Features of temperature distribution in Africa. Seasons, weather and climate of south africa. Climate of North Africa
Africa undoubtedly holds the title of the hottest continent on the planet. This is determined by its geographical location in the tropics. Here, in the area of the Danakil Desert and the Dallol volcano in Ethiopia, is the hottest place on earth, where the planet’s temperature record was recorded - plus 58.4 ° C. Due to the insignificant amount of precipitation and high temperatures, deserts were formed in the northern and southern tropical zones.
Thus, in the north lies the world’s largest desert, the Sahara, and in the south stretches the endless sands of the equally famous Kalahari Desert. In the equatorial zone, where tropical rainfall falls all year round and there is no change of seasons, the Central and coastal strip of the Gulf of Guinea is located.
Subequatorial zones are characterized by dry tropical trade winds in winter and rainy season in summer. It should also be remembered that in the southern hemisphere, winter occurs in June, July and August, unlike the usual winter months in the northern hemisphere.
Average summer temperatures in Africa do not fall below +20°C, and the coldest weather in winter is plus 8°C. The most precipitation falls at the foot of Mount Cameroon, where the annual level reaches 9500 mm. The total amount of solar radiation averages 669 kJ/cm2.
Climate of North Africa
The countries of North Africa are located in the tropical, subtropical and subequatorial climate zones. Such large-scale states as Libya, Algeria, Egypt and Sudan are located here. And most of the territory is occupied by the Sahara Desert. Basically, the climate here is hot and arid in the central regions and Mediterranean on the coast. Dry winds from the northeast and northwest are observed in the Sahara Desert, and in Sudan the southwest monsoons bring humid air currents and cause frequent rainy weather.
Spring is characterized by sandstorms that can last from 1 to 7 days. The weather at this time of year is not particularly changeable, and if in March, for example, heat sets in, it persists until the end of spring. Temperature values gradually increase from +12-23°C at the beginning of spring and already reach +30-32°C in May. There is practically no precipitation, as well as increased cloudiness.
In summer there is unbearable heat and sunny heat. In Egypt, for example, in July thermometers can show +50 in the shade. The nights are cool and there are noticeable differences in daily temperatures. In the Sahara at this time of year, the weather is extremely hot with low relative humidity, very rare precipitation and severe sand and dust storms.
The sky here is clear and cloudless almost always. On days of intense heat in the desert, you can observe a unique phenomenon of distortion of visibility - mirages. Western Sahara is characterized by a milder climate, and thanks to the softening effect of sea air masses from the coast, more diverse vegetation grows here.
At the beginning of autumn in the north it is still very warm, the sea water in September warms up to +25°, and daytime temperatures can reach 40 degrees. From mid-October, a gradual cooling begins to +20°C and the rainy season begins. At this time, nature wakes up, flowers bloom and animals and birds tired of the sweltering heat come to life.
Winter weather is variable in different parts of North Africa. The central regions are warm and dry, the Algerian mountains experience frost and snow for several weeks, and the far north experiences heavy rain. The coast experiences warm weather with average temperatures of +15-20°C.
Climate of Central Africa
Central Africa, due to its location, is influenced by an equatorial and partially subequatorial climate. Tropical air from the mainland is transformed into equatorial air, and the prevailing rising air currents bring rainfall. In the central parts there is no such thing as a change of seasons. Temperatures in the equator zone remain at the same level all year round, ranging from +23-25°C. Only on the marginal elevations are noticeable fluctuations from +16 to +23°C.
Precipitation is evenly distributed, amounting to 2000 mm per year, and more of it falls during periods of the maximum position of the Sun at its zenith. When moving away from the equator to the north and south, there is a short period of 2-3 months when precipitation falls below the average monthly norm, and in the southern regions the dry season is more pronounced than in the north. The highlands of Southern Guinea have a wetter zone, where annual rainfall is more than 3000 mm, and the driest point is considered to be the lowland south of the mouth of the Congo River - 500 mm.
