Climate

The landscape experiences extremely low rainfall (from less than 120mm in the north to less than 50mm near the Orange River in the south). Rainfall is highly variable and unpredictable with a coefficient of variation of over 70%. It is within the climatic transition zone between winter and summer rainfall and thusthe little rain that does fall can occur at any time of the year, though there is a tendency for the late summer months to receive slightly higher rainfall than other months. The area experiences a water deficit (rainfall minus evaporation) of over 3 m per year.

 

Rainfall is monitored across the landscape by landscape members. Have a look at the month-by month rainfall records here.

Maximum temperatures are exceptionally high (34-45ºC), mainly from December to April, but can be experienced at any time of the year. Average temperatures are moderate (approx. 18ºC) and there is a general temperature decline as one moves westwards towards the Sperrgebiet and coast. There are few frost days per year with an increasing occurrence towards the east (1-5 days per year).