Pietermaritzburg Weather Today

Pietermaritzburg, South Africa: Climate and Weather Year Round

Pietermaritzburg, located in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, experiences a subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters. The city is situated in the interior of the province, which means it is shielded from the cooling effects of the coastal breeze. Let's explore the climate and weather patterns in Pietermaritzburg throughout the year.

Temperature

The average annual temperature in Pietermaritzburg is around 19.8°C (67.6°F), making it a pleasant destination for most of the year. Summers, which last from December to February, are hot and humid with average temperatures ranging from 23°C to 28°C (73°F to 82°F). It is not uncommon for temperatures to exceed 30°C (86°F) during the peak of summer.

Winters, on the other hand, are mild and dry. From June to August, temperatures range from 6°C to 20°C (43°F to 68°F), with July being the coolest month. Frost is rare but can occasionally occur during winter nights.

Overall, Pietermaritzburg experiences a relatively narrow temperature range throughout the year, making it a comfortable destination for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Rainfall

Pietermaritzburg receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, with the wettest months occurring during the summer season. The city experiences a subtropical highland climate, which means that rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year.

On average, Pietermaritzburg receives around 820mm (32.3 inches) of rainfall annually. The wettest months are from November to February, with rainfall averaging between 80mm and 120mm (3.1 to 4.7 inches) per month. Thunderstorms are common during this period, often accompanied by heavy downpours and occasional hailstorms.

During the winter months, rainfall decreases significantly, with June being the driest month. Winter rainfall averages around 10mm (0.4 inches) per month, making it a relatively dry season in Pietermaritzburg.

Sunshine

Pietermaritzburg enjoys a good amount of sunshine throughout the year, with an average of around 8 hours of sunshine per day. The sunniest months are from December to February, with an average of 9 hours of sunshine per day. Even during the winter months, Pietermaritzburg still receives a respectable amount of sunshine, with an average of 6 to 7 hours per day.

Wind

Pietermaritzburg experiences relatively calm wind conditions throughout the year. The prevailing winds in the area are gentle breezes that blow from the southeast. Wind speeds rarely exceed 10 kilometers per hour (6.2 mph), making it a pleasant destination for outdoor activities and outdoor events.

Climate Summary

In summary, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, has a subtropical climate with warm summers, mild winters, and moderate rainfall throughout the year. The city offers a comfortable temperature range, with average temperatures ranging from 23°C to 28°C (73°F to 82°F) during summer and 6°C to 20°C (43°F to 68°F) during winter. Rainfall is evenly distributed, with the wettest months occurring from November to February. Pietermaritzburg also enjoys a good amount of sunshine, with an average of 8 hours per day. Wind conditions are generally calm, making it an ideal destination for various outdoor activities.

With its pleasant climate and a good balance of temperature and rainfall throughout the year, Pietermaritzburg offers visitors an ideal destination for various outdoor activities and exploration.