Climate of South Africa
South Africa is influenced by Mediterranean, subtropical and desert climates. Different zones have different temperature and humidity levels. In South Africa, the weather is mild and dry all year round, and the number of sunny days is higher than in many other countries in the world. Snow can fall on the tops of the highest mountains, and the sea water temperature during the season can reach +26°, which makes the resort attractive to tourists. It is only important to come here when it is winter in the northern latitudes, because then it will be summer here.
Spring in South Africa lasts from August to September. There are temperature fluctuations from +20 to +25°C during the day and from +10 to 15°C at night. In the central regions, the wind season begins at a speed of 8 m/s. The water of rivers and lakes noticeably warms up to +15°, and vegetation actively revives. Little rain falls.
Summer begins in October and lasts until March. Daily temperatures range from +15 to +35°C, and in the mountains there can be sudden changes up to night frosts. There is higher rainfall, which affects the diversity of flora and fauna in the region. The country of Swaziland is especially beautiful during this period, where about 3,000 plant species grow.
From April to May, short autumn prevails here. But in Zimbabwe, for example, there is no autumn period at all, and winter immediately follows summer. Temperatures gradually drop to +23°C during the day and +12°C at night. There is little precipitation, and at night and in the mornings almost the entire territory is covered with thick fog.
Southern Africa has a very varied climate during winter, which lasts throughout June, July and August. Average air temperatures are +10-20°C. In savannas and lowland areas, precipitation is extremely rare, and in the mountains frequent snowfalls and frosty weather are possible. It is interesting that in Africa there are no animals that spend the cold season in hibernation.
Climate of East Africa
The weather conditions of East African countries are changeable. On the east coast the climate is the most favorable, Mediterranean (mild and humid), while in the central territories it is arid. It mainly experiences a subequatorial monsoon climate.
Average monthly temperatures in most of the territory do not fall below +20°C, and the highest temperatures up to +50°C are observed in summer. The hottest place in eastern Africa is the Afar Depression. The Ethiopian Highlands are characterized by landscape zonation:
1) Colla belt (hot and humid), located up to a level of 1800 meters and having average annual temperatures of +20°C and about 1500 mm of precipitation per year;
2) Voinadega belt (moderately warm), located at an altitude of 1800 to 2500 meters and having seasonal temperature fluctuations from +13°C in December (the coldest month) to +16°C in April (the warmest month) and 2000 mm per annum precipitation levels;
3) Degas belt (cold), located above 2500 meters and having average monthly temperatures in summer not higher than +16°C and snowy and frosty weather in winter.
The East African Plateau is dominated by trade winds and monsoons from the equator. The weather here is predominantly hot and humid. In winter, northeastern trade winds dominate, bringing little precipitation. In summer, the southwest monsoons bring prolonged rainy weather. On average, precipitation here is about 1000 mm per year, and more than 3000 mm is recorded in the mountain ranges. The driest place where there is no rain for 7-9 months is Kenya.
African climate types
Africa's climate types are determined by its location in the climate zones. Since the equator divides the continent into two parts, the belts are repeated north and south of it. There are 7 climatic zones in total: equatorial, two tropical, two subequatorial and two subtropical.
Characteristics of African climate zones
Equatorial climate zone
The Gulf of Guinea and the Congo Basin are located in the “eternal summer” zone, as the equatorial climate zone is also called. The weather here is warm and humid all year round. During the day it is clear and warm, the air temperature can rise to +28°C, and in the afternoon real tropical downpours with thunderstorms begin, which can be compared to a shower or a wall of water. These rains are short-lived and bring slight coolness, and in the evening it becomes hot and sunny again. This weather occurs every day throughout the year and is caused by warm and humid air currents from the equator. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the territory and amounts to about 3000 mm per year.
Subequatorial climate zone
2 subequatorial belts lie to the right and left of the equator and are characterized by a change of two seasons - dry in winter, where dry tropical trade winds predominate, and wet in summer, with the predominance of humid equatorial air currents. Precipitation decreases as the belt approaches the tropics.
