Climate and monthly weather forecast
Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe, located in the southern region of Africa, possesses a mostly tropical climate, though it is moderated by its altitude, with the high inland plateau known as the Highveld having a distinctly temperate climate. The country's climate encompasses different Köppen classifications: BSh (semi-arid hot), Cwb (subtropical highland, dry winter), Cfa (temperate without dry season, hot summer), and Aw (tropical savanna, dry winter). The semi-arid regions, typical of the Lowveld, experience minimal precipitation and high temperatures. In contrast, the highland areas have more temperate conditions with warm summers and cool winters. The tropical savanna climates are characterized by high temperatures throughout the year, with a marked dry winter season.

Generally, the best time to visit Zimbabwe is from May to October, the dry season. During this period, daytime temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) to 28°C (82.4°F), offering comfortable conditions for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities. Furthermore, the lack of rain and vegetation during the dry season forces wildlife to congregate around water sources, making game spotting significantly easier. Even in the evenings, temperatures remain pleasant, rarely falling below 10°C (50°F).

The worst time to visit Zimbabwe is generally during the peak rainy season, from December to February. This period is characterized by heavy downpours, particularly in the afternoon and evening. Road conditions may deteriorate, making some remote areas inaccessible. The higher humidity and temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F) may also cause discomfort. Furthermore, the lush vegetation during the rainy season can make wildlife harder to spot.

In Zimbabwe, spring typically lasts from September to November. This is a transitional period between the cool, dry winter and the wet, hot summer. Temperatures during this period range from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F), with the higher temperatures experienced in the low-lying areas. Rainfall begins to increase towards November, although it is less than the peak levels experienced in summer.

Zimbabwe’s summer season spans from December to February. This period is characterized by high temperatures, often exceeding 30°C (86°F) in low-lying areas, and heavy rainfall. The country’s tropical savanna regions may experience daily rainfall, while in the highlands, the rain is less frequent but more intense. Despite the high temperatures, the presence of rain can lead to a high humidity level that some visitors may find uncomfortable.

Autumn in Zimbabwe is from March to May. This period experiences a gradual decrease in temperatures and precipitation as the country transitions from the hot, wet summer to the cooler, drier winter. Average temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F), with cooler temperatures in the highland areas. Rainfall decreases steadily during this period, with May marking the onset of the dry season.

Winter in Zimbabwe spans from June to August. This is the dry season, with little to no rainfall across the country. Average temperatures in the low-lying areas range from 15°C (59°F) to 20°C (68°F) during the day, while in the highlands, temperatures can drop to 5°C (41°F) at night. Despite the cold nights, winters in Zimbabwe are generally sunny and clear, making it an excellent time for wildlife viewing.

January falls in the midst of Zimbabwe's summer season, marking the peak of the rainy period. It is one of the wettest months, with the country receiving significant rainfall, averaging 100mm (3.94") to 200mm (7.87"), depending on the region. Weather in January »

February, similar to January, is characterized by high temperatures and significant rainfall as it is part of Zimbabwe's summer season and the tail end of the rainy period. Average temperatures across the country during February range from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F). Weather in February »

March signals the arrival of autumn in Zimbabwe. This period marks a gradual transition from the hot, wet summer season to the cooler, drier winter. Average temperatures across the country begin to decline, with a range typically from 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F) in most regions. In the low-lying areas of the Zambezi Valley and the southeastern Lowveld, temperatures can still reach up to 30°C (86°F), but they tend to be less intense than the peak summer heat experienced in January and February. Weather in March »

April in Zimbabwe marks the continuation of the autumn season, characterized by a noticeable decrease in rainfall and temperatures compared to the preceding months. This period presents a more temperate climate across the country, making it a particularly pleasant time for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing. Average temperatures during April range from 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F). Weather in April »

May represents the beginning of the winter season in Zimbabwe and the onset of the dry period. The climate during this month is characterized by mild daytime temperatures and cooler nights, with negligible rainfall throughout the country. Average temperatures in May range from 15°C (59°F) to 20°C (68°F). Weather in May »

June signifies the mid-winter period in Zimbabwe, characterized by moderate daytime temperatures and notably cold nights. Rainfall is extremely rare during this time, reinforcing the prevalence of the dry season across the country. Average temperatures in June range from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F). Weather in June »

July in Zimbabwe marks the peak of the winter season, characterized by clear skies, mild daytime temperatures, and the coldest nights of the year. Rainfall is virtually absent during this month, underscoring the severity of the dry season. Average daytime temperatures in July range from 15°C (59°F) to 20°C (68°F). Weather in July »

August represents the final month of winter in Zimbabwe, with conditions starting to transition towards the warmer spring season. The weather during this period is characterized by slightly warmer daytime temperatures, although nights remain fairly cold. Weather in August »

September in Zimbabwe marks the onset of the spring season, with daytime temperatures continuing to rise and the nights becoming less chilly. Despite the transition into spring, rainfall remains minimal during this month, extending the dry season's influence. Average temperatures during September range from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F). Weather in September »

October in Zimbabwe signifies the height of the spring season and the transition towards the warmer summer months. This period is often referred to as the 'suicide month' due to the significant increase in heat, especially in low-lying areas, before the onset of the rainy season. Average temperatures in October range from 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F), making it one of the hottest months of the year. Weather in October »

November in Zimbabwe signals the commencement of the summer season and the onset of the rainy season. As temperatures remain high, the landscape starts to transform due to the increased rainfall, turning from a parched environment into a verdant expanse. Average daytime temperatures during November vary from 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F). Weather in November »

December in Zimbabwe marks the continuation of the summer season and the peak of the rainy season. The country experiences high temperatures coupled with substantial rainfall, leading to a lush, vibrant landscape. Daytime temperatures in December typically range from 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F). Weather in December »