Climate and monthly weather forecast
Gaborone, Botswana

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Organized Central Business District of Gaborone, Botswana
Organized Central Business District of Gaborone, Botswana

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 »
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Frequently asked questions

What is the warmest month in Gaborone?

With average temperatures fluctuating between a high of 32.7°C (90.9°F) and a low of 19.7°C (67.5°F), January stands out as the warmest month in Gaborone.

How many days does it rain in Gaborone?

Throughout the year, there are 41 rainfall days, and 190mm (7.48") of precipitation is accumulated.

When is the highest UV index in Gaborone?

January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 12, are months with the highest UV index.

What are the months with the least sunshine in Gaborone?

February through April and December, with an average of 8h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine in Gaborone, Botswana.

What is the month with the shortest days in Gaborone?

June has the shortest days of the year in Gaborone, with an average of 10h and 36min of daylight.

What is the month with the lowest UV index in Gaborone?

June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 5, are months with the lowest UV index.

What part of the year is the coldest in Gaborone?

July brings the lowest temperatures in Gaborone, Botswana, with an average high of 22.9°C (73.2°F) and an average low of 4.4°C (39.9°F).

What is the driest month in Gaborone?

July is the month with the least rainfall in Gaborone, Botswana. Rain falls for 1 days and accumulates 0mm (0") of precipitation.

What are the months with the most sunshine in Gaborone?

The months with the most sunshine are July through September, with an average of 10h of sunshine.

What is the wettest month in Gaborone?

December is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 6 days and accumulates 33mm (1.3") of precipitation.

When are the longest days in Gaborone?

With an average of 13h and 36min of daylight, December has the longest days of the year in Gaborone.

Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Gaborone?

Gaborone does not utilize Daylight Saving Time (DST). CAT timezone is used throughout the entire year.

Average temperature
Gaborone, Botswana

Average temperature - Gaborone, Botswana

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is January (32.7°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is July (22.9°C).

The month with the highest average low temperature is January (19.7°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is July (4.4°C).

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Average rainfall
Gaborone, Botswana

Average rainfall - Gaborone, Botswana

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is December (32.9mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is July (0.4mm).

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Average rainfall days
Gaborone, Botswana

Average rainfall days - Gaborone, Botswana

The months with the highest number of rainy days are January and December (6 days).
The months with the least rainy days are June, July and August (1 days).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
Gaborone, Botswana

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Gaborone, Botswana

The month with the longest days is December (Average daylight: 13h and 36min).
The month with the shortest days is June (Average daylight: 10h and 36min).

The months with the most sunshine are July, August and September (Average sunshine: 10h).
The months with the least sunshine are February, March, April and December (Average sunshine: 8h).

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Average UV index
Gaborone, Botswana

Average UV index - Gaborone, Botswana

The months with the highest UV index are January, February, March, November and December (UV index 12).
The months with the lowest UV index are June and July (UV index 5).

[Resources]

Gaborone, Botswana

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