Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe Weather & Climate: Monthly Averages

Monthly climate averages for Zimbabwe, temperatures, rainfall and the best time to visit.

Climate overview of Zimbabwe

Zimbabwehas a tropical climate which is moderated by the different altitudes. Zimbabwe has a distinctly dry season which starts in May and lasts until mid-October. The hot and wet rainy season starts the end of October / mid-November and lasts until April.

The summer months (November - February) are the warmest months in Zimbabwe. Rainfall creates a high relative humidity, which makes traveling significantly less pleasant. Maximum temperatures are around 30°C (86°F) from December to April.

The best travel time for a holiday would be from mid-May to August. This is the driest period and temperatures are mostly pleasant. The maximums are on average between 21°C (70°F) and 30°C (86°F), while at night it can cool down to 6°C (43°F).

For those that want to go on safari in Zimbabwe the best months are July and August. However the prices for accommodations and fully catered tours are much higher during this period.

Explore Zimbabwe by month

Popular cities by month

Compare cities per month. Toggle cities on/off.

Harare Victoria Falls Gokwe Bulawayo Lower Zambezi National Park Nyanga
Day temperature (°C)
Monthly rainfall (mm)
Monthly sunshine (hours)

Climate map

Average daily temperature, monthly rainfall & sunshine hours across cities.

Avg day temp (°C)
32°

Compare popular cities

Average daytime and nighttime temperatures, yearly rainfall and sunshine.

Harare 22°C (72°F) 29°C (84°F) 8°C (46°F) 17°C (63°F) 853 mm (34 in) 2,944 hours
Victoria Falls 26°C (79°F) 36°C (97°F) 10°C (50°F) 21°C (70°F) 772 mm (30 in) 3,178 hours
Gokwe 25°C (77°F) 33°C (91°F) 11°C (52°F) 20°C (68°F) 933 mm (37 in)
Bulawayo 23°C (73°F) 31°C (88°F) 8°C (46°F) 18°C (64°F) 654 mm (26 in) 3,119 hours
Lower Zambezi National Park 27°C (81°F) 36°C (97°F) 14°C (57°F) 24°C (75°F) 1128 mm (44 in)
Nyanga 20°C (68°F) 26°C (79°F) 8°C (46°F) 17°C (63°F) 1125 mm (44 in)

FAQ

What is the best time to visit Zimbabwe?

The warmest month in Lower Zambezi National Park is October, with daytime highs of 36°C (97°F). Bulawayo is the sunniest destination, with 301 hours of sunshine in August. Zimbabwe has distinct dry (April to October) and wet (December to February) seasons. Explore Zimbabwe weather by month for a detailed breakdown.

What temperatures can I expect in Zimbabwe?

Lower Zambezi National Park is the warmest destination, reaching 36°C (97°F) in October with nights around 24°C (75°F). Nyanga is the coolest, with July daytime highs of just 20°C (68°F) and nights dropping to 8°C (46°F). See the city comparison for a full overview.

How much rain does Zimbabwe get?

Rainfall varies across Zimbabwe. Lower Zambezi National Park is the wettest, receiving 1128 mm (44 in) per year, with January the wettest month at 318 mm (13 in). Dete is the driest at 824 mm (32 in) per year. Use the climate map to explore rainfall patterns across regions.

How sunny is Zimbabwe?

Bulawayo is the sunniest destination in Zimbabwe, enjoying 3,119 hours of sunshine per year, with August the brightest month at 301 hours. Overall, Zimbabwe enjoys abundant sunshine year-round. Compare sunshine across cities in the charts above.

What is the climate like across Zimbabwe?

Harare has warm summers reaching 29°C (84°F) in October and pleasant winters dropping to 22°C (72°F), with 2,944 hours of sunshine and 853 mm (34 in) of rain per year. Victoria Falls has very hot summers reaching 36°C (97°F) in October and warm winters dropping to 26°C (79°F), with 3,178 hours of sunshine and 772 mm (30 in) of rain per year. Gokwe has very warm summers reaching 33°C (91°F) in October and warm winters dropping to 25°C (77°F), with 0 hours of sunshine and 933 mm (37 in) of rain per year. Explore the climate charts and comparison table for more cities.

Places in Zimbabwe

Select a city to see its average temperature, precipitation and hours of sunshine over the year.

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Travel inspiration

Must-visit destinations and experiences across Zimbabwe.