Pietermaritzburg weather and climate in 2024
Day
28 °C
Night
18 °C
Sea
25 °C
Precipitation
130 mm
in month
Rainy days
16 days
in month
Daylight
14 hours
average
Sunshine
7 hours
average
Humidity
78 %
Day
28 °C
Night
18 °C
Sea
25 °C
Precipitation
130 mm
in month
Rainy days
16 days
in month
Daylight
14 hours
average
Sunshine
7 hours
average
Humidity
78 %
Overview: Pietermaritzburg
Weather charts for Pietermaritzburg
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Weather overview for Pietermaritzburg
Weather overview
Pietermaritzburg is a city graced with a mild climate, marked by warm temperatures and moderate rainfall distributed across the year. With gentle winters and pleasantly warm summers, the temperature often hovers between an average low of 4 °C (40 °F) in July and a peak high at around 28 °C (83 °F) in February. The rainy season brings life to the city's picturesque landscapes, with January seeing the most rainfall averaging at 132 mm (5.19 in). Let's discover the nuance of Pietermaritzburg's weather patterns for each month, revealing what to expect from temperatures to the frequency of rainy days, and prepare for the ever-changing moods of the city's skies.
January weather
January in Pietermaritzburg welcomes the year with warmth as average high temperatures reach 28 °C (83 °F). This month is also the peak of the rainy season, with about 17 days of rainfall and a generous pour of 132 mm (5.19 in), ensuring that the landscape remains lush and verdant.
February weather
The warm climate persists through February in Pietermaritzburg. The month sports nearly the highest daytime temperatures of the year at an average of 28 °C (83 °F), but the number of rainy days diminishes to roughly 14 days, signaling the transition out of the wet season.
March weather
As we march into March, the temperatures start to mellow with the daytime highs averaging 28 °C (82 °F). Pietermaritzburg's classics—its blue skies and sunshine, are more prominent as the month proclaims the end of the wet season with reduced rainfall, at about 13 days.
April weather
April brings a soft whisper of autumn to Pietermaritzburg, with temperatures dipping a little, offering a daytime high average of 26 °C (79 °F). The rainfall continues to ease, making room for more sunlit hours, while the number of rainy days drops to 8 days.
May weather
May heralds the approach of the mild Pietermaritzburg winter, with daytime temperatures averaging a comfortable 24 °C (75 °F) and the nights starting to get cooler. Minimal rainfall marks May's skies with just 4 days of rain.
June weather
June's winter chill is more pronounced with an average low at night of 4 °C (40 °F), while the daytime highs comfortably sit around 22 °C (71 °F). The city revels in dry weather, experiencing only about 2 days of rainfall and modest humidity levels.
July weather
July replicates the coolness of June, with night temperatures hovering at around 4 °C (40 °F). The rain remains at bay, with Pietermaritzburg witnessing only about 3 days of rainy days, and the humidity dips to its lowest at an average of 61 %, allowing for crystal clear visibility.
August weather
Warmth returns in August with daily highs of 23 °C (74 °F), yet the proteas bloom amid the low precipitation, with approximately 4 days of rain. The city's vista becomes vivid under the rejuvenated sunshine and the slightly higher humidity level of 63 %.
September weather
Spring's embrace is evident in September. The days grow warmer, registering average highs of 25 °C (77 °F). Rain showers sprinkle over the land more frequently, marking the onset of the pre-summer moisture with about 8 days of rain.
October weather
As October rolls in, the city is clad in freshness with an average daytime high of 25 °C (77 °F) and nighttime lows reaching 13 °C (55 °F). Humidity rises and with it the possibility of showers, with about 14 days hinting at the coming of the rainy days.
November weather
November's weather is a mixed bag with warm days averaging 26 °C (79 °F) and the resurgence of rainfall as we enter a wetter season, with approximately 15 days of showers and an elevated humidity level.
December weather
December in Pietermaritzburg is festive not just in spirit but also in weather. The air is warm with average highs of 28 °C (82 °F), and rains drape over the city on about 17 days, replenishing the verdant surroundings and closing the year with nature's symphony.
FAQs
What type of clothing is suitable for Pietermaritzburg in January?
Considering the warm high temperatures averaging 28 °C (83 °F) and frequent rainfall, light clothing made of breathable fabrics, along with a rain jacket or an umbrella, would be ideal for Pietermaritzburg in January.
Does February in Pietermaritzburg see a decrease in rainfall compared to January?
Indeed, February sees a reduction in rainfall with only about 14 days of rain and the precipitation dropping to 108 mm (4.26 in) compared to January.
What can I expect from Pietermaritzburg's weather in March regarding rain?
March sees a comforting retreat from the rainy season, with the city welcoming fewer wet days, approximately 13 days, and less rainfall of around 95 mm (3.74 in).
Are April showers a concern for outdoor activities in Pietermaritzburg?
April showers are not as much of a concern, with the city seeing a decrease in wet days to about 8 days. The weather lends itself well to both indoor and outdoor ventures.
How many hours of sunshine can I expect in Pietermaritzburg during May?
With an increase in sunny periods, May beholds an average of 7 hours of sunshine per day, promising bright and clear spells amidst the crisp air.
Should I pack warm clothes for a trip to Pietermaritzburg in June?
Absolutely. With crisp nights averaging 4 °C (40 °F), you'll need warm clothing to fend off the chill. However, the mild daytime temperatures of 22 °C (71 °F) invite lighter layers during the day.
How do days in Pietermaritzburg feel during July?
July days are crisp and cool, with an average high temperature pegged at 22 °C (71 °F), offering a respite from the heat typically found in other regions.
What changes does August bring to the weather in Pietermaritzburg?
August brings a subtle shift towards warmer weather as we inch closer to spring. Rainfall remains low, and temperatures begin to climb, making the weather more genial.
Should I expect many rainy days in Pietermaritzburg in September?
Rain frequency picks up, but not overwhelmingly, as Pietermaritzburg averages roughly 8 days of rain in September, still leaving plenty of days for outdoor pursuits.
Is humidity noticeable in Pietermaritzburg during October?
Yes, the air grows more humid, averaging 72 % in October, offering a prelude to the approaching summer rains.
How wet is November in Pietermaritzburg?
November marks a return to wetter times, with the city experiencing about 15 days of rain, making it a month of renewal for the region's flora.
Is December in Pietermaritzburg usually rainy?
Yes, December carries the rainy season's baton, with frequent showers on approximately 17 days, replenishing the city's greenery.
We make the most from 40 years of historical weather data to predict the best weather conditions.
Deciding on where to go for a holiday is hard sometimes. Get inspired by the most popular destinations.
We aggregate data from combining multiple weather sources to ensure accuracy of the highest order.