Last updated: January 18, 2025
Situated in the heart of Botswana, Selibe Phikwe experiences a semi-arid climate classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as BSh. Characterized by a minimum temperature of 3°C (38°F) in July, this region witnesses significant seasonal variation. The average annual temperature hovers around 22°C (72°F), while the summer months, particularly October, can soar to a sweltering 42°C (108°F). This climatic profile highlights the distinct temperature fluctuations that define the ecological and agricultural dynamics of Selibe Phikwe, making it a compelling area for climate studies.
Selibe Phikwe, Botswana, exhibits distinct seasonal temperature patterns throughout the year, marked by notable fluctuations. The year begins with warm conditions in January and February, where minimum temperatures hover around 14°C (58°F) and maximums peak at 40°C (104°F), reflecting the region's summer months. As autumn sets in, March to May witnesses a gradual cooling, with minimum temperatures falling to around 4°C (39°F) by May and maximums decreasing to 32°C (89°F). The winter months of June and July experience the lowest temperatures, with July recording a minimum of 3°C (38°F); however, daytime highs remain steady at around 30°C (87°F). As spring returns in August and September, temperatures start to rise again, gradually reaching maximums close to 39°C (103°F). While late spring and early summer months, particularly October and November, see a resurgence of warmth with average temperatures near 26°C (79°F) and maximums hitting 42°C (108°F), the climate overall is characterized by a clear transition from hot summers to cooler winters.
In Selebi-Phikwe, temperatures fluctuate significantly, with a minimum of 3°C (38°F) recorded in July, contrasting sharply with a maximum of 42°C (108°F) observed in October. This range highlights the region's diverse climate conditions throughout the year, making it essential for residents and visitors to prepare accordingly. For detailed monthly temperature information, refer to monthly temperatures in Selebi-Phikwe.
Selibe Phikwe experiences a pronounced seasonal pattern in precipitation, predominantly characterized by its rainy summer months. January and February lead the way with 96 mm (3.8 in) and 162 mm (6.4 in) of rainfall, respectively, resulting in relatively high precipitation days—11 in January and 15 in February. This substantial rainfall supports local agriculture and replenishes water sources. As the wet season transitions into cooler months, a sharp decline in precipitation occurs from March to August, with March receiving only 19 mm (0.7 in) and dropping to a mere 1 mm (0.0 in) in August, often resulting in dry conditions during the winter.
As Selibe Phikwe moves into the latter part of the year, precipitation begins to rise again in November and December, accumulating 40 mm (1.6 in) and 107 mm (4.2 in), respectively. The rainfall during these months is also accompanied by several rainy days—7 in November and 12 in December—marking the return of the wet season. Overall, the annual precipitation distribution in Selibe Phikwe underscores the contrast between the lush, rain-soaked summer months and the dry winter period, shaping both its climate and agricultural practices.
In Selibe Phikwe, Botswana, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, primarily characterized by increasing hours as the year progresses towards summer. Beginning with a robust 295 hours in January, the sunshine hours gradually rise and peak during the late spring and early summer months. March is notable, recording 348 hours, while April and May maintain high levels at 325 hours and 330 hours, respectively. This steady increase provides ample sunlight, promoting growth in local flora and enhancing agricultural productivity in the region.
The peak sunshine month occurs in November, with an impressive 364 hours of sunlight, closely followed by December at 354 hours. These months not only underscore the essence of the warm season but also represent optimal conditions for diverse outdoor activities. Conversely, while the winter months of June to August experience a slight decline in sunshine—averaging around 309 hours to 332 hours—they still maintain a significant amount of sunlight. This consistent pattern of abundant sunshine throughout the year highlights Selibe Phikwe's unique climate, making it an attractive region for both residents and visitors seeking warmth and brightness.
In Selibe Phikwe, Botswana, the UV Index displays remarkable seasonal variations, directly reflecting the intensity of solar radiation throughout the year. The first half of the year experiences extreme UV levels, with the index peaking at 16 in January and gradually decreasing to 12 in April. This period, classified as "extreme," has a notably short burn time of just 10 minutes, highlighting the necessity for sun protection during these months. As the seasons shift, May marks a transition with a UV Index of 9, categorized as "very high," allowing for slightly longer exposure times of up to 15 minutes.
As the year progresses into the latter months, Selibe Phikwe continues to see variations in UV levels, particularly in summer. From September onward, the UV Index increases again, reaching 14 in both October and November, maintaining the "extreme" exposure category with a burn time of 10 minutes. December reaffirms this trend with a UV Index of 15, necessitating consistent sun safety measures. The overall data illustrates that throughout the majority of the year, especially from January to April and again in the late months, residents and visitors should remain vigilant against UV exposure to mitigate health risks associated with intense solar radiation.
UV Risk Categories
In Selibe Phikwe, Botswana, daylight duration exhibits a distinct seasonal pattern, closely aligning with the hemispherical changes throughout the year. Beginning in January, the region enjoys approximately 13 hours of daylight, gradually decreasing to 12 hours in both February and March. As the year progresses into April and May, daylight remains stable at 11 hours, indicating a consistent transition into the cooler months. The shortest daylight hours occur in June and July, where the sun illuminates the land for about 10 hours, signifying the mid-winter period in this semi-arid climate.
As spring approaches, daylight duration begins to increase again, with August, September, and October seeing a return to 11 to 12 hours. Notably, November and December reach back to 13 hours of daylight, culminating the year with longer days just before the onset of summer. This cyclical pattern of daylight not only shapes the daily rhythms of life in Selibe Phikwe but also influences agricultural practices and outdoor activities, allowing residents to make the most of the abundant sunlight during the longer days of the year.
Selebi-Phikwe, Botswana experiences a hot semi-arid climate characterized by significant temperature variations throughout the year. January sees temperatures ranging from 14°C to 40°C, with high precipitation peaking in February at 162 mm. The dry season from May to August features cool nights, particularly in July with lows of around 3°C, while daytime temperatures can still reach the mid-30s°C. Abundant sunshine is prevalent year-round, with November boasting the highest at 364 hours. For more detailed climatic information, visit Selebi-Phikwe climate.
In conclusion, Selibe Phikwe, Botswana, presents a unique climate characterized by notable temperature variations, seasonal precipitation patterns, and significant sunshine duration throughout the year. With high UV Index levels during much of the year, particularly in the summer months, awareness and proactive measures to protect against sun exposure are crucial. The interplay between daylight duration and climatic conditions, including the pronounced shifts from wet to dry seasons, shapes the region's ecology and agricultural practices. Understanding these climatic dynamics is essential for both residents and visitors, enabling them to effectively engage with and appreciate the distinct environment of Selibe Phikwe.