Weather in Francistown

Stay informed about weather conditions when travelling to Francistown. Below you will find the latest data and forecasts to help you plan the perfect trip.

The climate in Francistown can be described as a local steppe or semi-arid climate. Warm weather prevails throughout the year, making the city accessible for visits in almost any season. Travellers should take note of the clear division of the year into a hot, humid period and a dry, more moderate season, which significantly influences wardrobe planning.

Summer, lasting from October to March, brings heat: daytime temperatures often exceed +30°C. The main rainy season falls during these months, being particularly active from December to February. Rainfall usually occurs as showers that are quickly replaced by bright sunshine, reviving the region's vegetation and making the landscapes more vibrant.

Winter (from May to August) in Botswana is a time of drought and comfortable warmth during the day, when the thermometer hovers around pleasant marks of about +23°C. There is practically no rainfall during this period, and the sky delights with constant clarity. However, it is important for tourists to remember the daily temperature fluctuations: nights become noticeably cool, and the air can cool down to +8°C, so warm clothing for evening walks will be absolutely necessary.

The climate in Francistown is characterised by distinct seasonality, which determines the best time for a trip. The hottest period falls at the beginning of the Southern Hemisphere summer and the months preceding it: from October to January, daytime temperatures hold steady at +30...+32°C. October often holds the record for heat, yet nights at this time remain relatively comfortable with figures around +17...+19°C.

The winter season has its nuances, and its temperature regime varies. June and July are the coolest months of the year: during the day, the air warms up to an average of +23°C, creating mild conditions for outdoor activities, but after sunset, the temperature drops sharply to +8...+9°C. Travellers planning a visit in the middle of the year should be prepared for such contrasts and must take warm clothes for the evenings.

August marks the beginning of gradual warming and differs noticeably from the previous winter months. Although nights still remain fresh (around +11...+12°C), the daytime air warms up significantly more, reaching marks of +27°C. This month serves as a transition to the hot season, offering tourists weather that is still dry but already much warmer compared to June and July.

A characteristic feature of the local climate remains the significant daily temperature fluctuations, which are especially palpable in the dry season. The difference between the daily maximum and the nightly minimum can exceed 15 degrees. Precipitation is practically unobserved in the winter months and in August, guaranteeing clear skies and excellent visibility for excursions.

The weather in Francistown is characterised by clearly defined seasonality of precipitation. The year here is distinctly divided into wet and dry periods, which is worth considering when planning a journey. There is no snow in this region, so precipitation falls exclusively in the form of rain.

The rainy season usually falls on the summer months of the Southern Hemisphere — from November to March. The "wettest" months are December and January, when the highest number of rainy days is recorded — up to 13–14 days per month. During this period, an umbrella will become a necessary accessory, although the rains often bring pleasant freshness.

The dry season lasts from May to September and is distinguished by an almost complete absence of precipitation. In the winter months (June, July, August), the probability of rain tends towards zero, and the sky remains clear. This time is ideal for tourists who wish to avoid weather surprises and enjoy sunny days.

When packing for Francistown, it is important to consider the seasonality of the local climate to select your wardrobe wisely. If your trip falls during the summer period (from November to March), prepare for hot weather with a high probability of rainfall. At this time, you will need light items made from natural breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen. Be sure to put a raincoat or a compact umbrella in your suitcase, as rains, especially in December and January, can be frequent and heavy.

For a trip in the winter months (from June to August), the best strategy will be the layering principle. During the day, the temperature remains comfortable and warm, rising to +23°C, however, nights and early mornings can be quite cool, with the thermometer dropping to +8°C. We recommend taking a warm fleece jacket, a windbreaker, or a jumper, which will keep you warm in the evening but are easy to remove when the sun begins to heat up. Precipitation during this period is a great rarity.

Regardless of the time of year, in Botswana you will need comfortable closed shoes for long walks and excursions. The sun here is always active, so sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and cream with high SPF are mandatory items on your packing list. Also, if you are travelling during the wet season, do not forget quality insect repellents for protection.