Weather in Maseru

Planning your trip or just curious about the weather in Maseru? Here you will find the latest information, including current data, forecasts, and useful weather charts, to make your stay in Lesotho as comfortable as possible.

The climate of Maseru is characterized as temperate, with distinct seasons, which is important to consider when planning a trip to the capital of Lesotho. Guests of the city can expect a warm, and at times hot, summer, which is also the main rainy season. Winters here, conversely, are cool and predominantly dry, with temperatures that can drop to sub-zero values, especially at night.

The summer period, which lasts roughly from November to March, features average temperatures in the 18-20°C range, with daily highs often reaching 25-26°C. These months see the highest rainfall; although the volume might not be very large (for example, 5-6 mm in January or December), the number of rainy days is significant (13-17 days). The winter months, from May to August, are the coldest and driest. Average temperatures drop to 7-11°C, and in June and July, minimum temperatures can reach -1°C. Precipitation during this period is minimal, often non-existent.

Thus, Maseru offers diverse weather conditions throughout the year. If you prefer warm weather and don't mind occasional rain, summer is a good choice. For those who appreciate clear, sunny, but cool days, the winter season is suitable, though do not forget to bring warm clothing, especially for the evening and night hours.

The temperature pattern in Maseru demonstrates a clear shift of seasons, offering visitors diverse climatic conditions throughout the year. The hottest month is usually January, with an average temperature of 20.3°C, daily highs reaching 26.5°C, and nightly lows around 14.1°C. December and February are slightly cooler. The coldest months are considered to be July (average temperature 7.2°C, minimum night temperature can drop to -1.0°C) and June (average temperature 7.7°C, with nightly lows down to -0.2°C). Thus, the annual range of average temperatures fluctuates from approximately 7°C in winter to 20°C in summer.

The summer months, from November to March, are characterized by pleasant warmth. Daytime temperatures during this period often rise above 25°C (for example, 26.5°C in January, 25.4°C in February), creating comfortable conditions for walking and active leisure. Nights remain relatively warm, with temperatures rarely falling below 11-14°C. For instance, in January, the average minimum temperature is 14.1°C, and in March – 11.9°C. Humidity is higher in the summer months, and this is the main rainy season, which also influences the general perception of the weather.

Winter in Maseru, occurring from May to August, brings significant cooling. Daytime temperatures in the coldest months, June and July, usually stay around 15.5°C, which is quite cool. However, the real feature of the winter period is the cold nights. Air temperature drops sharply after sunset, and frosts are not uncommon in June-July, when the thermometer drops to -0.2°C and even -1.0°C. In May and August, nights are also cold, with minimum temperatures of 3.4°C and 1.6°C respectively. Maseru, especially in winter, is characterized by substantial daily temperature fluctuations: the difference between the daily maximum and nightly minimum can reach 15-17°C (for example, in July from -1.0°C to 15.5°C). This means that even after a relatively warm sunny day, the evening and night can be very cold.

Precipitation in Maseru has a distinct seasonal character, which is an important feature of the climate in the capital of Lesotho. The city clearly shows wet and dry periods. The greatest amount of precipitation falls in the summer months, whereas winter is characterized by predominantly dry and clear weather.

The rainy season in Maseru falls between November and April. The wettest months, both in terms of rainfall amount and the number of rainy days, are December (6 mm of precipitation, 17 rainy days) and January (5 mm of precipitation, 16 rainy days). Significant numbers of days with precipitation are also observed in February, March, and April (14, 13, and 12 days respectively), although the total amount of falling moisture decreases slightly (4 mm in each of these months). Precipitation at this time of year falls as rain, given the warm temperatures. Despite the low absolute values of precipitation in millimetres, the frequency of rain suggests that the sky is often overcast.

The dry season covers the months from May to September. The most arid are June, July, and August, when there is practically no precipitation (0 mm), and the number of days with precipitation is minimal – just 2-3 days per month. May and September are also very dry, with only 1 mm of precipitation falling, and the number of rainy days does not exceed four. This period is characterized by clear, sunny weather, but also lower temperatures, especially at night.

When planning a trip to Maseru, it is important to choose your wardrobe correctly to feel comfortable in any weather. Regardless of the season, comfortable walking shoes are your main companion, as the capital of Lesotho and its surroundings are perfect for walking. Sunscreen and sunglasses will also be useful year-round, as the sun can be active even on cool days. The key principle when packing your suitcase is layering. The weather in Maseru can change throughout the day, especially regarding the drops between day and night temperatures.

If your trip falls during the summer months (from November to March), when the average temperature hovers around 18-20°C and can reach 25-26°C during the day, pack light and breathable clothing: t-shirts, shorts, skirts, light trousers. Considering this is also the rainy season with frequent, though not always heavy, precipitation (13-17 rainy days per month), do not forget an umbrella or a light waterproof jacket. Evenings can be a bit cooler, so a light sweater or cardigan wouldn't go amiss.

The winter period (from May to August) in Maseru requires a more serious approach to clothing selection. Daytime temperatures fluctuate around 7-15°C, but nights can be very cold, with temperatures dropping to -1°C. Be sure to bring warm items: sweaters, fleece tops, warm trousers, thermal underwear, a winter jacket, a hat, a scarf, and gloves. Precipitation is minimal at this time, so days are often sunny but cool. In the transition months, such as April, September, and October, also stick to the layering principle, combining lighter items with warm ones to be ready for any whims of the weather.