When rains begin in the southern subequatorial zone, dry weather reigns in the northern subequatorial zone. After six months, the seasons change as the position of the Sun changes. Average air temperatures fluctuate between +20-25°C, the amount of precipitation is 2000 mm. Most of the central African states and the island of Madagascar are located in the subequatorial zone. The largest deep rivers also flow here.
Tropical climate zone
The northern and southern tropical climate zones cover most of the continent. There are picturesque savannas, tropical rainforests, semi-deserts and deserts, including the famous Sahara, Kalahari and Namib. The Red Sea coast with world-class beach resorts thanks to its tropical climate attracts tourists all year round. There is little precipitation, average winter temperatures are +15-20°C, summer temperatures range from +30 to 35°C and can reach a maximum of +50°C.
This weather is explained by the influence of humid southeastern air trade winds from the Indian Ocean and circulating air masses with low relative humidity in the northern hemisphere. In the semi-deserts of the tropics, summer temperatures reach +30°C, and in winter the thermometer does not drop below +10°C. In deserts, the air can warm up so much that the temperature of sand and stones reaches +70°C, and the rain that falls evaporates without even hitting the ground.
Strong winds rage here, provoking dust and sand storms, and among plants and animals only those that are able to survive in these extreme conditions are found. At night, as the sand cools, deserts become very cold; temperatures can drop to zero.
Subtropical climate zone
In the extreme south and north of Africa there are two subtropical climate zones. The weather here is hot in summer (+26-28°C) and relatively warm in winter (+10-12°C). Only 350-500 mm of rain falls. In the northern territories of Africa there are signs of the influence of the Mediterranean climate: mild and wet winters with high rainfall, warm and dry summers.
The famous resorts of Tunisia and Morocco are located in a subtropical climate zone and, thanks to the long summer period and swimming season, are in an advantageous position over the European resorts of the Mediterranean coast.
North Africa occupies a narrow strip in the north of the continent. Much of the region is the Sahara Desert, which is the hottest place on the planet.
Weather in North Africa now:
Few plants grow in North Africa. A significant proportion of the flora is made up of a wide variety of palm trees. You can also find oaks, olive trees, laurels and eucalyptus trees. The most common animal in North Africa is the camel. This part of the continent is dominated by a subtropical, sometimes tropical climate. The maximum recorded temperature in the shade is 58 degrees Celsius. In the winter season there are frosts at night.
Climate of North Africa by month:
Spring
Spring in North Africa is the time of sandstorms, which are carried by the Hasmine wind from the Sahara. Such sandstorms can last from one day to a week. Most often, in North African countries such as Egypt, Libya, Mauritania and others, the weather in spring is characterized by enviable consistency. If the heat sets in at the beginning of spring, it means it will not change until May. The same applies to windy and cool weather. The final temperature is set in early May. At this time, the thermometer can reach thirty degrees. From the beginning to the end of May the weather gradually warms up until it develops into real summer heat.
Summer
Summer in North African countries is very hot and sultry. Thus, in Egypt, in the middle of the summer season, thermometers in the shade can reach fifty degrees Celsius. At night it is always much colder than during the day. Daily temperature changes are very large. Milder weather conditions in Western Sahara. Here the temperature reaches 30 degrees in the interior of the region and 20 degrees on the coast. Due to milder climatic conditions, more plants grow here - a variety of fruit trees, vegetables and grain crops.
High temperatures in the summer season are observed in Libya; it was on the territory of this state that the highest temperature on the planet in the shade was recorded - 58 degrees. This time of year accounts for most of the holidays in North Africa. For example, in Egypt, June 18 is the Day of Liberation from British Rule, and July 23 is the Day of the 1952 Revolution. In Libya, June 11 is the Day of Evacuation of American Bases, and July 23 is the Anniversary of the Egyptian Revolution.
