Harare Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Harare, Zimbabwe. The numbers reflect climate data gathered over a 30-year period, from 1990 to 2020. Now, let's break down all the details for a clearer picture.
Generally, Harare experiences moderate precipitation patterns, averaging 853 mm (34 in) yearly. However, this average masks significant seasonal variation, including a distinct dry season during certain months that are clearly visible in our monthly breakdown below.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
The seasons in Harare, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, January, receives heavy rainfall, with an average of 216 mm (8.5 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 17 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month, August, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 1.4 mm (0.1 in) over a single rainy day. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year.January, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 27°C (81°F). The city receives 217 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month August you can expect a temperature of 25°C (77°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Harare Temperature page.
Explore Harare's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Harare spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in Zimbabwe: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Zimbabwe. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Harare vs World: Rainfall Compared
Harare's average annual precipitation is 853 mm (34 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
In Toronto, Canada, annual precipitation averages 964 mm (38 in), with snowy winters and rainy summers.
In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.
In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm (39 in), making it wetter than Sydney.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, receives 1955 mm (77 in) of annual rainfall, with a pronounced wet season from May to November, typical of its tropical monsoon climate.
Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.
Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.
Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Harare:
- Changing Rainfall Patterns: Global warming causes drastic changes in the patterns of rainfall. Some areas have been experiencing increased frequency and intensity of rainfall, while other areas experience longer dry spells or even droughts.
- Local Impacts: Many regions are experiencing heavier rainfall in the winter months and drier, hotter summers. This affects agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.
- "Ginger" was the longest-lasting Atlantic tropical storm, which spun around the open ocean for 28 days in 1971.
- The world's largest snowflake was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, at 38 cm (15 inches) wide and 20 cm (7.9 inches) thick. The snowflake fell at Fort Keogh, Montana, USA, on 28 January 1887.
- The greatest snowfall recorded was on Mt. Rainier, Washington State, USA—over 31.5 meters (103 feet) fell during the winter of 1972.
For more detailed information about Harare's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Harare Climate page.
