Ndalatando Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – Angola

Climate

Ndalatando experiences a tropical savanna climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season typically runs from October to April, with heavy rainfall and occasional thunderstorms. The dry season, from May to September, is generally hot and dry, with little to no rainfall. Temperatures remain consistently high throughout the year, with average highs ranging from 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F) and average lows between 16°C to 23°C (61°F to 73°F).

Average Weather Year Round

January: The hottest month of the year, with average temperatures reaching up to 32°C (90°F). Rainfall is likely, with an average of 160mm (6.3in) over 12 days.

April: The wettest month, with an average rainfall of 180mm (7.1in) over 14 days. Temperatures remain high, with average highs around 30°C (86°F).

July: The driest month, with little to no rainfall. Temperatures are slightly cooler than during the wet season, with average highs of 28°C (82°F).

October: The start of the wet season, with increasing rainfall and humidity. Temperatures are warm and stable, with average highs around 29°C (84°F).

January to June: Hot and Humid

During the first half of the year, Ndalatando experiences its hottest and most humid months. Temperatures consistently climb to around 32 degrees Celsius (89.6 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher, with little respite at night. The humidity levels are high, making the air thick and uncomfortable. Rainfall is frequent, with occasional thunderstorms. Visitors should expect intense heat and humidity, especially during the day.

July to December: Mild and Dry

From July to December, Ndalatando enters into its cooler and drier season. Temperatures average around 27 degrees Celsius (80.6 degrees Fahrenheit), with cooler evenings and nights. The humidity drops significantly, providing relief from the oppressive conditions of the previous months. Rainfall becomes less frequent, and the skies are generally clear and sunny. This period is considered the best time to visit Ndalatando, offering pleasant weather and ideal conditions for outdoor activities.

Cloud Types in Ndalatando, Angola

Ndalatando, Angola, experiences various cloud types due to its tropical savanna climate. The most common cloud types observed in the region include cumulus, cumulonimbus, and cirrus clouds. Cumulus clouds are characterized by their puffy, cotton-like appearance, while cumulonimbus clouds are towering clouds that often produce thunderstorms. Cirrus clouds, on the other hand, are thin, wispy clouds that sometimes appear in the sky as streaks or feathers. During the rainy season (November to April), Ndalatando experiences frequent cloud cover and precipitation, with occasional lightning and thunder.

Cloud Patterns and Significance

In addition to the distinct cloud types, Ndalatando also exhibits notable cloud patterns that can provide insights into the weather conditions. For instance, the presence of cirrocumulus clouds, which are small, rounded clouds that often appear in rows, can indicate impending precipitation. Similarly, the formation of stratocumulus clouds, characterized by a gray or white layer with little to no vertical development, suggests stable and mild weather conditions. Understanding cloud patterns is crucial for predicting weather changes and making informed decisions, especially for agricultural and aviation activities in the region.

Annual Rainfall

Ndalatando, Angola experiences a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The city receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 1,200 mm (47 inches). The rainy season typically spans from October to April, with the heaviest rainfall occurring during the months of March and April. During this period, the city experiences frequent thunderstorms and heavy downpours. The dry season lasts from May to September and is characterized by minimal rainfall and warm, sunny weather.

Seasonal Variations

The wet season in Ndalatando brings a dramatic increase in precipitation compared to the dry season. During the months of March and April, the city receives an average of over 200 mm (8 inches) of rainfall each month. In contrast, during the dry months of June, July, and August, rainfall is typically less than 10 mm (0.4 inches) per month. The city’s annual rainfall varies from year to year, but it generally remains within the range of 1,000 mm to 1,400 mm (39 inches to 55 inches).

Rainfall Patterns

Ndalatando, located in the northern highlands of Angola, experiences a tropical savanna climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The rainy season typically spans from October to April, with heavy downpours and thunderstorms occurring frequently. During this period, Ndalatando receives an average of 700-1,000 millimeters of rainfall, accounting for the majority of its annual precipitation. The dry season, from May to September, is relatively dry, with rainfall occurring sporadically and in lesser amounts.

Seasonal Variations

The rainfall in Ndalatando exhibits significant seasonal variation, with the wettest month typically being March or April. During these months, the city can receive upwards of 200 millimeters of rain, resulting in lush vegetation and often flooded areas. In contrast, the driest month is usually June or July, with only about 10-20 millimeters of rainfall recorded on average. These seasonal variations are influenced by the movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which brings moist air over the region during the rainy season and shifts southward during the dry season.

