Last updated: January 18, 2025
Haut-Katanga, located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, exhibits a Cwa climate classification characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The region experiences a minimum temperature of 8°C (47°F) during June, rising to an average of 21°C (70°F) throughout the year. The hottest month, October, sees maximum temperatures reach up to 35°C (95°F), highlighting the variability in seasonal temperature ranges. These climatic conditions significantly influence the local ecosystem and agricultural practices, making Haut-Katanga a focal point for climate-related studies in Central Africa.
Temperature patterns in Haut-Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo, reveal a distinct seasonal variation influenced by the region’s climate. Beginning the year, January through March maintains relatively stable conditions, with minimums around 15°C (59°F) and averages consistently at 21°C (70°F), while maximums hover near 30°C (86°F). As April approaches, temperatures begin to dip slightly during the nights, with minimums falling to 13°C (57°F). A notable change occurs in June and July, where the region experiences its coolest temperatures, with minimums reaching as low as 8°C (47°F) and average temperatures dropping to 18°C (65°F). However, as August arrives, the climate warms up again, and by October, the temperatures peak, with maximums soaring to 35°C (95°F). This fluctuation establishes a clear seasonal rhythm, with cooler mid-year months transitioning into warmer periods that create a dynamic climate profile throughout the year.
In Likasi, temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) in July to a maximum of 34°C (94°F) in November, reflecting a warm climate for much of the year monthly temperatures in Likasi. Similarly, Lubumbashi experiences temperatures dipping to 8°C (47°F) in June and peaking at 35°C (95°F) in October, indicating slightly warmer conditions in the latter part of the year monthly temperatures in Lubumbashi. Kipushi sees a minimum of 8°C (47°F) in July and a maximum of 34°C (94°F) in October, aligning closely with the temperature patterns observed in both Likasi and Lubumbashi monthly temperatures in Kipushi.
Haut-Katanga experiences a pronounced wet season from January to March, with precipitation levels peaking during these months. January receives 230 mm (9.0 in) of rainfall over approximately 24 days, climbing slightly to 251 mm (9.9 in) in February. March sees the highest monthly total, with 254 mm (10.0 in), accompanied by 26 days of rainfall. Following this period, a marked reduction in precipitation occurs in April, where there’s a significant drop to 68 mm (2.7 in), and May receives just 8 mm (0.3 in), indicating the transition towards a drier phase.
From June through September, Haut-Katanga enters a near-complete dry spell, with no measurable rainfall recorded during these months. This dry season continues through August; however, a slight anomaly appears in September with a minimal 1 mm (0.1 in) of rain. As October approaches, precipitation begins to return, totaling 46 mm (1.8 in) across six rainy days. November experiences a resurgence with 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain over 19 days, setting the stage for the final wet season surge in December, where another 253 mm (10.0 in) falls during 26 days of rainfall, highlighting the region's distinctive climatic transitions.
In Haut-Katanga, sunshine duration reflects a pronounced seasonal trend, characterized by an upward trajectory from the beginning of the year to mid-year. January starts with 230 hours of sunshine, gradually increasing each month as the region transitions into the warmer seasons. By March, the hours reach 303, and in April, they peak at 325 hours. The months of May and June continue this upward trend with 341 hours and 326 hours, respectively, showcasing an ideal time for outdoor activities and agricultural practices as the region basks in abundant sunlight.
As the year progresses into the latter half, sunshine hours remain consistent with 336 hours each in July and August before slightly tapering in September at 332 hours. The fall months see a subtle decline, with October offering 342 hours—still considerable sunshine—followed by November and December, which experience 322 hours and 288 hours respectively. This pattern highlights a climatic shift with shorter daylight as the year closes, yet the region maintains a higher average of sunshine compared to winter periods in many other regions, contributing to Haut-Katanga's rich biodiversity and agricultural productivity.