Autumn
The autumn season in North Africa marks the end of the summer heat. In September, the thermometer stays at around 35-40 degrees. The water in the sea is warm, its temperature is about 25 degrees. By October the temperature gradually begins to drop. Thus, in mid-autumn in different countries of North Africa, the thermometers are between twenty and thirty degrees Celsius.
At the same time, the rainy season begins, and accordingly, vegetation blooms. Animals that suffered from extreme heat in the summer begin to become active. In different areas of northern Africa you can meet different representatives of the fauna. Small savannas are home to pygmy hippopotamuses, small predators, rodents and a variety of monkeys. In deserts you can find numerous lizards, snakes, and invertebrate animals.
Winter
In winter, the weather in North Africa is very different. Weather conditions may vary greatly in different geographic areas. Thus, in the mountains of Algeria there are frosts in winter and snow falls for several weeks. It is warmer on the coast, temperatures reach 12-15 degrees. It's not cold at all in winter in Egypt. The temperature reaches 25 degrees, there is very little precipitation. In most of North Africa, winter is the driest season. Only in the northernmost regions does a relatively large amount of precipitation fall - up to 200 mm.
South Africa– a highly developed country, a piece of Europe on the African continent. A well-designed tourism infrastructure, a high standard of living and a stable economy are not quite typical for Africa, are they? But in South Africa this is all reality. And even the climate here is conducive: comfortable air temperatures almost all year round, a warm ocean, and even opportunities for extreme skiing create optimal conditions for relaxation. It would seem like heaven on earth? But even paradise has its own weather quirks that you should prepare for before your trip.
Climate zones of South Africa
The climate in South Africa is surprisingly mild. There are no extreme temperature peaks here. Although the country is located on the African continent, and there is a desert on its territory, unbearable heat is rare here.
Its location in the southern hemisphere makes the climate of South Africa directly opposite to that of Europe: winter in summer, summer in winter.
Geographically, South Africa is located in the tropical zone, but the weather on its territory is determined more by the influence of air and ocean masses, and only partly by the relief.
South Africa is the only country on the African continent where the population is so diverse. 1/3 of the local residents are ethnic Europeans.
In winter, the country experiences dry, cool weather. An area of high atmospheric pressure creates optimal conditions for visiting. It gets hotter in summer due to the influence of air masses from the Indian Ocean that bring the monsoon season.
The climate zones of South Africa can be divided as follows:
- West Coast. The cold Bengal Current in the Atlantic Ocean has a major influence on the climate of the western part of the country. The Namib Desert and the city of Cape Town are located here. There is very little precipitation. For several years, a desert area may not receive any rain at all. This is due to the fact that although air masses carry moisture to the continent, their path deeper into the territory is blocked due to the Great Escarpment.
- Central South Africa. These are predominantly mountainous areas, so daily temperature fluctuations are a common phenomenon that characterizes altitudinal zones. In winter there are often frosts.
- East Coast. Unlike the western regions, in the east there is high humidity and a significant amount of precipitation - up to 1200 mm/year.
Climate by region:
- Western Cape. This includes Cape Town. It prevails here subtropical Mediterranean climate . Dry summer (December-February), cold winter (June-August). Strong winds are typical.
- Hauteng. Center - Johannesburg. Subtropical climate. May-April is the peak rainy time. But the city itself is located in the highlands, so the weather remains dry and comfortable all year round.
- Kazulu-Natal. Center - Durban. Climate – subtropical oceanic , suggesting hot summers (up to +34°C) and warm winters. Snow falls in the Drakensberg Mountains.
- Eastern Cape. In Port Elizabeth - subtropical climate . You can go on safari here all year round, and for a beach holiday you should choose the time between November and March.
- Mpumalanga. Subtropical climate. The coolest area is the Kruger Park; in other areas the weather is much friendlier.
- Northwest. Most of the territory is occupied by the Kalahari Desert. The climate is appropriate.
