Walvis Bay climate is classified as a mild cold desert climate, also known as BWk. The weather in Walvis Bay is strongly influenced by the cold Benguela Current of the Atlantic Ocean. This ocean current keeps temperatures cool, rainfall very low, and fog frequent throughout the year.
Temperatures in Walvis Bay are moderate compared to many desert regions. The nearby ocean helps control heat, so extreme temperatures are rare. During summer, which runs from November to April, February is the warmest month. The average daily temperature is about 17.9 degrees Celsius, with average daytime highs around 20.3 degrees Celsius. Even in summer, the weather remains comfortable and cool.
Winter lasts from May to October. August is the coldest month, with an average daily temperature of about 13.2 degrees Celsius. Nighttime temperatures can drop to around 10.1 degrees Celsius. The difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures is small throughout the year, usually less than 10 degrees Celsius. During winter, hot dry winds known as berg winds can blow from the interior toward the coast and may cause a short rise in midday temperatures.
Walvis Bay is extremely dry. The city receives less than 20 millimeters of rain per year. March is usually the wettest month, but even then rainfall averages only about 5 millimeters. Rainfall plays a very small role in the local environment.
The main source of moisture in Walvis Bay is fog. Thick fog forms when cold ocean air meets hot desert air. This happens often along the coast, creating what is known as the coastal fog belt. Visibility during foggy conditions can drop to less than 30 meters, especially in the early morning and evening.
Because of frequent fog and low cloud cover, Walvis Bay receives fewer hours of sunshine than inland areas. The city averages about 5 to 7 hours of sunshine per day, while inland desert regions may receive 8 to 10 hours.
Wind is another common feature of the Walvis Bay climate. Breezes blow throughout the year with small seasonal changes. July is usually the windiest month, with average wind speeds of about 15.1 kilometers per hour. March is the calmest month, with average wind speeds around 12.7 kilometers per hour. At times, strong dry winds from inland areas can briefly raise temperatures along the coast.
Overall, the Walvis Bay climate is cool, dry, foggy, and stable, making it very different from other desert regions.