The UV Index in Haut-Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo, reveals a persistent risk of intense sun exposure, particularly from January to April, where values reach extreme levels. Starting at 16 in January, the UV Index peaks at 17 in February before settling back to 16 in March and 14 in April. This high UV intensity translates to a critical burn time of just 10 minutes, urging residents and visitors to take necessary precautions during this time to protect against skin damage. Even in May, while the UV Index slightly decreases to 12, the exposure remains classified as extreme, maintaining the need for sun safety practices.
As the year progresses into the latter months, the UV Index gradually lowers, reflecting a slight easing in sun intensity. June and July show a UV Index of 10, categorized as very high, extending the safe burn time to 15 minutes. However, the index rises again to 11 in August, 12 in September, and 13 in October before peaking at 15 in November. By December, the UV Index returns to 16, indicating that, although the summer sun yields a slight reprieve, Haut-Katanga remains a region where sun exposure must always be managed carefully due to the consistently high UV levels throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Haut-Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo, showcases a remarkable consistency throughout the year, particularly in the first three months where it maintains a stable 12 hours daily. This equilibrium reflects the region's proximity to the equator, ensuring that residents enjoy equal lengths of day and night. As the year transitions into April, daylight begins to decrease slightly, dropping to 11 hours and remaining consistent through the following months of May, June, July, and August. This minor reduction still provides ample daylight for both daily activities and agricultural practices, which are vital for local livelihoods.
With the arrival of September, daylight duration begins to rebound, returning to 12 hours and maintaining this length through October, November, and December. This return to longer daylight hours aligns with the region's overall climatic patterns, where the change in UV exposure and sunshine duration can also influence daily life. The reliable nature of daylight duration across the months assures that, regardless of seasonal shifts, the people of Haut-Katanga have a consistent framework for planning their activities against the backdrop of a tropical climate.
Kambove, located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures throughout the year. Average monthly temperatures range from 19°C (66°F) in June and July to 24°C (75°F) in September and October, with maximums peaking at 34°C (93°F) during the hottest months. The region witnesses significant rainfall, especially from January to March, with January receiving about 216 mm (8.5 in) of precipitation. Sunshine hours are abundant, particularly in May with 343 hours, providing ample daylight throughout the year. For more detailed information on the weather patterns, visit Kambove climate.
Kipushi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, features a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and a distinct wet season. Average monthly temperatures range from a low of 8°C (47°F) in July to a high of 34°C (93°F) in October, with significant humidity, particularly from January to March when rainfall exceeds 250 mm (10 in). Sunshine is abundant, peaking at 343 hours in October, while the dry months of June to August experience little to no precipitation. For more detailed information, visit Kipushi climate.
Likasi, located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall. Average temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) in July to a maximum of 34°C (93°F) in September and November, with consistent averages around 21°C (70°F). The rainy season peaks from January to March, with precipitation reaching up to 269 mm (10.6 in) in March, while the dry months of June to August see minimal rainfall. Sunshine hours are abundant, particularly in the dry season, peaking at 343 hours in May. For more detailed information, explore the Likasi climate.
Lubumbashi, located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, experiences a tropical savanna climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures range from a mild 8°C (47°F) in June and July to a warm 35°C (95°F) in October and November, with average monthly highs consistently reaching the upper 20s to mid-30s Celsius. Rainfall is abundant from January to March, with January alone receiving 222 mm (8.8 in), while the months of June to August are notably dry. Sunshine hours are plentiful, peaking in May and October with around 340 to 344 hours of sunlight. For more details, visit Lubumbashi climate.
In conclusion, Haut-Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo, exhibits distinct climatic patterns characterized by steady temperature variations, significant seasonal rainfall, ample sunshine, and high UV exposure. The region experiences pronounced seasonal shifts, particularly in temperature and precipitation, with a warm and wet climate conducive to agriculture and local biodiversity. The consistency in daylight duration throughout the year further facilitates daily life and agricultural practices. Understanding these climatic trends not only emphasizes the importance of sun safety and water management but also underscores the unique environmental dynamics that define Haut-Katanga, making it a critical area for both local communities and researchers interested in climate resilience and sustainable development.