Africa Weather
Africa Weather - Terrain dictates variations in climate
Africa weather can be understood best as several very different climatic regions. Near the equator and on the windward shores of SE Madagascar is a tropical rain forest climate, characterised by high temperatures and heavy rain for most of the year. Circling this region are belts of tropical savanna with high temperatures all year round and a seasonal distribution of rain during the summer months. There are also arid steppe regions with limited rainfall, and an extreme desert climate across the northern third of Africa, characterised by extreme heat and aridity caused by stagnant continental air masses. At the north and south of the continent are zones of Mediterranean-type climate, featuring sub-tropical temperatures and limited winter rainfall.
Weather In Africa - Tropical climate of Kenya
For those heading to Africa for the safari holiday of a lifetime it’s important to understand the local weather before setting off. Kenya’s summer runs from December to March, while winter is July to August. Holidays in Kenya’s tropical climate means it is hot and humid at the coast but more temperate inland and very dry in its northern parts. The hottest time is in February and March and the coldest in July and August. In Mombasa on the coast the maximum temperature is 30ºC, and minimum 22ºC while in Nairobi the temperatures reach 25ºC, with lowest temperature around 13ºC. Be prepared for the long rains which occur from April to June and short rains from October to December. Rainfall is sometimes heavy and tends to fall in the afternoon and evenings.
Africa Weather - Summer rain in southern Africa
In southern Africa plan your holiday around summer rains and dry winters. The dry season runs from may to October. Remember that game conditions improve as the season gets dries and wildlife concentrates on staying close to vital water sources. The summer wet season, starting with rains in November brings with it an abundance of migrant birds, but game viewing deteriorates.
