The climate of Gaborone
Gaborone, the capital city of
Botswana, experiences a BSh type climate as per the Köppen climate classification. This designates it as a Subtropical Steppe climate. Its geographical position near the Tropic of Capricorn contributes to a weather system characterized by hot temperatures especially during summer with mild winters.
The annual climate data paints a picture of a city that experiences high temperatures from 32.7°C (90.9°F) in
January progressively dropping to a minimum of 22.9°C (73.2°F) in
July. The warm weather is characterized by strong sunlight, a UV index of 12 is prevalent from January to
March and
November to
December, with a dip to 5 in
June and July. Interestingly, the average daylight hours remain greater than 10 hours throughout the year.
Rainfall is a distinctive element in Gaborone with a total of 33mm (1.3") rainfall in January gradually decreasing to a low of 0mm (0") in July, then rising again to 33mm (1.3") in December. Similarly, the annual pattern of rainfall days portrays a maximum of 6 days in January and December, and a sharp decline to a lone day from June to
August.
A unique feature in Gaborone's weather is its average sunshine hours, which do not drop below 8 hours throughout the year. It reaches a peak of 10 hours between July and
September.
The best time to visit Gaborone
The period between
May and
September is generally the most comfortable time to visit
Gaborone. During these months, the city typically experiences lower temperatures ranging from 25.6°C (78.1°F) to 22.9°C (73.2°F). This period also coincides with lower rainfall amounts, reducing the chances of outdoor activities being disrupted by rain. The daylight hours range from 10.9 to 11.3, allowing for ample time for sightseeing and exploration. Sunshine hours hold steady at 9 to 10 hours, allowing tourists to make the most of their day.
The worst time to visit Gaborone
The months of
January and
December pose challenges to tourists due to high temperatures and increased rainfall. In January the average high temperature reaches up to 32.7°C (90.9°F), and in December it is 32.5°C (90.5°F), which can make outdoor activities unbearable. On the other hand, the rainfall peak of 33mm (1.3") in January and 33mm (1.3") in December, spanning up to 6 days in these months can disrupt travel plans.
Spring weather in Gaborone
Springtime, stretching from
September to
November in
Gaborone, welcomes gradually rising temperatures from 26.2°C (79.2°F) to 32.3°C (90.1°F), while rainfall starts increasing from 6mm (0.24") in September to 17mm (0.67") in November. This period has daylight hours increasing from 12 to 13.3 hours and sunshine hours maintaining a constant rate of 10 hours in September and
October, dropping to 9 hours in November.
Summer weather in Gaborone
During the months of
December to
February, summer in
Gaborone presents severely hot conditions with high temperatures ranging from 32.5°C (90.5°F) to 32.7°C (90.9°F). This period is also Gaborone's wettest; December sees 33mm (1.3") rainfall, followed by 30mm (1.18") in February. Sunshine hours during this period range from 8 to 9 hours.
Autumn weather in Gaborone
Autumn in
Gaborone from
March until
May sees a decline in temperatures from 30.8°C (87.4°F) in March to 25.6°C (78.1°F) by May. Rainfall also decreases during this period from 21mm (0.83") in March to 8mm (0.31") in May. The daylight decreases from 12.2 hours in March to 10.9 hours in May, and sunshine hours decrease from 8 hours in March to 9 hours in May.
Winter weather in Gaborone
The winter months of
June to
August are mild with the lowest temperatures featuring between 23.1°C (73.6°F) in June to 22.9°C (73.2°F) in
July. The rainfall in this period decreases to its minimal levels of the year with an average of 0mm (0") in July and climbing up marginally to 5mm (0.2") in August. Despite the mild temperatures, the city experiences the highest amount of sunshine hours with 10 hours continuously from June to August.
Weather in January
Weather conditions in
Gaborone,
Botswana during
January are typically characterized by high temperatures with a high of up to 32.7°C (90.9°F) and moderate rainfall. In comparison to
December, sunlight exposure is slightly less, indicating a decrease in the duration of days.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February's weather in
Gaborone,
Botswana sees a slight reduction in temperature from the previous month. The amount of daylight is also slightly diminished, paralleling the transition towards the end of summer. The city experiences marginally less rainfall in comparison to
January, prepping the environment for the drier months to follow.
Weather in February » Weather in March
In
March,
Gaborone's weather continues its transition from summer, with temperatures dipping down to an average low of 17.4°C (63.3°F). Rainfall is significantly decreased, marking this as the beginning of the drier season. The amount of daylight steadily decreases and, likewise, the UV index begins to decline, indicating less intense solar radiation.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Gaborone,
Botswana brings noticeable changes to the weather profile of the city. With temperatures lowering to 13.5°C (56.3°F) at nightfall, the city transitions into cooler nights. The rainfall is also cut in half from the previous month, making the landscape significantly drier.
Weather in April » Weather in May
As we move into
May, the weather in
Gaborone leans towards chillier conditions, particularly during nightfall. This reduction in temperature and a scant 8mm (0.31") precipitation bear the hallmarks of autumn transitioning into early winter.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June ushers in the winter season in
Gaborone,
Botswana, introducing a crispness to the air. The city experiences its coolest month, with temperatures falling to as low as 5°C (41°F) at night. Rainfall is relatively high for a winter month, yet far less than during summer, and daylight hours are at their annual minimum.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July’s weather in
Gaborone is characterized by dry, chilly days with an absolute minimum rainfall of 0mm (0"), asserting July as the driest month in
Botswana’s capital. Despite this, the number of sunshine hours begins to increase, indicating the gradual return of longer days.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Heralding the last of the winter months,
August in
Gaborone signals a subtle shift in the weather pattern. Higher day temperatures combined with marginally increased rainfall reboot the life cycle, preparing the landscape for the bloom of spring.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Gaborone witnesses the resurgence of warmer weather conditions. Following the winter solstice, daylight hours reach 12.0h, setting the stage for longer, warmer days. Similarly, UV index readings increase, reflecting stronger solar radiation and thus, the requirement for sun protection.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As
October unfolds in
Gaborone, the prominent warmth indicative of the arrival of summer can be felt vividly. Precipitation reaches 13mm (0.51"), a sharp contrast to the drier winter months. The increasing hours of daylight and the high UV index mirror the journey towards hot, sulmer days.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November, the last month of the spring in
Gaborone, is also a hot month, with temperature in the range of an average low of 17.7°C (63.9°F) and an average high of 32.3°C (90.1°F). The ushering in of November brings an average high-temperature of a still hot 32.3°C (90.1°F), closely mirroring the 32°C (89.6°F) of
October.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December showcases the height of summer in
Gaborone,
Botswana with robust climatic conditions. Reaching 33mm (1.3"), rainfall in December exceed those of all other months, recharging the local water cycle. Concurrently, temperatures stay high ensuring a hot climate.
Weather in December » [Resources]