The climate of Chiredzi
According to the Köppen climate classification,
Chiredzi falls under the category of a subtropical steppe climate, labelled as BSh. This town in
Zimbabwe is positioned in the southeastern region, providing it with a predominantly warm, semi-arid climate year-round.
Throughout its annual cycle, Chiredzi experiences notable variances in weather parameters. Most notably, the temperatures present a distinct pattern, with averages reaching a peak of 33.3°C (91.9°F) in
November and descending to a low of 25.2°C (77.4°F) in
July. Night temperatures, on the other hand, range from 21.7°C (71.1°F) in
December to a chilly 12.6°C (54.7°F) in July.
Rainfall oscillates significantly in Chiredzi, with
January witnessing the highest downpour, at 105mm (4.13"), and
June experiencing the minimum, at merely 3mm (0.12"). This contributes to the high relative humidity observed in January that significantly drops by June. Cloud coverage also follows an evident trend, with maxima around the start of the year and minima during the central months.
A notable pattern of wind strength transpires throughout the year, with gradual changes from 9km/h (5.6mph) in January to a low of 6.2km/h (3.9mph) in June. Concurrently, visibility flaunts its maximum reach of 10km (6.2mi) from June to November, offering clear skies for most of the year.
The best time to visit Chiredzi
For tourists seeking a pleasant, dry climate, the period from
May to
September is deemed most favorable. During these months,
Chiredzi's temperatures float between 12.8°C (55°F) and 27.7°C (81.9°F). With rainfall hardly surpassing 5mm (0.2"), these months signify the driest season, coupled with a low humidity level, particularly between
June and
August. Sunshine hours extend up to 6.9 hours in May, gradually increasing to 8.6 hours in September, promising ample sunlight for sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Chiredzi
Visitors may want to avoid the heavy rainfall of
January and
February, wherein the downpour reaches an overwhelming 105mm (4.13") and 91mm (3.58"), respectively. These months are also characterized by the highest average humidity and lowest sunshine hours, making them less conducive for outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Chiredzi
Spring in
Chiredzi, extending from
September to
November, welcomes temperatures fluctuating between 17.7°C (63.9°F) and 33.3°C (91.9°F). The seasonal rainfall of 7mm (0.28") in September precipitates to 39mm (1.54") by November. Despite the rising temperatures, humidity levels remain relatively low during these months, providing a comfortable weather scene. A gradual increase in cloud coverage and decreased wind strength offer an idyllic setting for spring visitors.
Summer weather in Chiredzi
With summer weather spanning from
December to
February, temperature highs soar from 33.2°C (91.8°F) to 31.3°C (88.3°F) while lows range between 21°C (69.8°F) and 20.4°C (68.7°F). The rainfall during these months exhibits a significant increase, peaking at 105mm (4.13") in
January. Moreover, the relative humidity also reaches its pinnacle during the summer months, escalating from 63% in December to 72% in February.
Autumn weather in Chiredzi
During the autumn months, extending from
March to
May, temperature highs decrease from 30.7°C (87.3°F) to 27.7°C (81.9°F), while the lows drop from 19.3°C (66.7°F) to 14.3°C (57.7°F). A drastic drop in rainfall from 47mm (1.85") in March to as low as 5mm (0.2") in May characterizes this period, with a similar reduction in the humidity level.
Winter weather in Chiredzi
The winter months from
June to
August present a distinct weather pattern. These months experience the lowest average temperatures, with August featuring temperatures between 14.8°C (58.6°F) and 28.3°C (82.9°F). June and
July, however, snug the lowest precipitation levels of a negligible 4mm (0.16"), and humidity drops to its minimum, particularly in July with a relative humidity of 58%.
Weather in January
In
Chiredzi,
January's climate is characterized by high humidity and significant rainfall. Comparatively milder than
December, January nonetheless sees daily high temperatures of 31.3°C (88.3°F) with lows of 21°C (69.8°F). With a mean daily rainfall of 105mm (4.13"), January experiences precipitation on approximately 20 days of the month.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February endures a continuation of
January's weather patterns in
Chiredzi. Slightly lower rainfall levels are observed, although the climatic conditions, in general, are marked by warm temperatures and humidity. The temperature fluctuates between 31.3°C (88.3°F) as daily highs and 20.4°C (68.7°F) as nighttime lows.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March carries forward the warm temperatures from the preceding months; however, significant changes in other weather variables are noticed. This month marks a decline in rainfall events, with values reducing almost by half compared to
February.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Chiredzi is a time of transition, with the season shifting from the wet, humid beginning of the year to a drier, less rainy period. The rainfall is minimal, setting the stage for the significantly drier
May. During this time, temperatures continue to trend downwards from
March, with highs of 28.9°C (84°F) and lows reaching 16.9°C (62.4°F).
Weather in April » Weather in May
The month of
May brings a drastic shift in the weather of
Chiredzi. The temperatures continue to fall, but it's the sheer drop in rainfall which marks the biggest distinction. In terms of weather extremes in May, rainfall dips drastically to a minimal average of 5mm (0.2"), indicating a significant departure from the rainy season.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the onset of the driest period of the year in
Chiredzi. The weather is characterized by clear skies and a general absence of rainfall. Chiredzi experiences the least cloud cover, making June a sunny and slightly cooler month.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Chiredzi in
July experiences a continuation of the dry and suntouched weather that
June ushered in. The temperature maintains this trend, providing a comfortable, balmy climate during the day and cooler nights. In July, the mean monthly low dips to 12.6°C (54.7°F), making it the coolest month of the year.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Chiredzi continues where
July left off, favouring predominantly dry conditions. The month sees a gradual increase in daily high temperature, signaling the onset of warmer days. The cloud cover is minimal, making for clear skies and maximum daylight hours.
Weather in August » Weather in September
As
September rolls in,
Chiredzi starts to indicate the start of the warmer season. The weather remains dry, but there's a noticeable shift in temperature. Despite the clear skies and dry conditions, the temperatures reach up to 31.8°C (89.2°F), making September the beginning of the hotter months.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Chiredzi witnesses a shift in weather towards higher temperatures. Climatic conditions indicate the arrival of warmer days, with the daily high peaking to 33.1°C (91.6°F) for the year. Rainfall increases slightly, suggesting the imminent arrival of the wet season.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As
Chiredzi moves into
November, it initiates a move back towards the wet season. The weather starts to fluctuate between sunny and slightly rainy days. However, temperatures still stay quite high, continuing from
October. Given the combined effect of high temperatures and increased rainfall, the moisture in the air starts to increase, marking the onset of humidity.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Chiredzi is characterized by high temperatures, humidity, and significant rainfall, heralding the peak of the wet season. Temperatures in December can be expected to rise up to 33.2°C (91.8°F) during the day, some of the highest of the year.
Weather in December » [Resources]