Climate Insights for Kitwe
Kitwe District, Copperbelt Province, Zambia
Climate Overview
The climate in Kitwe is warm and mild. The average annual temperature is 21°C and approximately 1,162 mm of precipitation falls per year. January is the wettest month, receiving around 279 mm of rainfall. Kitwe is in the Southern Hemisphere. The seasons are reversed: summer runs from December to February, while winter falls between June and August. The summer months are: October, September, November. The coldest months are July, June, August, when temperatures can drop to 11°C.The climate in Kitwe is warm and mild. The average annual temperature is 70°F and approximately 45.7 in of precipitation falls per year. January is the wettest month, receiving around 11 in of rainfall. Kitwe is in the Southern Hemisphere. The seasons are reversed: summer runs from December to February, while winter falls between June and August. The summer months are: October, September, November. The coldest months are July, June, August, when temperatures can drop to 52°F.
Temperature
Temperatures in Kitwe vary considerably across the year, with a 21°C difference between the coldest and warmest months. The warmest month is October, when average highs reach 32°C and the mean temperature sits around 25°C. July is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 11°C and an average of 18°C. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 11°C between overnight lows and afternoon highs. The sharpest temperature change occurs between August and September, with a 3°C shift in average temperatures.Temperatures in Kitwe vary considerably across the year, with a 37°F difference between the coldest and warmest months. The warmest month is October, when average highs reach 89°F and the mean temperature sits around 77°F. July is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 52°F and an average of 64°F. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 20°F between overnight lows and afternoon highs. The sharpest temperature change occurs between August and September, with a 6°F shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Kitwe is a moderately rainy area, receiving approximately 1,162 mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 97 mm per month. The wettest month is January, averaging 279 mm of rainfall. February and December also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is August, with just 0 mm. That's 279 mm 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.Kitwe is a moderately rainy area, receiving approximately 45.7 in of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 3.8 in per month. The wettest month is January, averaging 11 in of rainfall. February and December also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is August, with just 0 in. That's 11 in 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.
Wind
Kitwe is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 9km/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 11km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in February, with average winds dropping to 6km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 5km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to be stronger during winter months, driven by seasonal pressure systems. The seasonal averages break down to 11km/h in winter, 10km/h in spring, 6km/h in summer, 9km/h in autumn.Kitwe is mildly breezy, with an average annual wind speed of 6mph. For context, sustained winds below 7mph are generally light, while anything above 16mph is considered strong. The windiest month is September, averaging 7mph, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in February, with average winds dropping to 4mph, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 3mph gap between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to be stronger during winter months, driven by seasonal pressure systems. The seasonal averages break down to 7mph in winter, 6mph in spring, 4mph in summer, 5mph in autumn.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kitwe is during April, May, June, July, August and September, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 20°C with modest rainfall averaging 11 mm per month. By contrast, October can be uncomfortably hot with temperatures reaching 32°C. With minimal rainfall expected, you can pack light and plan outdoor activities with confidence.The best time to visit Kitwe is during April, May, June, July, August and September, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 68°F with modest rainfall averaging 0.4 in per month. By contrast, October can be uncomfortably hot with temperatures reaching 89°F. With minimal rainfall expected, you can pack light and plan outdoor activities with confidence.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Kitwe 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.The table below shows monthly climate averages for Kitwe based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in miles per hour (mph). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.