Bulawayo Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Bulawayo. The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average. Let’s explore the details in depth to provide you with a complete overview.

On average, Bulawayo receives a reasonable amount of rainfall, with an annual precipitation of 654 mm.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm)

The climate in Bulawayo shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect 151 mm of precipitation during the wettest month December, distributed over 12 rainy days.

In contrast, August offers drier and sunnier days, with around 1.7 mm of rainfall over a single rainy day.

December, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 29°C. The city receives 224 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month August you can expect a temperature of 26°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Bulawayo Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in Zimbabwe

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.

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Bulawayo’s average annual precipitation is 654 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Boston, USA, experiences 1238 mm of annual precipitation, including significant snowfall during the winter.

In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm, with a humid subtropical climate.

In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual precipitation is 1528 mm, with significant summer rains due to typhoon season.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, receives 2529 mm of annual rainfall, characteristic of its equatorial tropical rainforest climate, with consistent rainfall throughout the year and peak months during March and November.

How is Precipitation Measured?

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.

Global Warming and Precipitation

Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Bulawayo:

• 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.

For more detailed information about Bulawayo’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Bulawayo Climate page.