Historical Absence of Snowfall in Ndalatando, Angola

Ndalatando, the capital city of Angola’s Cuanza Norte province, is located in a tropical climate zone characterized by high temperatures and humidity year-round. There has never been any recorded snowfall in the city or the surrounding areas due to these climatic conditions. Temperatures in Ndalatando typically range from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius (77 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit), with occasional dips to around 20 degrees Celsius during the cooler months.

Factors Contributing to Lack of Snowfall

Ndalatando’s tropical location near the equator results in a high annual solar radiation, which contributes to the city’s warm temperatures. The city is also situated at a relatively low elevation, approximately 400 meters above sea level. These factors combine to create an environment where snow is unable to form. Snowfall typically occurs in areas with much colder temperatures, higher elevations, and specific atmospheric conditions that are not present in Ndalatando.

Average Sunshine Hours

Ndalatando, the capital of Cuanza Norte Province in Angola, experiences a tropical wet and dry climate, characterized by high temperatures throughout the year. The sun is prevalent in Ndalatando, with an average of 6-7 hours of sunshine per day. The dry season, from May to October, brings with it even more sunshine, averaging 8-9 hours per day. During the rainy season, from November to April, the sun is less consistent, but the city still enjoys an average of 5-6 hours of sunshine daily.

Sunlight Duration

The duration of daylight in Ndalatando varies throughout the year, influenced by its proximity to the equator. During the summer months (December to February), the days are at their longest, with sunrise occurring around 5:30 AM and sunset around 6:30 PM, resulting in approximately 13 hours of daylight. In the winter months (June to August), the days are shorter, with sunrise around 6:30 AM and sunset around 5:30 PM, leading to approximately 11 hours of daylight. The consistent sunshine throughout the year makes Ndalatando an ideal destination for outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and swimming.

Lunar Visibility and Phases

In Ndalatando, Angola, the visibility and phases of the moon vary throughout the month. During the new moon phase, the moon is not visible in the night sky. As it moves through the waxing phases, it gradually becomes more visible, culminating in the full moon phase. During the full moon, the entire face of the moon is illuminated by the sun and appears as a bright, circular disk in the sky.

Moonrise and Moonset Times

The time of moonrise and moonset in Ndalatando varies depending on the day of the month and the season. During the new moon phase, moonrise and moonset occur at approximately the same time as the sun. As the moon moves through the waxing phases, moonrise occurs earlier and moonset occurs later. During the full moon phase, moonrise occurs around sunset and moonset occurs around sunrise.

Humidity Levels in Ndalatando, Angola

Ndalatando, the capital of Cuanza Norte province in Angola, experiences a tropical climate with high humidity levels throughout the year. The average relative humidity in the city is around 75%, with monthly averages ranging from 65% in August to 85% in January and February. These high humidity levels are attributed to the city’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the influence of the Congo Air Boundary, which separates tropical moist air from the drier air of the African interior.

The high humidity in Ndalatando can have a significant impact on the city’s residents. It can lead to discomfort and a feeling of stuffiness, especially during the hot summer months. Additionally, high humidity levels can contribute to the growth of mold and mildew, which can pose health risks and damage buildings.

Wind Patterns and Speeds

Ndalatando, the capital of Angola’s northern Cuanza Norte province, experiences a predominantly warm and humid tropical climate with marked dry and wet seasons. The wind patterns in Ndalatando are influenced by the region’s geographic location near the Atlantic Ocean and the seasonal movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). During the dry season (May to September), the prevailing winds come from the southeast, carrying dry and stable air. These winds are generally light to moderate in speed, averaging around 5-10 knots.

In contrast, during the wet season (October to April), the ITCZ shifts northward, bringing moist air and increased wind speeds. The prevailing winds during this time are from the southwest, bringing abundant rainfall. Wind speeds during the wet season can reach an average of 10-15 knots, with occasional gusts exceeding 20 knots. These winds are responsible for the formation of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall that characterize the wet season in Ndalatando.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Ndalatando, Angola for warm weather is the dry season from May to October. Daytime temperatures average between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius (77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit), while nighttime temperatures dip into the mid-teens Celsius (low 60s Fahrenheit). The low season, from November to April, brings with it more rain and humidity, making it less ideal for outdoor activities.

