You will want to use the python Pandas (check here for Pandas tips) for analyzing your data. It is in particular very well suited for time series analysis and enable you to very easily manipulate dates, missing data, etc.
Seaborn is a Python visualization library based on matplotlib. It provides a high-level interface for drawing attractive statistical graphics. Check here for seaborn tips
You should install Spacepy on your machine. Then import the module spacepy.pycdf
to load CDF files. Documentation for PYCDF is here