The severe climatic conditions experienced in the Letšeng region are largely attributed to its high elevation, which exceeds 3,000 masl. Temperatures can fall significantly below freezing during winter, with the lowest temperature of -20°C recorded at Letšeng-le-Terae. Snowfall is common during the winter months and may remain on the ground for periods of three months or longer, particularly in shaded gullies and on southern-facing slopes, which generally experience lower average temperatures than northern-facing slopes. Winter snowfall contributes substantially to seasonal precipitation, while frost is a frequent almost daily occurrence throughout the winter period.
3,000 masl
High elevation
-20°C
Lowest Temp.
May-Aug
Common winter months
At Letšeng Diamonds temperatures generally range from average highs of approximately 14.8°C in January and 14.5°C in February to average lows of approximately -5.5°C in June and -5.3°C in July. These temperature variations reflect the pronounced seasonal conditions associated with the region’s high-altitude environment.
The majority of annual precipitation is received as rainfall between October and March, accounting for more than 79% of total precipitation. During the winter months, particularly between May and August, snowfall constitutes a significant proportion of the annual precipitation. There is considerable seasonal variation in precipitation, with a difference of approximately 111 mm between the wettest month, January, and the driest month, July.