Outdoor Activities

For those interested in enjoying the natural beauty of Ndalatando, the dry season offers the best conditions for hiking, birdwatching, and visiting the nearby Kwanza River. It is important to note that the rainy season can make the roads impassable, so planning outdoor activities during the dry season is recommended. Additionally, visitors should be aware of the risk of contracting malaria during the rainy season and take necessary precautions, such as using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing.

Potential of Solar Energy in Ndalatando

Ndalatando, located in northwestern Angola, enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year. This makes it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. The region has a long history of using solar energy for various applications, particularly in rural areas. The government has also recognized the potential of solar energy and has implemented policies to promote its adoption.

Challenges and Opportunities

While Ndalatando has significant potential for solar energy, there are some challenges that need to be addressed. One of the main challenges is the high upfront cost of setting up solar systems. However, with increasing technological advancements and the decreasing cost of solar panels, solar energy is becoming more affordable. Another challenge is the lack of a reliable grid network in some rural areas. This can make it difficult to integrate solar energy into the grid. Despite these challenges, the opportunities for solar energy in Ndalatando are substantial. The region’s high solar radiation and growing demand for electricity create a strong foundation for the development of solar projects.

General Topography

Ndalatando, the capital of Angola’s Cuanza Norte province, is situated in the northwestern part of the country. The city is located in a picturesque valley, surrounded by rolling hills and lush vegetation. The Ndalatando River flows through the city, adding to its scenic beauty. The surrounding landscape is predominantly composed of open savanna grasslands, with scattered trees and shrubs. The terrain is gently undulating, rising gradually towards the west and east. This topography provides Ndalatando with a pleasant and inviting atmosphere, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international visitors.

Geological Features

Ndalatando sits within the Congo Basin, a vast geological feature that encompasses much of western Central Africa. The bedrock underlying the city and its surroundings is primarily composed of Precambrian metamorphic and igneous rocks. These rocks have been extensively weathered and eroded, resulting in the formation of the rolling hills and valleys that characterize the local topography. The Ndalatando River has played a significant role in shaping the landscape, carving out a narrow gorge as it flows through the city. The river’s erosive action has exposed layers of sedimentary rocks, including sandstone and limestone, adding further diversity to the geological features of Ndalatando’s environment.

Ndalatando Airport (NDT)

Located approximately 10 kilometers from the city center, Ndalatando Airport (NDT) is the primary airport serving the city of Ndalatando, the capital of the Kwanza Norte Province in Angola. The airport plays a crucial role in connecting the region to other parts of the country and beyond. It features a single runway that can accommodate small to medium-sized aircraft, including propeller planes and turboprops. NDT primarily handles domestic flights, with services to major cities such as Luanda, the capital of Angola, and Huambo, another major city in the central region.

Alternative Airports

While Ndalatando Airport is the closest option for air travel to Ndalatando, there are other airports within a reasonable driving distance that offer additional connectivity. Approximately 200 kilometers to the south lies Quibala Airport (SQW), located in the municipality of Quibala, Kwanza Sul Province. Quibala Airport handles a wider range of domestic and regional flights, including services to Luanda and other major cities in Angola. Moreover, it provides limited connections to international destinations. The journey from Ndalatando to Quibala Airport takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by car. Another alternative is Luanda International Airport (LAD), the main international gateway to Angola. Located about 320 kilometers northwest of Ndalatando, Luanda International Airport offers a comprehensive network of domestic and international flights, providing convenient connections to various destinations worldwide. However, the drive from Ndalatando to Luanda International Airport takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, making it a less practical option for short trips.

Geography and Climate

Ndalatando, the capital of Cuanza Norte Province in Angola, is situated approximately 220 kilometers northeast of Luanda, the country’s capital. The city lies in the Lucala River Basin, surrounded by a picturesque landscape of verdant hills and lush forests. Ndalatando experiences a tropical savanna climate, characterized by two distinct seasons: a wet season from October to May and a dry season from June to September. The average annual temperature hovers around 23 degrees Celsius, with relatively high humidity throughout the year.

History and Culture

Ndalatando has a rich cultural and historical heritage. Originally established as a Portuguese settlement in 1888, it became the provincial capital in 1922. The city played a significant role in the Angolan War of Independence, serving as a stronghold for the liberation movement against Portuguese rule. Today, Ndalatando is a vibrant and modern city that has preserved many of its colonial-era buildings and monuments. It is renowned for its traditional crafts, including pottery, basketry, and woodcarving, and hosts several cultural festivals and events throughout the year.