- Limpopo. Tropical climate . The northern part of the Kruger Park, which is located in this area, has an unfavorable climate in October-March (up to +45°C).
The water off the coast of South Africa warms up to a maximum of +26°C. The exception is the Atlantic Ocean, where, due to the Bengal Current, the water rarely exceeds +18°C.
Tourist seasons in South Africa
Tourist peak for visits to South Africa occurs in November-December. Interestingly, this time is the rainy season. The fact is that during this period the weather is the hottest, and the water in the ocean is the warmest. To prevent rain from ruining your vacation, you should go away from the central regions - to the coasts, where there is less rainfall. By the way, thunderstorms and showers in South Africa usually occur at night, so the sun often shines during the day. The lowest amount of precipitation occurs during the rainy season in the south of the country.
A characteristic feature of South Africa's weather is when in summer it is sunny in the first half of the day, and in the late afternoon it rains with thunderstorms. The exception is the west coast and Cape Town - there is a rainy season only in winter. The greatest amount of precipitation falls in the north of the country.
The best time for nature watching and traditional safari is from May to August, when the grass is not so high and visibility around is maximum. For beach activities, it is better to choose the period from November to mid-March.
Tourism is one of the main sources of income for the South African budget. Every year, thanks to its natural diversity, the country is visited by almost a million tourists.
What to take with you
Cape Town, located on the west coast of South Africa and washed by the cold Bengal Current, rarely gets hot. But it is often cold. A long-sleeve sweater or even a sweater with a jacket will not hurt even in the African summer.
For a safari you need not so much shorts and T-shirts as a windbreaker, a warm pullover, a hat or bondana, sneakers or boots. On a night safari you need to dress even warmer. In cold weather, take with you: gloves, fleece hat, windbreaker, raincoat.
You should not take khaki clothes on a safari, or in general for a trip to South Africa. There is an ambiguous attitude towards her here.
A separate topic is malaria. To prevent it, one does not get a vaccination (this is a big misconception), but rather special medications are taken orally. Before traveling, you should definitely consult a doctor and protect yourself from such an unpleasant illness. But it is worth noting that South Africa is not included in the “malarial” zone, plus you need to take into account the travel season. If it’s dry, there’s nothing to be afraid of; if it’s rainy season, it’s at your own discretion. It is mandatory to have a yellow fever vaccination when entering the country. Without question - having health insurance.
Be sure to take repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, closed clothing and hats with you.
South Africa has a well-developed banking system, but there are still places (gas stations, for example) where credit cards are not accepted; you must pay in cash. It is better to carry dollars with you than euros.
Must-have items for traveling around South Africa: comfortable clothes made of cotton materials for safaris and excursions, smart clothes for restaurants, a woolen sweater for night or evening walks, a windbreaker when visiting Cape Town.
Weather in South Africa by month
December-February
Summer begins in South Africa in December. There is not much precipitation, the air temperature is comfortable. In Cape Town up to +26°C and very cool at night - maximum +16°C. In the south up to +28°С, in the northeast +32°С. Temperatures in the Indian Ocean up to +25°C. The African summer continues in January-February. There is little precipitation, the average daytime temperature across the country is +26°C. Water in the Atlantic Ocean is +19°C, in the Indian Ocean up to +25+26°C. You shouldn't go to Durban in January, there is a peak in terms of rainfall.
December is the peak tourist season in South Africa, so prices at this time, especially for travel services, are at their highest. Many people come here on Christmas Eve, which is celebrated on December 25th. On January 1, South Africa celebrates the New Year.
March-May
From March, the air temperature begins to gradually decrease. The coldest weather is on the west coast. The water temperature in the Atlantic Ocean is practically unsuitable for swimming - it is already cold (+17°C). You can swim in the Indian Ocean - up to +23+24°C.
Human Rights Day falls on March 21st. The national holiday, Freedom Day, is celebrated on April 27.
