Angola, located on the southwestern coast of Africa, experiences a diverse climate due to its varied geography and expansive territory. Its weather patterns are heavily influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, the Congo and Kalahari Deserts, and the central plateau. This results in different climate zones across the country, including tropical and semi-arid climates. The weather in Angola varies throughout the year, with some regions receiving abundant rainfall while others experience dry and arid conditions.
Overview of Angola’s Climate Zones
Before we delve into the month-by-month weather patterns, it’s important to understand the primary climate zones that characterize Angola.
The Coastal Region
The coastal area of Angola experiences a tropical climate with high humidity and moderate temperatures. The region benefits from the cooling effect of the Atlantic Ocean, particularly in cities like Luanda, the capital, and Lobito. This region receives considerable rainfall throughout the year, especially between the months of November and April.
The Central Plateau
The central plateau of Angola is marked by a more temperate climate, with temperatures being cooler than those on the coast. This region, which includes cities like Huambo and Bié, experiences a pronounced dry season and a more distinct rainy season. The rainfall varies from moderate to heavy during the rainy months.
The Eastern Highlands and Desert Regions
The eastern parts of Angola, closer to the borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, feature a more tropical savanna climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. On the other hand, the western and southern regions, near the Namib Desert, experience arid conditions, with some areas receiving little to no rainfall throughout the year.
Understanding these regional differences helps to explain why Angola’s weather can vary significantly across its vast territory.
Monthly Weather Breakdown
January: The Peak of the Rainy Season
January falls within the heart of Angola’s rainy season, particularly for coastal and central regions. Cities like Luanda and Benguela experience high humidity levels and regular downpours, while the central plateau and mountainous regions, including Huambo, also witness significant rainfall. Temperatures in the coastal regions range from 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F), while inland areas like Huambo remain slightly cooler, around 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F).
During this month, heavy rain showers and thunderstorms are common, with rainfall amounts reaching their peak. It is important to note that the rain usually falls in short, intense bursts, so dry periods often follow periods of heavy rain.
February: Continued Rainfall and Warm Temperatures
February in Angola is another month that continues the rainy season, with precipitation remaining relatively high across the country. Coastal cities experience daily rain showers, which help cool down the typically warm temperatures of the region. The temperatures along the coast stay similar to January, ranging between 24°C and 30°C (75°F and 86°F), while the central plateau experiences temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F).
Inland areas that are not affected by the ocean breeze experience higher temperatures, sometimes reaching up to 33°C (91°F). Though February is one of the wettest months, the rainfall does not last all day, and the showers are often sporadic.
March: Transition Period
March marks the end of the wet season in some parts of Angola. While rainfall is still frequent, it begins to taper off as the country transitions into the dry season. Coastal cities like Luanda continue to receive moderate rain, but the frequency of downpours starts to decrease. In the interior and central regions, the rain becomes less consistent, and temperatures continue to rise, averaging around 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F) along the coast, and up to 30°C (86°F) inland.
March also brings about increased humidity, particularly along the coast, which can make the temperatures feel warmer than they actually are. The rain showers, while not as heavy as in January and February, still provide significant moisture.
April: End of the Rainy Season
By April, the rainy season begins to wind down, particularly on the coastal and central plateau regions. The weather starts to become more manageable, with less frequent rain and lower humidity levels. The temperatures along the coast range from 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F), while the interior experiences slightly hotter conditions. In places like Huambo, temperatures range from 20°C to 26°C (68°F to 79°F).
The end of the rainy season makes April a more comfortable time to visit Angola, as the skies clear up and the humidity levels drop. This is one of the months when most of the country experiences a relatively dry climate, making outdoor activities more enjoyable.
May: Dry and Cooler Weather
May ushers in the dry season in Angola. This month sees significantly less rain across the country, and the cooler temperatures make it a more pleasant time to visit, particularly in the central plateau regions. Along the coast, cities like Luanda experience temperatures ranging from 21°C to 28°C (70°F to 82°F). The interior, however, can be slightly cooler, with temperatures in cities like Huambo ranging from 16°C to 25°C (61°F to 77°F).
