The climate of Harare
Harare,
Zimbabwe aligns with the Köppen climate classification: Cwb, signifying a temperate highland tropical climate with dry winters. Positioned in Southern Africa, the city also boasts a pleasant balance between sunny days and cooler temperatures. Temperature peaks fluctuate from 30.5°C (86.9°F) to a lower boundary of 8.3°C (46.9°F) across the year, with the warmest month occurring in
October and the coldest in
July.
The city witnesses a discernible pattern in rainfall distribution. The wet season extends from
November to
February, with rainfall amount reaching up to 151mm (5.94") in the moistest month of
December. In contrast, the dry season observes a quantifiable drop in precipitation, with levels falling drastically to a mere 2mm (0.08") in the driest months of
June and July.
Humidity follows the same path, augmenting in tune with the wet season to an average high of 81%, then dropping during the dry season to as low as 39%. Sunshine hours exhibit a relatively uniform spread throughout the year, varying from 7.2 hours to 11.3 hours per day.
The best time to visit Harare
For vacationers preferring to dodge the bustling rainy season and enjoy the warmth, the period from
May to
October proves to be an optimal time to visit
Harare. During these months, daytime temperatures remain comfortably warm, oscillating from 21.8°C (71.2°F) to 30.5°C (86.9°F), while the evening temperature falls between 8.3°C (46.9°F) and 17.4°C (63.3°F). With decreased rainfall reaching to just 4mm (0.16") from May to
August and a relative humidity level falling to 39% in
September, these months stand out as the prime period to explore the city in all its glory.
The worst time to visit Harare
Visitors planning a trip to
Harare should avoid the high rainfall period from
November to
February. During this time, rainfall levels surge and can reach up to 151mm (5.94") in
December, accompanied by increased humidity levels, peaking at 81%. Additionally, the relatively lower visibility of 8km (5mi) during these months may hamper travel plans and outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Harare
Springtime in
Harare, from
September to
November, offers moderately high temperatures, ranging from 25.5°C (77.9°F) to 30.5°C (86.9°F) during the day and between 10.3°C (50.5°F) and 17.4°C (63.3°F) at night. Rainfall is sparse, totalling only 1mm (0.04") in September, and slowly increases to 62mm (2.44") by November. With sunshine duration ranging between 9.6 hours and 11.3 hours per day, accompanied by relative humidity levels gradually ascending from 39% to 57%, the spring season provides an inviting blend of warmth and sunshine.
Summer weather in Harare
Summers in
Harare, from
December to
February, are typified by high temperatures and substantial rainfall. Daytime temperatures vary from 25.8°C (78.4°F) to 28.9°C (84°F) while nighttime temperatures range 15.9°C (60.6°F) to 17°C (62.6°F). Summer is the time when the city receives its highest rainfall, peaking at 151mm (5.94") in December. Nevertheless, sunshine hours remain abundant, with an average of 10.6 hours per day in December and further increasing to 11.3 hours per day in February.
Autumn weather in Harare
Autumn, extending from
March to
May, presents a gradual drop in daytime temperatures from 25.5°C (77.9°F) to 23.7°C (74.7°F) with nighttime plummeting to a cool 10.6°C (51.1°F) by May. Rainfall depletes considerably from 52mm (2.05") in March to only 4mm (0.16") in May, while relative humidity lessens to a comfortable average of 64%.
Winter weather in Harare
Winter months, spanning from
June to
August, offer the coolest temperatures throughout the year. Daytime measurements vary from 21.8°C (71.2°F) to 25.5°C (77.9°F) and dip down to a cool 8.3°C (46.9°F) during the nighttime in
July. Rainfall is almost negligible, staying at a steady 2mm (0.08") from June to August. Despite the lower temperatures, the city enjoys ample sunshine, with an average duration of 7.5 hours per day.
Weather in January
Kicking off the start of the year in
Harare,
Zimbabwe,
January's weather continues the city's rain-drenched march. This period experiences significant rainfall, with precipitation reaching a hefty 151mm (5.94"). January's climate leans on the humid side, with the city draping a misty haze that limits visibility.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February extends the weather conditions prevalent in
January with minor shifts. February sees a lessening from the previous month's deluge, with notable decreases in rainfall and relative humidity. Changes in both temperature and sunshine are slight, creating a near-seamless transition from January.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As
March ushers in,
Harare,
Zimbabwe, begins a shift towards a drier climate. A significant drop in rainfall to 52mm (2.05") paves the way for this transition. A comparison with
February reveals sunnier days on the horizon, and temperatures largely remain the same.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Moving into
April,
Harare becomes less humid, and the rainfall drops to its lowest levels since the start of the year, at 31mm (1.22"). The weather transition from
March to April is marked by a drop in temperatures and a further reduction in rainfall.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May continues
April's trend of drying, manifesting in an extreme scarcity of rain with only 4mm (0.16") total precipitation throughout the month. This month, temperatures fall further as the city fully transitions into the dry season.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Harare marks
June with even less rainfall, dropping to a mere 2mm (0.08") compared to
May's record. June consists of a continuation of May's temperatures, but with a further decline in rainfall and increased daylight. As the month progresses, the stark disparity in conditions resulted from the rainfall drop-off is apparent.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The weather in
July showcases little change compared to
June, with rainfall remaining scarce at 2mm (0.08"). July is the zenith of
Harare's dry season, distinguished by little rainfall, moderate temperatures, and clear skies. A slight increase in wind speed accompanies the consistent weather conditions.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August in
Harare is defined by its absolute minimal rainfall of only 1mm (0.04"), the lowest of the entire year. A slight increase in temperature is noted as August heralds the end of the cool season and prepares for Harare's upcoming hotter months.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September continues the trend set by
August, with a mere 1mm (0.04") of rainfall but with a marked increase in temperature, reaching up to 28.8°C (83.8°F). This temperature rise is an indicator of the transition into the hotter months.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Harare sees a striking shift in weather as temperatures soar to their peak at 30.5°C (86.9°F). Along with this heat surge, rainfall increases from previous months' scarcity to a moderate 7mm (0.28") detail. This is the commencement of the region's summer, ringed by increased rainfall and the temperature at its zenith.
Weather in October » Weather in November
With
November, seasonal changes become more marked as
Harare transitions towards a rainier climate. Rainfall during this month significantly increases, reaching 62mm (2.44") in contrast with
October's moderate presence of precipitation.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Harare concludes the year in
December with a moderately high precipitation level reaching 114mm (4.49"), further increasing compared to
November. As temperatures dip from November's heat, December presents a balanced profile of rainfall, humidity, and cloud cover.
Weather in December » [Resources]