Weather in Bulawayo

Planning your day or a trip to Bulawayo? In this section, you will find the most up-to-date weather information, including detailed forecasts and charts.

The climate of Bulawayo can be described as subtropical, yet very comfortable for travellers. Thanks to its geographical location, sweltering heat is rare here, and the weather remains pleasant for most of the year. This makes the city an attractive destination to visit in almost any season, offering a balance between sunny days and refreshing coolness.

Distinct dry and wet periods stand out during the year. From May to September, the dry season reigns in Bulawayo: rainfall is a rarity at this time, and the sky remains clear and cloudless. From November to March, the rainy season arrives, bringing life-giving moisture, while air temperatures remain consistently high, averaging around 22–23°C.

Travellers should pay attention to the temperature characteristics of different months. October and November are typically the hottest months before the rains begin, with daily highs around 30°C. At the same time, during the winter period (June and July), nights can be quite cool, with temperatures dropping to 8°C, although days remain warm and sunny, so a light jacket for evening walks will not go amiss.

The climate in Bulawayo is characterised by pleasant moderation, however, travellers should be prepared for seasonal changes. The hottest period of the year is traditionally October and November, when the average daytime temperature often rises to 30°C. This time before the onset of the rainy season is characterised by dry heat, which gradually softens with the arrival of precipitation in December. The summer months (December to March) remain warm and humid, with comfortable daytime figures around 26–27°C.

The winter period in Zimbabwe, falling in June and July, brings noticeable coolness. These are the coldest months of the year, when the average temperature drops to 15°C. Days at this time are usually clear and dry, and the air warms up to a pleasant 21–22°C, which is ideal for excursions and safaris. Precipitation in the winter months is practically absent, so the weather remains stable and predictable.

A characteristic feature of the local climate is significant temperature fluctuations throughout the day. This contrast is felt most vividly in the winter season and early spring: after a sunny day when the air warms up to 25°C, night temperatures can drop sharply to 8°C. Even in warm September, the difference between the daily maximum and nightly minimum can be more than 15 degrees, so warm clothing for evening walks will be necessary at any time of the year.

Precipitation in Bulawayo is distributed extremely unevenly throughout the year, forming two distinct periods: the wet season and the dry season. Rains here are typically characteristic of the warm time of year (summer in the Southern Hemisphere), which lasts from November to March. During this period, nature comes alive, and the air becomes fresh and humid.

The rainiest months are January and December. Statistics show that in January, rainfall can be observed over 17 days, and in December — about 16 days. February also remains a very wet month with 15 rainy days. Usually, these are short but intense downpours that are often followed by sunshine.

The dry season begins in May and continues right through to September. This time is characterised by an almost complete absence of precipitation. In May, June, July, and August, the number of rainy days tends toward zero, and the sky remains clear and cloudless. This is the ideal period for those who want to avoid rain while travelling around Zimbabwe.

When planning a trip to Bulawayo, it is important to consider seasonal climate features to feel comfortable. For the hot period, which lasts from September to November and is accompanied by temperatures up to +30°C, light clothing made from natural fabrics, such as cotton or linen, is best suited. Since the sun in Zimbabwe is very active, be sure to pack a wide-brimmed hat or cap, high-quality sunglasses, and sunscreen with a high SPF level in your suitcase.

If your trip falls during the rainy season (from November to March), when the number of rainy days is high, do not forget to take a compact umbrella or a light raincoat. In the winter months (from May to August), there is practically no rain, but a significant temperature difference is observed: it is warm during the day, while at night the air can cool down to +8°C. At this time of year, it is recommended to use the principle of layering: bring a warm sweater, fleece jacket, or light jacket for evening walks, as well as comfortable closed shoes for excursions.