Bulawayo Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Long-term data from 1990 to 2020 was used to calculate these averages. Let's now guide you through the details for a complete overview.
Generally, Bulawayo experiences moderate precipitation patterns, averaging 654 mm (26 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 Bulawayo, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, December, receives high rainfall, with an average of 151 mm (5.9 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 12 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month, August, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 1.7 mm (0.1 in) over a single rainy day. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year.December, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 29°C (84°F). The city receives 224 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month August you can expect a temperature of 26°C (79°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Bulawayo Temperature page.
Explore Bulawayo's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Bulawayo 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
Bulawayo vs World: Rainfall Compared
Bulawayo's average annual precipitation is 654 mm (26 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
Athens, Greece, receives an average annual precipitation of 400 mm (16 in), making it one of the drier Mediterranean climates with rainfall mostly in winter.
Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1000 mm (39 in) of annual rainfall, mostly in the summer.
Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm (27 in) of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.
Bangkok, Thailand, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1668 mm (66 in) of annual rainfall, with the heaviest precipitation occurring during September and October.
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.
Precipitation has a very strong role in determining the local climate and ecosystem:
- 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.
- The U.S. has a significant number of thunderstorms every year, with over 14.6 million taking place across the world annually.
- Approximately 70% of lightning bolts strike land rather than oceans.
- A storm named John was the longest-lasting Pacific tropical storm, continuing for 31 days. As it crossed the dateline twice, it changed status from a hurricane to a typhoon and back to a hurricane.
For more detailed information about Bulawayo's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Bulawayo Climate page.