June August
The African winter begins. Most of the area is quite cool. Snow falls in the mountains and frosts are frequent.
South Africa has opportunities for ski holidays. The Drakensberg Mountains and Veld are the heart of South Africa's ski holidays. Surprisingly, at the end of the world, on the African continent, there is everything for excellent skiing or snowboarding. The season in the Drakensberg Mountains is June-August. There is little natural snow cover here, therefore, taking advantage of the “minus” at night, snow cannons are launched at ski resorts. Thus, a two-meter snow cover and densely groomed slopes create good conditions for skiers.
This is the start of the safari season in the south of the Kruger Park. It's worth going to Cape Town in August. There, off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, the whale season begins. It lasts until the end of March.
September-November
September is a great time for a safari in Limpopo. November is the rainy season.
Take a ride on the Rovos Rail retro train through the most picturesque corners! This is a historical train whose carriages were specially coupled in 1911 for the European royal family. If you have such an opportunity, be sure to take advantage of it and go on a several-day train tour! Season – from September to April.
September 24th is Heritage Day. South Africa's national parks are a true natural treasure of the planet. The Kruger National Park is an amazing place where the animal kingdom reigns supreme in its natural habitat along 350 km of native savannah. Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park is best visited from March to November. Mountain Zebra National Park is famous for its unique population of zebras, and Addo Elephant National Park is famous for its elephants.
Weather in cities and resorts by month
Pretoria
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | But I | Dec | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average maximum, °C | 29 | 28 | 27 | 24 | 22 | 19 | 20 | 22 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 28 | |
| Average minimum, °C | 18 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 8 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 17 |
Bloemfontein
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | But I | Dec | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average maximum, °C | 31 | 29 | 27 | 23 | 20 | 17 | 17 | 20 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 30 | |
| Average minimum, °C | 15 | 15 | 12 | 8 | 3 | -2 | -2 | 1 | 5 | 9 | 12 | 14 |
Durban
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | But I | Dec | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average maximum, °C | 28 | 28 | 28 | 26 | 25 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 27 | |
| Average minimum, °C | 21 | 21 | 20 | 17 | 14 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 20 | |
| Rains, mm | 134 | 113 | 120 | 73 | 59 | 38 | 39 | 62 | 73 | 98 | 108 | 102 |
East London
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | But I | Dec | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average maximum, °C | 26 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 25 | |
| Average minimum, °C | 18 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 17 |
The northern coast of the continent is characterized by a subtropical Mediterranean climate. Summer here is hot and dry, the temperature rises to +40 - +45 C. Winter is mild and relatively warm, daytime temperatures in January-February are about +17 C, night temperatures drop to +6 - + 7 C.
In the Atlas Mountains, which are located in the northwestern part of the continent, the climate is sharply continental dry, with large temperature ranges and infrequent rainfall. The climate in the mountains is quite harsh. The average monthly temperature in the summer months is +28 C, the maximum recorded is +50 C. In winter, the temperature drops to +6 - +8 C, and can drop to minus 10 degrees.
The Sahara Desert is a desert climate, sharply continental, characterized by significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year and even days. The difference between day and night temperatures can be up to 30 degrees. In the summer, the air warms up to +38 - +40 C during the day, the night temperature in summer is +25 - +28 C. In winter, the air warms up during the day to +15 - +18 C, and at night there is often a negative temperature. Precipitation does not fall in this area for several years, and when it does fall, it often does not have time to reach the ground. The amount of precipitation is 50-100 mm per year.
Separately, it is worth highlighting the coastal areas of the Red Sea. Egypt and Sudan have access to the sea. The climate in coastal areas is subequatorial. The average monthly temperature throughout the year does not drop below +20 degrees. In Sudan, southwesterly winds bring humid weather in summer; the annual precipitation in this region is about 2000 mm.
Central Africa
Central Africa is located in the subequatorial and equatorial climate zone. It's hot and humid here. The climate of the region is greatly influenced by air masses coming from the Atlantic Ocean.
