Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Tshopo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, is classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Af (tropical rainforest) and Am (tropical monsoon), reflecting its rich biodiversity and significant annual rainfall. Throughout the year, temperatures exhibit a warm profile, with a minimum of 18°C (65°F) in January and an average of 26°C (79°F), peaking at a scorching 39°C (103°F) in March. This climatic pattern not only shapes the local environment but also influences agricultural practices and the livelihoods of communities within the region.
In Tshopo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, temperature patterns display a distinct seasonal rhythm characterized by a warm overall climate. January marks the start of the year with minimum temperatures around 18°C (65°F), gradually rising as February and March bring warmer lows of 21°C (69°F), while March reaches an annual maximum of 39°C (103°F). Following this peak, temperatures begin to stabilize, with averages generally hovering around 25°C (77°F) from July to October, indicative of a cooler and more consistent mid-year phase. By December, the temperatures gently rise again, with maximum values near 35°C (96°F), suggesting a cyclical return to warmth as the year concludes. This temperature variability underscores the tropical climate's influence, promoting diverse ecosystems and agricultural practices throughout the region.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Yangambi experiences a minimum temperature of 20°C (68°F) in January, rising to a maximum of 37°C (98°F) in March, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Yangambi. Basoko has similar patterns, with January lows also at 20°C (68°F) but peaks reaching 39°C (103°F) in March, according to its monthly temperatures in Basoko. Meanwhile, Kisangani records a minimum of 18°C (65°F) in January, with a maximum of 38°C (101°F) in March, reflecting the climate outlined in the monthly temperatures in Kisangani.
Tshopo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, experiences a pronounced wet season, particularly from March through October, when precipitation levels peak and provide the region with substantial rainfall. In March, rainfall surges to 125 mm (4.9 in) over 17 days, escalating in April to 142 mm (5.6 in), further intensifying in October, which records an impressive 180 mm (7.1 in) across 25 days. This sustained moisture is critical for sustaining the lush tropical ecosystems characteristic of the region, as well as supporting the diverse agricultural practices of local communities.
Contrastingly, the months of January and February witness significantly lower precipitation, with 39 mm (1.5 in) and 53 mm (2.1 in) respectively, suggesting a transitional phase before the onset of heavier rains. By December, rainfall tapers off to 77 mm (3.0 in) over 15 days, marking a shift into a drier period. The fluctuating precipitation indicates a well-defined wet-dry cycle, fundamentally shaping the climate and hydrological patterns in Tshopo, ensuring both ecological balance and agricultural productivity throughout the year.
In Tshopo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, sunshine duration reveals a notable seasonal pattern, characterized by increasing hours of sunlight as the year progresses towards the drier months. Beginning in January with 264 hours of sunshine, the region experiences a gradual ascent, reaching a peak of 316 hours in March. This three-month stretch not only signifies the transition toward the wet season but also highlights the importance of solar energy during these months for both the ecosystem and local agriculture.
Following March, sunshine hours remain relatively high, with April and May also recording impressive totals of 300 hours and 299 hours, respectively. A slight decline is observed from June to September, where sunshine hours hover around 280 to 291 hours, marking the peak of the rainy season. However, as the year winds down, December shines brightly with 318 hours, signaling a strong return to sun-drenched days. This cyclical pattern underscores the region’s climate dynamics, with periods of abundant sunlight playing a crucial role in supporting both biodiversity and agricultural productivity throughout the seasons.
In Tshopo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, the UV Index remains consistently high throughout the year, reflecting the region's proximity to the equator. The index peaks during the early months, with January and February recording a UV Index of 12, indicating an extreme exposure level where a burn can occur in as little as 10 minutes. This trend continues into March and April, where the UV Index escalates to 14, urging inhabitants and visitors alike to take protective measures against intense sun exposure. Maintaining skin safety during these months is crucial, as the extreme conditions can lead to harmful UV-related health effects.
As the year progresses, although there is a slight decline in the UV Index, levels remain within the extreme to very high categories until November. Notably, July registers a UV Index of 10, transitioning to a "very high" exposure category with a slightly increased burn time of 15 minutes. In the following months, the index fluctuates between 11 to 13, indicating persistent risk levels, albeit with more manageable exposure times akin to 10 minutes for most months. This consistent UV radiation throughout the year underscores the importance of sun protection in Tshopo, as prolonged exposure can significantly compromise skin health.
UV Risk Categories
In Tshopo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, daylight duration remains remarkably consistent throughout the entire year, with 12 hours of daylight expected every month. This stable cycle reflects the region's equatorial location, where the sun rises and sets at approximately the same time all year round. Such uniformity in daylight hours offers a predictable environment for both the local flora and fauna, allowing for a biodiversity-rich ecosystem that thrives on the constant availability of sunlight.
This consistency in daylight also plays a significant role in the agricultural practices of Tshopo, as farmers can plan their activities with the assurance of ample sunlight each day. The reliable 12-hour daylight period facilitates the growth cycles of various crops, supporting food security and local economies. As a result, the unchanging daylight duration not only enhances the region's ecological balance but also underscores the importance of sunlight in the daily lives and livelihoods of the communities in Tshopo.
Basoko, located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. Temperatures range from a minimum of 20°C (68°F) in January to a maximum of 39°C (103°F) in March, with averages hovering around 26-28°C (79-82°F). The wettest months are April and August, with precipitation levels peaking at 125 mm (4.9 in) and 142 mm (5.6 in), respectively. Sunshine is abundant, especially in December, which boasts 323 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit the Basoko climate.
Kisangani, located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures throughout the year. Average monthly temperatures range from 25°C to 27°C (77°F to 81°F), with peak highs reaching up to 38°C (101°F) in March. The region receives substantial rainfall, particularly from March to October, with October being the wettest month at 187 mm (7.4 in). Despite the rain, Kisangani enjoys a good amount of sunshine, peaking in March with 314 hours. For more detailed climate insights, visit Kisangani climate.
Yangambi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, experiences a tropical climate characterized by consistently warm temperatures and significant rainfall. Average monthly temperatures range from a minimum of 20°C (68°F) in January to a maximum of 37°C (98°F) in February and March. Rainfall peaks between April and October, with September and October receiving the highest amounts, averaging 182 mm (7.2 in) and 195 mm (7.7 in), respectively. Despite the heavy rain, the region enjoys ample sunshine, with March having the most sun hours at 316. For more detailed weather information, visit Yangambi climate.
In conclusion, Tshopo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, presents a unique climatic profile characterized by its consistent daylight duration and high UV Index, alongside notable variations in temperature and precipitation throughout the year. The predictable cycle of 12 hours of daylight fosters a stable environment for biodiversity and agriculture, while the extreme UV Index readings underscore the need for protective measures against intense sun exposure. Understanding these climatic dynamics is essential for local communities as they navigate agricultural practices and daily life, ultimately highlighting the intricate balance between the region's rich natural resources and the sun's powerful influence on health and well-being.