Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Benguela, Angola, is classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as BSh, indicating a hot semi-arid climate characterized by distinct temperature variations throughout the year. Temperatures in this coastal city range from a minimum of 16°C (61°F) in August to a peak of 34°C (93°F) in March, with an average annual temperature of around 25°C (77°F). This climatic profile not only influences the local ecosystem but also drives the lifestyle and economic activities of its residents, highlighting the interplay between climate and human adaptation in this vibrant region.
Benguela, Angola, experiences distinct temperature patterns throughout the year, with a tropical climate that showcases moderate warmth and variation. The year begins with warm January temperatures averaging 26°C (79°F), peaking in February at 32°C (90°F). As summer transitions into autumn in March and April, maximum temperatures remain elevated, reaching 34°C (93°F) in March and moderately cooling to 33°C (92°F) by April. The cooler months of June and July see a notable decline, with averages dipping to 22°C (71°F) due to the influence of coastal breezes. August marks the year's coolest point, with an average of 21°C (70°F), before gradually warming again in the following months. By November and December, temperatures rebound to 26°C (79°F), reflecting a return to the warmer summer patterns. This cyclical shift presents a consistent rhythm of warmth and cooling, defining Benguela's unique climate landscape.
In Lobito, temperatures range from a minimum of 18°C (65°F) in August to a maximum of 30°C (86°F) in February, providing a warm coastal climate. In nearby Benguela, the temperature dips slightly lower, with a minimum of 16°C (61°F) in August and peaking at 34°C (93°F) in March. Catumbela shares a similar temperature profile with Benguela, experiencing the same minimum of 16°C (61°F) in August and a maximum of 34°C (93°F) in March, making both locations well-suited for those who enjoy warm weather. For more details, visit monthly temperatures in Lobito, monthly temperatures in Benguela, and monthly temperatures in Catumbela.
Benguela, Angola, showcases a distinct precipitation pattern characterized by a peak rainy season from January through April. January and February mark the onset of rain with approximately 30 mm (1.2 in) and 29 mm (1.1 in), respectively, each accompanied by around four rainy days. The rains become more pronounced in March, where precipitation soars to 85 mm (3.3 in), marking the wettest month of the year. Following this peak, rainfall decreases significantly in April to 43 mm (1.7 in), setting the stage for a swift transition into the dry months.
From May to September, the region experiences a stark reduction in rainfall, with almost negligible amounts recorded—often less than 10 mm (0.4 in) monthly. The dry spell from June to August is particularly stark, with no measurable rainfall during these months. Although some rain returns in October and November, with totals of 7 mm (0.3 in) and 19 mm (0.8 in), the frequency of precipitation remains low, culminating in 5 rainy days in December. This seasonal rhythm underscores Benguela's transition from a robust wet period to an extended dry phase, reflecting the influence of climate dynamics in the region.
Benguela, Angola, experiences a remarkable distribution of sunshine throughout the year, characterized by a steady increase in sunlight hours as it transitions from winter to summer. Beginning in January with 279 hours of sunshine, the month-to-month increase is noticeable, culminating in April with an impressive 322 hours. This upward trend peaks in October, where the sun shines for a remarkable 345 hours, marking it as the sunniest month of the year. Such prolonged exposure to sunlight supports the region’s vibrant ecosystems and agricultural practices, contributing positively to local livelihoods.
As the year progresses, the sunshine duration remains consistently high, maintaining over 300 hours from February through November. Notably, the months of May and October stand out not only for their high sunshine totals but also for their significance in the agricultural calendar, offering optimal conditions for cultivation. Meanwhile, the winter months of January and February, while sunnier than many regions, mark a gradual build-up to the peak periods, with slightly lower totals of 279 hours and 309 hours respectively. Overall, the sunny climate of Benguela fosters a lively atmosphere, enriching both its natural landscapes and the daily lives of its inhabitants.
Benguela, Angola, is under the influence of a notably high UV Index throughout the year, underscoring the importance of sun safety measures for residents and visitors alike. With peak UV Index values reaching 15 in February, the region is classified under the "extreme" exposure category, with a burn time of only 10 minutes. This extreme UV risk persists into January, March, and April, where values hover around 14 and 13, necessitating precautionary measures to prevent skin damage. Such elevated UV levels during the early months of the year reflect the strong intensity of the sun in this coastal area, particularly during the rainy season.
As the year progresses into the winter months, the UV Index remains high but sees a slight decline, with values dropping to 8 and 9 in June, July, and August, categorized as "very high," thus allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. However, the trend of increasing UV exposure returns in the latter months, with values back at 12 in October and 14 in both November and December as the sun regains its intensity. This cyclical pattern illustrates the necessity for year-round vigilance against UV radiation, emphasizing the use of protective measures like sunscreen and clothing when venturing outside, particularly during the peak months.
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Benguela, Angola, enjoys a relatively consistent pattern of daylight duration throughout the year, primarily influenced by its equatorial location. For the first three months—January, February, and March—the city experiences 12 hours of daylight each day, allowing ample time for outdoor activities and agricultural practices. As the year progresses into April and May, daylight decreases slightly to 11 hours, continuing this trend through the winter months of June, July, and August, where the amount of natural light remains steady at 11 hours.
With the arrival of September, daylight duration begins to increase once again, returning to 12 hours and maintaining this amount through to December. This consistency offers a balanced environment for a wide variety of ecosystems and contributes positively to the daily lives of Benguela’s residents. As such, the variation in daylight duration is minimal but noteworthy, providing a reliable rhythm to the year that influences both culture and nature in this vibrant coastal city.
Benguela, Angola experiences a warm and tropical climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 16°C (61°F) in August to a maximum of 34°C (93°F) in March. The wettest month is March, with 89 mm (3.5 in) of rainfall, while the driest months are June and August, receiving just 5 mm (0.2 in) and 4 mm (0.1 in), respectively. Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, peaking in October with 345 hours of sunshine. The climate supports a consistent agricultural cycle, making it suitable for various crops. For more detailed information, visit Benguela climate.
Catumbela, Angola, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures throughout the year. January and February see average highs around 27-28°C (81-82°F), while the cooler months of July and August drop to average highs of 21-22°C (71-72°F). Rainfall is most abundant from March to April, with March receiving up to 89 mm (3.5 in), while June through August are notably drier. The region enjoys ample sunshine, peaking in May with approximately 335 hours, making it a bright destination year-round. For more detailed information, visit Catumbela climate.
Lobito, Angola experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round, with averages ranging from 21°C (70°F) in the cooler months to 27°C (81°F) in the warmer months. The wet season occurs primarily from January to April, peaking in March with 77 mm of rainfall, while June to September sees significantly lower precipitation, averaging just 2 to 7 mm. Sunshine is abundant, with May enjoying the most hours at 335, contributing to Lobito's appeal as a sunny destination. For more detailed climate information, visit Lobito climate.
In summary, Benguela, Angola, presents a unique climatic profile characterized by a distinct hot semi-arid climate, complemented by notable patterns of temperature, precipitation, sunshine, UV index, and daylight duration throughout the year. The city basks in abundant sunshine, particularly during the peak months, while also experiencing extreme UV values that necessitate protective measures for residents and visitors alike. The reliable rhythm of daylight hours enhances daily life and agricultural practices, reflecting the interconnectedness of climate factors. Understanding these elements collectively provides valuable insights into how the environment shapes the lifestyle, culture, and ecological dynamics of this vibrant coastal region.