Climate and monthly weather forecast
Swaziland

Eswatini, or Swaziland, boasts a diverse geography with mountains in the west, savannas in the east, and rainforest in the northwest. This variety in landscape fosters a unique range of climates throughout the country. In the subtropical highland regions, like Mbabane, you can expect mild summers with temperatures hovering around 20°C (68°F) and cool, damp winters with temperatures from 5°C (41°F) to 10°C (50°F). The humid subtropical regions witness hot, humid summers with temperatures peaking at 30°C (86°F), while winters remain mild and cool, dropping to 10°C (50°F). The tropical savanna areas have a distinct dry season with warm temperatures remaining fairly consistent year-round, generally in the range of 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F). The country’s precipitation patterns also differ significantly with the regions, ranging from 500mm (19.69") annually in the lowveld to 2000mm (78.74") in the highveld.

Visiting Eswatini from June to August is often considered optimal as the climate is cooler and drier, providing a more comfortable environment for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing. Temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F), which is relatively pleasant. During this period, the lack of rainfall and vegetation in game reserves makes wildlife easier to spot. Furthermore, the cooler weather is ideal for hiking in the highveld region.

Travelling to Eswatini from December to February can be quite challenging due to the sweltering heat and heavy rainfall, particularly in the lowveld region. Temperatures can surge up to 30°C (86°F), and the humidity levels are significantly high. The heavy rainfall during these months can also lead to certain roads becoming impassable, making travel within the country quite difficult.

During spring, from September to November, the climate in Eswatini is quite dynamic. Temperatures vary from 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F), and the landscape begins to revive from the winter dryness. Rainfall is infrequent and light, predominantly in the form of short showers. Spring also heralds the beginning of the blooming season, offering a splendid array of flora across the country.

The summer season in Eswatini, from December to February, is characterized by hot and humid conditions. Temperatures often rise to 30°C (86°F), especially in the savanna regions. In the highveld, temperatures remain somewhat cooler, usually between 20°C (68°F) and 25°C (77°F). The country experiences its highest rainfall during these months, with precipitation levels peaking at 200mm (7.87") per month.

Autumn in Eswatini, from March to May, experiences a transition from the hot, wet summer to the cooler, drier winter. Temperatures during these months range from 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F). As the season progresses, the frequency of rainfall decreases, and by the end of May, most regions experience a significant drop in precipitation.

Winter in Eswatini, from June to August, is generally dry and cool, especially in the highland regions. Temperatures in these areas can drop to 5°C (41°F), while in the savanna regions, the winter temperatures remain mild, usually between 15°C (59°F) and 20°C (68°F). The precipitation levels are at their lowest during these months, often not exceeding20mm (0.79") per month. Despite the cooler temperatures, the winter sky is often clear and sunny, offering excellent conditions for outdoor activities and wildlife spotting.

January falls within the summer season in Eswatini and is typically characterized by high temperatures and substantial rainfall. In the tropical savanna regions, the weather can be quite hot with temperatures occasionally soaring up to 30°C (86°F). Weather in January »

February is the last month of summer in Eswatini, experiencing relatively high temperatures, although slightly less extreme than in January. In the tropical savanna regions, temperatures typically range from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F). Weather in February »

March heralds the onset of autumn in Eswatini, with a noticeable decrease in temperatures and rainfall compared to the summer months. In the tropical savanna regions of the country, the weather begins to cool down, with temperatures ranging between 20°C (68°F) and 25°C (77°F). Similarly, in the humid subtropical areas, temperatures start to drop, averaging between 15°C (59°F) and 20°C (68°F). Weather in March »

April continues the transition into autumn in Eswatini, with temperatures further decreasing and rainfall lessening. In the tropical savanna regions, temperatures typically fall between 15°C (59°F) and 20°C (68°F). A similar trend occurs in the humid subtropical areas, where temperatures now range from 10°C (50°F) to 15°C (59°F). The subtropical highland regions, including Mbabane, experience cooler weather, with temperatures generally falling between 10°C (50°F) and 15°C (59°F). Weather in April »

May marks the end of the autumn season in Eswatini and ushers in a notable decrease in temperatures and rainfall. In the tropical savanna regions, temperatures continue to cool, usually ranging between 10°C (50°F) and 15°C (59°F). Weather in May »

June initiates the winter season in Eswatini, characterized by notably lower temperatures and minimal rainfall. In the tropical savanna regions, temperatures generally fluctuate between 10°C (50°F) and 15°C (59°F). The humid subtropical areas experience temperatures typically within the same range. In the subtropical highland regions, including Mbabane, the winter weather is considerably cooler, with temperatures often falling between 5°C (41°F) and 10°C (50°F). Weather in June »

July represents the peak of the winter season in Eswatini, with the coldest temperatures and lowest rainfall levels of the year. In the tropical savanna regions, temperatures usually vary between 10°C (50°F) and 15°C (59°F). The humid subtropical areas also encounter a similar temperature range during July. The subtropical highland regions, including Mbabane, endure the chilliest conditions, with temperatures often falling between 5°C (41°F) and 10°C (50°F). Weather in July »

August in Eswatini marks the transition from winter to spring, with a subtle increase in temperatures and rainfall. In the tropical savanna regions, temperatures start to warm, generally fluctuating between 15°C (59°F) and 20°C (68°F). Weather in August »

September in Eswatini heralds the full onset of the spring season, characterized by a noticeable increase in temperatures and rainfall. In the tropical savanna regions, temperatures rise, generally fluctuating between 20°C (68°F) and 25°C (77°F). Weather in September »

October in Eswatini brings a further increase in temperatures and rainfall as the country transitions from spring to summer. In the tropical savanna regions, temperatures usually fluctuate between 25°C (77°F) and 30°C (86°F), indicating the onset of the hotter part of the year. Weather in October »

November marks the beginning of summer in Eswatini, characterized by higher temperatures and increased rainfall. In the tropical savanna regions, temperatures often range from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F). The humid subtropical areas also see a rise in temperatures, generally falling between 20°C (68°F) and 25°C (77°F). The subtropical highland regions, including Mbabane, experience warmer conditions with temperatures typically varying between 15°C (59°F) and 20°C (68°F). Weather in November »

December in Eswatini represents the peak of the summer season, with the highest temperatures and most significant rainfall of the year. In the tropical savanna regions, temperatures often fluctuate between 30°C (86°F) and 35°C (95°F). Weather in December »