The air temperature is high throughout the year, rising to +28 C during the day; in the afternoon there are tropical downpours almost every day, which quickly end. There is no change of seasons, and this type of weather occurs all year round. In the equatorial zone, 1500-2000 mm of precipitation falls, on the shores of the Gulf of Guinea - up to 3000 mm.
West Africa
The climate in this part of Africa varies from subequatorial in the north to equatorial in the south. There are no sharp seasonal temperature fluctuations in the region. The average annual temperature is +26 C. On the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, up to 3000 mm of precipitation falls annually. Territories located closer to the Sahara Desert are drier, with little precipitation - 250-500 mm per year.
East Africa
On the east coast the climate is Mediterranean, mild and humid; in areas further inland it is arid. In summer the air warms up to +50 C; in the coolest months the temperature does not drop below +20 C.
The weather on the East African Plateau is hot, with little rainfall during the winter. In the mountains there is much more precipitation - up to 3000 mm.
The lower slopes of the Ethiopian Highlands are characterized by fairly high temperatures in summer - up to +50 C. With increasing altitude, temperature conditions change. At an altitude of up to 2500 m, the average annual air temperature is +20 C. At an altitude above 2500 m there is a snowy, frosty winter, summer temperatures do not rise above +16 C.
In savannas, the climate is determined by a clear alternation of wet and dry seasons. Temperatures throughout the year vary from +18 C to +32 C. In the warm half of the year (May-October) precipitation falls daily, this time is considered the best of the year.
South Africa
The climate of southern Africa is mostly trade wind tropical, in the extreme south it is subtropical. In the subtropical climate zone, the temperature does not drop below +10 C, summers are hot with little rainfall. Air temperature (December-February) is comfortable – +28 C – +32 C.
The Cape Mountains, located off the southern coast of the continent, are characterized by a subtropical climate with maximum rainfall falling in winter and summer.
The Kalahari Desert is one of the hottest regions of South Africa. In summer (November-April) there is a small amount of precipitation - up to 500 mm. The maximum air temperature is +28 - +30 C, the minimum temperature in the desert is +12 C. The climate is arid, precipitation falls in November-April, droughts recur every three to five years.
The climatic zones of Africa, despite obvious differences, smoothly transition into one another and do not change suddenly, which is mainly caused by the absence of long and high mountain ranges.
Climate of Africa updated: March 5, 2020 by: Amazing-world!
The African continent crosses the equator, that is, most of it is located between the tropics. Naturally, this situation greatly influenced the climate of Africa. It is also influenced by climatic factors such as trade winds, patterns of air mass circulation, ocean currents and features of the continent’s topography and its latitude.
General climate characteristics, briefly
When describing the general characteristics of the African climate, first of all, we must not forget that winter and summer in different hemispheres occur in different months:
- North hemisphere : winter in December, January, February;
- Southern Hemisphere : winter in June, July, August.
Summers throughout Africa are very hot. The thermometer does not fall below +20 degrees. Winter also does not pretend to be particularly “cold”.
Even in the coolest regions of South Africa, the thermometer does not drop below +8 degrees. Thus, it is not surprising that the lowest position of the sun in this region is similar to the position of the sun in central Russia on the day of the summer solstice.
Rice. 1 Climate of Africa. Climate map
In general, according to its climatic conditions, Africa is very clearly divided into 4 regions:
- North Africa(dry and hot; tropical deserts and dry Mediterranean forests);
- South Africa(dry and hot; tropical deserts);
- Central Africa(humid; equatorial and subequatorial moisture-loving forests);
- East Africa(moderately humid; savannas and woodlands predominate).
Rice. 2 East Africa in summer (savannas and woodlands)
African climate types
There are several climate zones in Africa. Since the equator cuts the continent in half, they are repeated to the north and south of it. So in Africa (judging by the climate map) there are 7 climate zones (on both sides of the equator):
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- equatorial climate zone;
- two subequatorial belts;
- two tropical zones;
- two subtropical zones.
