Climate and monthly weather forecastBulawayo, Zimbabwe

The climate of Bulawayo

Located in Zimbabwe, Bulawayo possesses a subtropical steppe climate according to the Köppen climate classification. This system tags the climate of Bulawayo as BSh, indicating that the city experiences a dry season followed by a more humid period accompanied by sufficient rainfall.

Bulawayo's climate is characterized by noticeable seasonal shifts, showcasing variations in temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and the amount of sunlight it receives. The warmest month in Bulawayo traditionally is October with an average high of 30.6°C (87.1°F), whereas temperatures cool to an average low of 9°C (48.2°F) during July. The same cyclic pattern is evident when observing average low temperatures, with July's 9°C (48.2°F), gradually warming up to reach December's 19°C (66.2°F).

Rain showers are a usual part of Bulawayo's weather, though bearing a distinctive seasonal pattern. December leads with 64mm (2.52") falling over approximately 14 days. Nevertheless, a marked decrease happens after April, with rainfall reaching a low of only 1mm (0.04") from June to September. In terms of cloud cover, Bulawayo experiences the most cloud coverage during December with an average of 30%, while in September it falls to 6%.

Bulawayo's efforts to stave off extreme heat involve wind. Wind speeds fluctuates throughout the year, reaching their highest in October, averaging at 16.4km/h (10.2mph). Not to be ignored is also the city's enviable UV index, regularly varying between 5 to 6, meaning Bulawayo's residents receive a substantial amount of raw sunshine, helping to keep temperatures mild.

The best time to visit Bulawayo

A trip to Bulawayo is a joy any time of the year, however, the best period depends on individuals' preference for weather. The period from May to September is ideal for those who prefer warm temperatures and less rain as the rainfall drops to 1mm (0.04"). June and July present an excellent period for visit given an abundant sunshine with 28 to 29 days of clear sights. This time frame corresponds with average highs ranging from 21.4°C (70.5°F) to 25.3°C (77.5°F), and minimum temperatures fluctuating from 9°C (48.2°F) to 11.4°C (52.5°F).

The worst time to visit Bulawayo

For those adverse to rainfall, December to February might not be the best period to visit as Bulawayo experiences its highest level of rainfall, averaging from 49mm (1.93") to 64mm (2.52") falling over 11 to 14 days. Similarly, relative humidity is at its peak during February, reaching 72%.

Spring weather in Bulawayo

Spring in Bulawayo ushers in climbing temperatures, moderate rainfall, and an increase in daylight hours. In September temperatures are warm, reaching 29.2°C (84.6°F) and seldom falling below 14.7°C (58.5°F). By November, the average high temperature reaches 29.6°C (85.3°F) and dips to 18.8°C (65.8°F) during dawn and dusk. The average daylight hours grow to 12.2 hours by spring.

Summer weather in Bulawayo

Bulawayo's summer months from December to February are marked by the highest temperatures and greatest rainfalls. The average high temperature in December is a sizzling 28.5°C (83.3°F) and only slightly cools to 27.1°C (80.8°F) by February. With the advent of summer, December sees the highest rainfall; 64mm (2.52") over 14 days.

Autumn weather in Bulawayo

Autumn in Bulawayo witnesses steadily decreasing temperatures and a significant drop in rainfall. In March, the high temperature averages 26.4°C (79.5°F) while April reports a lower figure of 24.9°C (76.8°F). This period also signals a decrease in rainfall, with only 10mm (0.39") rain reported in April over eight days.

Winter weather in Bulawayo

Winter months from June to August in Bulawayo show the lowest temperatures of the year with an average high of 20.9°C (69.6°F) in July and a low of 9°C (48.2°F). Rainfall is nearly absent with only 1mm (0.04") falling in June and July over 1.7 and 1.3 days respectively. Despite the colder temperatures, the city still enjoys long daylight hours of 11.2 to 11.4 hours.

Weather in January

The New Year in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe opens with January, a month demonstrating a relatively high humidity level of 71%, delivering the atmosphere a moist and warm feeling. Temperatures slightly dip from the day's highest, creating a comfortable and temperate climate across the city. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Progressing to February, Bulawayo's weather patterns show minor fluctuations compared to January. Average low and high temperatures decrease slightly, but do not substantially impact the overall climate. Rainfall continues to grace the cityscape, albeit at the same intensity as January. Weather in February »

Weather in March

The transition from February to March is marked by a significant decrease in rainfall, going down to 22mm (0.87"). Temperatures continue their subtle drop in March, which might warrant a light pullover during evening strolls. However, this cooler weather does not coincide with less daylight or a decrease in sunshine hours. Weather in March »

Weather in April

Apri's weather undoubtedly leans towards the cooler side when contrasted to March's climate. Rainfall sees another decrease, solidifying April as considerably drier than the beginning of the year. As the month flows into its latter days, cloud cover gradually decreases, resulting in clearer skies. Weather in April »

Weather in May

Continuing the trend, May brings a further reduction in temperatures, transforming the daytime warmth into a more moderate range. Paired with a significant drop in relative humidity to 55%, the weather may feel drier than previous months. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June in Bulawayo bears witness to the coldest month of the year with average low temperatures plunging to 9.3°C (48.7°F). Alongside a decrease in average high temperatures, the overall weather bears a perceptible chill. Rainfall drops to an annual minimum, colorizing June as the driest month of the year. Weather in June »

Weather in July

As the calendar flips over to July, Bulawayo sees not much change in its weather when compared to June. What sets this month apart, however, is the slight increase in wind speeds up to an annual high of 14.7km/h (9.1mph), instilling a crispness to the air. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August marks a climatic shift for the city of Bulawayo with temperatures gradually rising, hinting at the onset of spring. The rarity of rainfall persists from previous months, while the relative humidity decreases further. Observing the sky, the pleasant deduction of minimal cloud coverage enhances the city's weather aesthetics. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September ushers in the spring warmth with average high temperatures escalating to a comforting 29.2°C (84.6°F). A noticeable slimming of relative humidity betokens a dry yet comforting atmosphere. With rainfall still a scarce spectacle, clear skies dominate the month's weather visuals. Weather in September »

Weather in October

As October sets in, Bulawayo experiences the year's highest temperatures, soaring to an average of 30.6°C (87.1°F). This change brings a tangible increase in warmth throughout the city, enhanced by a further decline in rainfall. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November serves as the prelude to the year's end with average temperatures slightly dipping from October's highs but still sustaining the warmth as an omnipresent theme. An equally significant shift is the dramatic resumption of rainfall, reaching a substantial 49mm (1.93"). Weather in November »

Weather in December

As the year concludes in December, Bulawayo's weather reveals an impressive upsurge in rainfall, peaking at 64mm (2.52"), making it the wettest month of the year. Average temperatures decrease marginally, thereby mitigating the prevailingly hot climate. Weather in December »