angola is strongly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, particularly the sea surface temperatures and variations in the Benguela Cold Current. This current brings cold water from the south to the north along the coast, creating a unique climate in the coastal region. The Benguela Current has a stabilising effect on the lower atmosphere, preventing the formation of clouds and rainfall. As a result, the coastal region experiences reduced temperatures and precipitation, with a desert or semi-desert climate until Luanda in the north. However, there is an increase in rainfall towards the far north, exceeding 600 millimeters per year.

The coastal belt of Angola, located along the Atlantic Ocean, has a very unusual climate for its latitude. The temperature and precipitation are greatly reduced due to the influence of the Benguela Cold Current. This current flows from south to north along the coast, creating a desert or semi-desert climate in the southern coastal area and the Namib Desert to the south. The coastal region experiences low clouds and fog due to the warm air flowing over the cold sea surface, and temperatures rise significantly only when strong offshore winds bring warmed air from the interior.

The climate of Angola varies across different regions. The north has a wet, tropical climate, while the east has a moderate tropical climate. The southern central strip near the border with Namibia experiences hot, dry desert conditions. The annual average rainfall also varies, with 50 millimeters near the southern coast and up to 1500 millimeters in the northeast.

Overall, Angola's climate is strongly influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, particularly the sea surface temperatures and the Benguela Cold Current, which create a unique and diverse climate across the country.

The coldest and warmest regions

Angola has a variety of climatic zones, from tropical in the north to desert in the far south. The north of the country has a hot and humid tropical climate, with the south becoming increasingly dry. The central highland region has a temperate tropical climate, with rain between October and March. The coastal regions are arid or semi-arid due to the influence of the Benguela Cold Current.

The warmest region in Angola is the north, with the rains falling intensely between September and May. The average annual temperature along the north coast is around 26°C. The rains are abundant in the northern and central highlands, with an average of between 1,250 and 1,750 mm of rainfall.

The south-west of the country is the coldest region in Angola. The south becomes increasingly dry as you move away from the coast, eventually becoming desert towards the border with Namibia. The southern region experiences rain between December and March, with the average annual rainfall in the southern part of the country, south of Benguela, being less than 100 mm. The city of Namibe, on the coast, has an average annual rainfall of just 50 mm.

The capital, Luanda, located on the coast in the north of the country, has a moderately tropical climate. It experiences a fresh and dry season between June and September, with a hot and humid season between October and May. Luanda receives an average of about 340 mm of rain per year.

The best time to visit Angola to avoid the intense heat is during the cool and dry months between June and September.

Angola's tropical climate

Angola has a variety of climatic zones, with distinct regional variations. The northern region of Angola has a hot and humid tropical climate, with rains falling intensely between September and May. The inland highlands, including the central highland region, experience a temperate tropical climate, with a rainy season from October/November to March/April, and a dry and cold season from May to October. The central highland region is rainy between October and March. The southern region has a drier climate, becoming desert-like towards the border with Namibia.

The annual average temperatures along the north coast are around 26°C, with the interior highlands having an annual average of 19°C. The capital, Luanda, has a moderately tropical climate, with a dry season from June to September and a humid season from October to May. The sea water temperature varies from 22°C to 29°C throughout the year.

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 rainy season lasts from October to May and is characterised as hot and humid, coinciding with the warmest months. The rains are brought by the Inter-tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) as it migrates southward from the equator.

Angola's climate is influenced by its location along the Atlantic Ocean, with sea surface temperatures and variations in the Benguela Cold Current impacting the coastal regions, making them arid or semi-arid. The average annual rainfall along the coast is low, with only 50 mm in Namibe and 340 mm in Luanda.

The country experiences high humidity and hot temperatures, making the weather pleasant at times, with an average yearly temperature of 27.6°C and over 1750 hours of sunshine. The warmest and rainiest region is the North, while the South West is the coldest. The best time for travelling to Angola is during the dry season from July to August, avoiding the rainy season from November to April.

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