Exploring Angola's Yearly Rainfall Patterns And Totals

Angola's rainy season lasts from October to May, with the dry season occurring from June to September. The country's rainfall is controlled by the Inter-tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) as it moves between the equator and the tropics. The north of the country has a hot and humid tropical climate, with the climate becoming drier as you move southward until it becomes desert-like near the border with Namibia. The annual rainfall in Angola varies across the country, ranging from only 5 cm in Namibe to as high as 150 cm in the northeast.

Angola's rainy season is from October to May

Angola's rainy season lasts from October to May. During this period, the weather is typically hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 22°C to 23°C. The Inter-tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) controls rainfall as it migrates between the equator and the tropics, bringing rainfall to Angola as it moves southward from the equator in October.

The rainy season in Angola coincides with the warmest months of the year. The north of the country is the warmest and rainiest region, with the heaviest amounts of rain falling in this region during the wet season. The wet season sees a concentration of rainfall, with April usually being the wettest month. In Luanda, for example, April is the wettest month, with an average of 117mm of precipitation.

The dry season in Angola, known as "Cacimbo," occurs from June to September. This period marks the coolest time of the year, with average temperatures between 18°C and 20°C. The dry season is considered the best time to visit Angola for travellers seeking to avoid the rain and humidity of the wet season.

Angola's diverse climate zones offer varying experiences for travellers during the rainy season. The northern tropical savannah, for instance, provides lush greenery and abundant wildlife, while the coastal areas offer a cool sea breeze and desert landscapes. The rainy season in Angola is characterised by hot and humid weather, with rainfall controlled by the movement of the Inter-tropical Convergence Zone.

The dry season, known as 'Cacimbo', is from June to September

Angola's dry season, Cacimbo, takes place from June to September. During this time, the country experiences its coolest temperatures of the year, with averages between 18°C and 20°C. The dry season is characterised by a notable absence of rain, with little to no rainfall in the months of June, July, August, and September. This is in stark contrast to the rainy season, which lasts from October to May and sees a significant increase in humidity.

Cacimbo is a welcome change from the hot and humid rainy season. The cooler temperatures and reduced rainfall make it an ideal time to explore Angola's natural wonders and cultural offerings. The dry season is also known for its heavy morning mists, particularly in the interior regions. This unique climate is influenced by the prevailing west and southwest winds, as well as the country's location along the Atlantic Ocean.

The dry season in Angola is not just about comfortable temperatures and clear skies. It also offers a chance to witness the country's diverse landscapes in their most accessible state. The lack of rain transforms the environment, making it easier to navigate and explore. This is especially true for Angola's vast interior plateau, which spans over 1,200 meters in altitude and covers much of the country. The dry season unveils a different side of this plateau, with its grassy plains and rugged terrain.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, Cacimbo presents the perfect opportunity. It is an excellent time for hiking, camping, and exploring Angola's national parks, such as the Cangandala National Park, which is known for its diverse wildlife and scenic beauty. The dry season also attracts travellers interested in cultural experiences, as it coincides with various traditional festivals and events. It is a time when many communities come together to celebrate their heritage and traditions, offering visitors a unique insight into Angola's rich cultural tapestry.

While the dry season generally spans from June to September, there can be slight variations in different parts of the country. For example, in the northern region, the dry season may start as early as May and last until August. In contrast, the southern regions may experience a shorter dry season, with rainfall returning as early as September. Nonetheless, the core months of Cacimbo remain consistent across Angola, providing a reliable window for travellers seeking to explore the country during its driest and mildest months.

Luanda, Angola's capital, is the driest in July

Angola's rainy season lasts from October to May, with the Inter-tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) bringing rainfall 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°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.

Luanda, Angola's capital, is located in the semi-arid central part of the country's coast. The city experiences a rare weather phenomenon for a coastal location, with a concentration of rainfall that does not adhere to a linear progression. While April is the wettest month, with 117mm of rainfall, the driest months stretch from June to September, with little to no rainfall.

July is the only month in Luanda when it does not rain at all. The average high temperature in July is 23.3°C, with a low of 18.3°C, resulting in a mean temperature of 76°F. The days in July last for approximately 11 hours and 40 minutes, with the sun rising at 06:21 or 06:22 and setting at 17:59 or 18:05. The climate in July is considered pleasant and perfect for visiting, with clear and sunny skies 81% to 89% of the time.

The sea temperature in Luanda in July is around 21°C, which is not considered enjoyable for swimming for most people. The relative humidity in the city during this month is high, averaging 79.5%. The UV index is also high, with a maximum of 9, indicating a very high health vulnerability from exposure to the sun's UV radiation.

In summary, Luanda, Angola's capital, experiences its driest conditions in July, with no rainfall, pleasant temperatures, high humidity, and a strong UV index.

The north of Angola has a tropical savannah climate

Angola has five distinct climate zones, with the north being the only area that has a tropical savannah climate. The coastal areas have a warm desert climate, which transitions to a warm steppe climate in the inland and northern coastal areas. The country experiences two seasons: a dry and cool winter, and a warm and humid summer. The wet season, from October to May, sees heavy rainfall in the north, with April usually being the wettest month.

The tropical savannah climate in the north of Angola is influenced by the country's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the cool sea currents that flow along its coast. The coastal areas of Angola have a warm desert climate, with an average temperature of 16°C in winter and 21°C in summer. The cool sea currents contribute to the lower temperatures along the coast, in contrast to the warmer temperatures of the tropical savannah in the north.

The dry season in Angola, 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, or summer, begins in September and ends in April, particularly in the northeastern part of the country. The distinct seasons of alternating dry and rainy periods are characteristic of tropical countries in Africa, and Angola's climate is influenced by both the sea currents and the altitudes in the interior plateau.

The tropical savannah climate in the north of Angola supports lush greenery and an abundance of wildlife. The savannah is typically characterised by tree-studded grasslands, with tall, coarse grass known as savanna. The ecoregion in this region includes various habitats such as grassland, cloud forests, rainforest, swamps, and mangroves, contributing to Angola's rich biodiversity.

The wettest month in Luanda is April

Angola's rainy season lasts from October to May, with the wettest month usually being April. The Inter-tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) controls rainfall 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°C to 23°C.

Luanda, Angola's capital, experiences a coastal climate influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. While temperatures remain relatively consistent, there is a slight drop in temperature around June and July, with values dipping to 20°C and 18.3°C, respectively. The city generally maintains a humid atmosphere, with relative humidity ranging between 75.5% and 81%.

April stands out as the wettest month in Luanda, with a substantial 117mm of rainfall. This influx of rain provides a notable contrast to the preceding warmer months. The high precipitation in April results in reduced sunshine hours and heightened humidity levels.

The dry season in Luanda, also known as "Cacimbo," occurs from June to September. This period offers minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. During the dry season, temperatures typically range from a comfortable 20°C to 25°C, while sea temperatures vary from 21°C to 24.3°C. It is worth noting that the relative humidity during this period tends to be slightly higher, averaging between 79.5% and 81%.

Frequently asked questions