Climate Insights for Mbeya

The climate in Mbeya is warm and mild. The average annual temperature is 18°C and approximately 2171mm of precipitation falls per year. January is the wettest month, receiving around 434mm of rainfall. Mbeya sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.

Mbeya sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 10°C to 26°C. The warmest month is October, when average highs reach 26°C and the mean temperature sits around 20°C. July is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 10°C and an average of 15°C. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 10°C between overnight lows and afternoon highs. The sharpest temperature change occurs between August and September, with a 2°C shift in average temperatures.

Mbeya is a very wet location, receiving approximately 2171mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 181mm per month. The wettest month is January, averaging 434mm of rainfall. March and December also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is July, with just 2mm. That's 432mm less than January, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.

Mbeya is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 7km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is September, averaging 9km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in February, with average winds dropping to 4km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind speeds vary significantly across the year, with a 5km/h difference between the calmest and windiest months. This level of variation is worth factoring into travel plans. Wind tends to be stronger during winter months, driven by seasonal pressure systems. The seasonal averages break down to 8km/h in winter, 8km/h in spring, 5km/h in summer, 6km/h in autumn.

It is currently winter in Mbeya, which began on June 21, 2026. Mbeya sits near the equator, so the traditional four-season cycle is less pronounced. Temperatures remain relatively stable year-round. The warmest period peaks in October at around 26°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in July near 10°C. Spring is next, beginning on September 23, 2026 (8 days from now).

The best time to visit Mbeya is during May, June, July, August, September and October, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 17°C with modest rainfall averaging 17mm per month. With minimal rainfall expected, you can pack light and plan outdoor activities with confidence.

The table below shows monthly climate averages for Mbeya based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.