How does altitude affect temperatures and rainfall across Eswatini?

Eswatini experiences significant climatic variation driven by a steep drop in altitude of approximately 4,000 feet over a distance of 50 miles, which creates sharp temperature and precipitation gradients from west to east.1

Temperature

Temperatures are directly influenced by these elevation changes, resulting in cooler conditions in the higher regions and warmer conditions in the lower plains:
* Highveld: This elevated region records lower average monthly temperatures, with maximums around 72 °F (22 °C) and minimums near 52 °F (11 °C).1
* Lowveld: At lower altitudes, the climate is significantly warmer, with average maximums of 84 °F (29 °C) and minimums of 59 °F (15 °C).1
* Middleveld: This area maintains intermediate temperatures between the Highveld and Lowveld.1

Rainfall

Precipitation also follows a gradient linked to the country's topography, with higher altitudes receiving substantially more rainfall:
* Highveld: Receives the highest average annual rainfall at approximately 55 inches (1,400 mm).1
* Middleveld: Receives an average of 34 inches annually.1
* Lowveld: Experiences the lowest average rainfall at about 22 inches.1
* Lubombo: This region receives an average of 35 inches of rain annually.1