Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Luanda Norte, Angola, is classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Aw, characterized by a tropical savanna climate. This region experiences a temperature range that varies significantly throughout the year, with minimum average temperatures dropping to 15°C (59°F) in July, while the average annual temperature hovers around 25°C (77°F). The peak heat is observed in November, where maximum temperatures soar to 36°C (97°F). This climatic profile showcases the distinct seasonal variations that impact both the environmental landscape and the daily lives of its inhabitants.
Temperatures in Luanda Norte, Angola, exhibit a distinct seasonal pattern characterized by warm conditions year-round. The year begins with mild temperatures in January and February, where minimums stay around 18°C (65°F) and maximums reach up to 34°C (93°F). As the months progress into March and April, temperatures remain stable but start to peak, with March recording maximums of 35°C (96°F). May ushers in slightly cooler conditions with minimums dropping to 16°C (61°F), while averages hover around 25°C (78°F). From June to August, temperatures stabilize, with lows of 15°C (59°F) and consistent maximums of 35°C (95°F). In September and October, there is a slight uptick, with a return to 18°C (64°F) minimums and maximums consistently reaching 35°C (96°F). The year concludes in November with a notable high of 36°C (97°F) before returning to warmer lows in December, creating a rhythm of warm, tropical conditions punctuated by minor fluctuations throughout the year.
Dundo experiences a minimum temperature of 15°C (59°F) in July, with a maximum of 35°C (96°F) in October, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Dundo. In contrast, Lucapa also has a minimum of 15°C (59°F) in July but reaches slightly higher temperatures, peaking at 36°C (97°F) in November, according to the monthly temperatures in Lucapa.
In Luanda Norte, Angola, precipitation patterns demonstrate a clear seasonal distribution, heavily skewed towards the rainy months, primarily from January through April. January marks the onset of the wet season, accumulating 129 mm (5.1 in) of rainfall over 19 days. This trend intensifies in the following months, peaking in April with 194 mm (7.6 in) of rain over 21 days, indicating a robust rainy season. February and March also contribute significant rainfall, with 151 mm (5.9 in) and 176 mm (6.9 in), respectively. The transition into May sees a dramatic reduction in precipitation, dropping to 38 mm (1.5 in) over just 6 days, signaling the impending dry spell.
The dry season spans June through August, where precipitation nearly vanishes entirely, with 0 mm (0.0 in) recorded in both June and July. August introduces a slight uptick with 20 mm (0.8 in) over 3 days, but this remains minimal compared to the peak rainy months. As the rainy season returns in September, precipitation rises to 65 mm (2.6 in) across 11 days, leading into October and November, which cumulatively bring a considerable amount of rain, with 131 mm (5.2 in) in October and 190 mm (7.5 in) in November. December concludes the year with the highest recorded rainfall of 225 mm (8.9 in) over 25 days, showcasing a clear return to the characteristic heavy rains of the wet season.
In Luanda Norte, Angola, sunshine duration exhibits a remarkable seasonal trend, steadily increasing from the beginning of the year into the late spring and summer months. January starts the year with 239 hours of sunshine, gradually rising to 282 hours in February. March experiences a noticeable spike, with sunshine peaking at 305 hours, closely followed by 302 hours in April. As the region transitions into May, the sun shines brightly for 330 hours, marking the sunniest month of the year. This upward trend reflects the region's shift toward its dry, warmer season, validating the locals' adage of the sun's vigorous presence during these months.
As the year advances, Luanda Norte maintains a robust number of sunshine hours, with June, July, and August consistently offering over 300 hours of sunlight, ranging from 318 hours to 322 hours. Although there are minor fluctuations, the amount of sunshine remains impressive as the region enjoys clear skies and pleasant conditions. The sunshine hours then gradually decline in the latter part of the year, with November witnessing 301 hours and December slightly less at 298 hours. This decline signals the beginning of the wetter season, yet the region continues to bask in ample sunlight, making it an appealing time for outdoor activities even in the rainy months.
The ultraviolet (UV) index in Luanda Norte, Angola, presents a clear trend of extreme to very high UV exposure, especially during the peak sunshine months of January through April. January begins the year with a UV index of 14, classified as extreme, requiring a burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. This intensity persists through February and March, reaching a peak of 15. As the dry season progresses into April and May, the UV index remains elevated, although it drops slightly to 12 in May. This consistent high UV exposure underscores the importance of sun protection during these months, when outdoor activities are most common.
Transitioning into the cooler winter months, the UV index shows a slight decline, with June and July recording very high levels at 10 and 9, respectively, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. August sees a return to 10, but September escalates again to 12 as the UV index shifts back into the extreme category. The subsequent months of October and November maintain similar levels, with readings of 13 and 15, respectively, before tapering off slightly in December to 14. Overall, the data illustrate that despite seasonal variations, residents and visitors in Luanda Norte should remain vigilant regarding sun exposure throughout the year, particularly during the peak UV months from January to April and in late spring.
UV Risk Categories
In Luanda Norte, Angola, daylight duration remains relatively consistent throughout the year, with most months featuring 12 hours of daylight. This stability is characterized by equal lengths of day and night, particularly evident from January through March. As the region transitions into April and continues through to August, daylight hours slightly decrease to 11 hours, marking a gradual shortening as the year progresses. This period encompasses the cooler months, where the sun rises later and sets earlier, creating a more subdued daily rhythm.
As spring approaches in September, daylight duration rebounds to 12 hours, signaling a return to longer days as the climatic conditions shift again. This trend continues into October and November, maintaining the 12-hour daylight mark until the year comes to a close in December. Despite minor fluctuations, Luanda Norte enjoys a stable daylight pattern that offers residents and visitors a predictable schedule for daily activities, underscoring the equatorial nature of the region where variations in daylight duration remain minimal across the seasons.
Dundo, Angola, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. Average monthly temperatures range from a minimum of 15°C (59°F) in July to a maximum of 35°C (95°F) in the warmer months, such as March and April. Precipitation peaks from December to April, with April recording the highest at 199 mm (7.8 in), while June and July see virtually no rainfall. The area enjoys substantial sunshine throughout the year, with May averaging the most hours at 327. For more details, visit Dundo climate.
Lucapa, Angola features a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round. Average temperatures range from 23°C (74°F) in January to 25°C (77°F) in the cooler months, with maximums peaking at 36°C (97°F) in November. The region experiences a distinct wet season from January to April, with peak precipitation in March (185 mm) and November (208 mm), while the dry months of June and July receive virtually no rainfall. Sunshine hours are abundant, particularly from May to September, averaging over 300 hours per month during this period. For more detailed information, visit Lucapa climate.
In conclusion, Luanda Norte, Angola, experiences a distinctive climate characterized by warm temperatures, significant seasonal rainfall, and consistent sunlight throughout the year. With a Köppen-Geiger classification of Aw, the region's weather patterns highlight extreme UV exposure from January to April, necessitating sun protection during these peak months. Daylight duration consistently hovers around 12 hours, providing a reliable framework for daily life and outdoor activities. Collectively, these climatic elements not only shape the environmental landscape but also influence the cultural practices and lifestyle of the local population, making Luanda Norte a remarkable region to study and appreciate its dynamic interactions with climate and weather.