The dry season begins to set in, and the landscape starts to dry up, especially in areas that received substantial rainfall during the rainy season. May is typically one of the more comfortable months in terms of temperature and humidity levels.
June: The Heart of the Dry Season
June is right in the middle of Angola’s dry season. With the reduced rainfall, temperatures become more moderate, and the humidity levels are low, particularly in the coastal regions. Cities like Luanda experience temperatures between 20°C and 28°C (68°F to 82°F), while the central plateau cities, such as Huambo, remain cooler, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 23°C (59°F to 73°F).
The absence of rain allows for more sunshine, making it an excellent time to visit Angola’s natural parks and coastal areas. June is considered a peak period for tourism in Angola due to its pleasant climate.
July: Pleasant Temperatures and Low Humidity
July continues the dry season, with temperatures remaining moderate and the weather being very stable. Coastal cities, such as Luanda, enjoy temperatures of 19°C to 27°C (66°F to 81°F), while the interior sees slightly cooler conditions, especially in the highlands. In Huambo, temperatures average around 14°C to 22°C (57°F to 72°F).
The dry weather and lower humidity levels make July one of the most comfortable months to explore Angola, particularly for those seeking outdoor activities or visiting the country’s national parks. Additionally, the reduced risk of rain makes this month ideal for attending festivals and events.
August: Dry and Breezy
August marks the tail end of the dry season in Angola, but the country continues to experience mild weather across most regions. The coastal areas remain temperate with temperatures between 18°C and 26°C (64°F to 79°F), while the interior areas maintain slightly warmer temperatures, around 15°C to 23°C (59°F to 73°F).
During August, Angola’s agricultural regions see clear skies, with only the occasional wind and no significant rainfall. This is an excellent month to visit both urban and rural areas of the country.
September: Beginning of the Wet Season
September signals the beginning of the rainy season in some parts of Angola, although rainfall remains infrequent and sporadic in many regions. The temperatures in coastal cities such as Luanda rise slightly, ranging between 20°C and 28°C (68°F to 82°F), while the interior cities experience temperatures of 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F).
The transition into the wet season is gradual, so the occasional rainfall in September doesn’t yet have the same intensity as in the following months. This makes it a good time for travel before the full rainy season sets in.
October: Rain Returns with Increased Humidity
October is one of the wetter months in Angola, with rainfall increasing in intensity, particularly in the central and coastal regions. Along the coast, temperatures range from 21°C to 30°C (70°F to 86°F), while inland temperatures hover around 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F). The increase in rainfall leads to higher humidity levels, particularly along the coast.
The rains during October come in the form of heavy thunderstorms and are often brief but intense. The wet conditions can make travel to certain regions more challenging, especially in rural areas where the infrastructure may not be as robust.
November: The Onset of the Full Rainy Season
November marks the peak of the rainy season, especially in Angola’s central and coastal regions. Coastal cities experience significant rainfall, often with thunder and lightning. The temperatures remain high, typically between 23°C and 31°C (73°F to 88°F), while the interior regions experience temperatures ranging from 21°C to 30°C (70°F to 86°F).
The heavy rainfall can lead to localized flooding, and humidity levels are at their highest during this month. Despite the rains, the tropical climate continues to make the landscape lush and green.
December: Heavy Rains and High Humidity
December, like November, is firmly within Angola’s rainy season. Coastal areas, especially Luanda and Benguela, receive consistent rainfall, with frequent storms that bring substantial amounts of water. The temperatures remain warm, with coastal cities experiencing highs between 24°C and 31°C (75°F to 88°F), and interior regions around 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F).
This month can be challenging for those planning to visit Angola, particularly for outdoor activities, as the heavy rains disrupt travel plans. However, it is also a month when the country’s natural beauty, including its waterfalls and lush forests, is at its peak.