All climatic zones differ from each other primarily in the amount and regime of precipitation. Thus, in the equatorial and subequatorial zones, 2000-3000 mm of precipitation per year is considered the norm (the wettest place in Africa is at the foot of Mount Cameroon, where up to 9500 mm of precipitation per year can fall). But in some subtropical regions the norm is 300 mm per year.
Equatorial climate zone
Humid and hot climate. The average temperature fluctuates around +23-+28, and the daily temperature amplitudes are much greater than the annual fluctuations. There is quite a lot of precipitation (up to 2000 mm), it falls evenly throughout the month. You could say. That in this zone there is always one season.
Subequatorial climate zone
In the south and north of the continent the situation is almost the same. The average temperature is around +23-+25. In summer there is a large amount of precipitation, in winter less. There is a seasonal change in the movement of air masses, and monsoons are frequent. It is in this belt of the African continent that the deepest and longest rivers flow.
Tropical climate zone
In the tropical part of the continent, in the north and south, the situation is somewhat different from each other. Although in both parts of the tropical zone the weather is dry and hot.
There is virtually no precipitation in the northern part of the continent. In summer, the temperature can stay at around +40 degrees (the absolute maximum was recorded in the Libyan Desert - +58 degrees), in winter - +18 degrees.
Rice. 3 Libyan Desert
In the southern parts it is colder and there is more precipitation. In the west (Namib Desert) there is virtually no precipitation. In summer and winter the temperature is almost the same (the annual average is from +20 to +15 degrees). In the east (Dragon Mountains) the humidity is highest. This is facilitated by the movement of air masses from the equator and their collisions with warm air coming from the ocean.
It was in the tropical zone of both hemispheres that desert spaces were concentrated. Due to the lack of clouds, the daily temperature fluctuation in the desert is very high. During the day, the sun can heat sand and stones to a temperature of +70, and at night the entire space cools down and, in some cases, the thermometer can drop below zero. African samum winds often blow in deserts, and at night you can hear the crackling of stones.
Subtropical climate zone
If we compare the southeastern and southwestern coasts of Africa, then in the same season, with the same climatic zone, a sharp change in climate is observed. The southwest (subtropical Mediterranean climate) has dry and hot summers and warm but wet winters. On the southeast coast, summers are hot and humid (due to warm air masses from the Indian Ocean). And winter is cold and dry (the penetration of precipitation is prevented by the Cape Mountains).
Table“Characteristics of African climate zones”(data from this table can be used in 7th grade geography lessons).
| Climate zone | Average temperature (summer and winter) | Pressure (high, low) | Precipitation |
| Equatorial | + 25 (during the year) | Low (during the year) | Lots of rainfall (throughout the year) |
| Subequatorial | Summer – +24 Winter – +18 |
Summer is low Winter – high |
Summer is humid Winter is dry |
| Tropical | Summer – +32 Winter – +18 |
High (during the year) | Dry climate (throughout the year) |
| Subtropical | Summer – +25 | In summer – high In winter – low |
Summer is dry Winter – wet |
The influence of climate on the diversity of the natural and plant world of Africa is obvious. Climate also influenced the pattern of the river network and river regime. So, where the humidity is higher, the rivers are longer and deeper. They feed mainly on precipitation that falls in the form of rain. Africa's inland waters also have a certain influence on the formation of Africa's climate.
Despite the fact that the African continent has the largest arid desert in the world by area, it is also home to the second deepest river in the world - the Congo and the second longest river in the world - the Nile (in terms of deepness and length, the Nile and the Congo are “outstripped” only by South American Amazon).
Rice. 4 River Nile, Africa
What have we learned?
The climate in Africa is generally hot, but humidity, like pressure, also varies in different climate zones. The continent's climate is influenced by various climatic factors. Oceans, topography and inland waters play an important role.
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