Weather in Harare

Stay updated on the latest weather conditions in Harare. Below you will find current data, forecasts, and useful weather charts to help plan your day.

Harare boasts a pleasant subtropical highland climate, ensuring generally moderate and comfortable temperatures throughout the year. This means you will not encounter sweltering tropical heat or harsh winters, making the city attractive to visit at various times of the year.

Two main seasons are clearly distinguished in Harare's climate. The rainy season, which usually lasts from November to March, brings warm days and higher humidity, with the highest rainfall and rainy days occurring in January and February. From May to September comes the dry season: days are sunny and clear, while nights become noticeably cooler, especially in June and July, when the average minimum temperature drops to 8-9°C. During this period, precipitation is virtually non-existent.

Air temperature remains fairly stable throughout the year, with the warmest months being October and November, when average highs reach 28-29°C, preceding the onset of the rains. The coolest months are June and July. Overall, the weather in Harare allows for comfortable exploration of the city and its surroundings; however, seasonal specifics should be considered when planning your trip and choosing clothes, especially if traveling during the dry season when warm items may be needed for evening and night hours.

Harare experiences a relatively moderate temperature regime throughout the year, making it comfortable to visit. The hottest months are typically October and November, just before the rainy season begins. During this period, the average daytime temperature can reach 28-29°C (for example, the average high in October is 28.7°C, and in November 27.9°C), while the monthly average hovers around 22°C. The coolest months are June and July, when the average temperature stays around 15°C (15.0°C in June and 14.7°C in July), and nighttime lows can drop to 8-9°C (8.9°C in June and 8.1°C in July).

The summer period in Harare, lasting roughly from November to March, is characterized by warm weather. Average maximum daytime temperatures during these months usually range between 25-28°C, and nighttime temperatures rarely fall below 16-17°C. This season coincides with the rainy period, so the air can be quite humid. Days are generally warm, sometimes becoming hot, especially during peak sunshine hours.

Winter in Harare, falling in the months from May to August, brings cooler and drier weather. Daytime temperatures at this time remain quite pleasant, averaging 21-24°C (e.g., 21.3°C in July and 24.6°C in August). However, nights can be quite fresh, especially in June and July, when the thermometer can drop to 8-9°C. A characteristic feature of this dry season is significant diurnal temperature fluctuations: the difference between the daily maximum and nightly minimum can reach 12-14°C (for example, in August the difference between the average maximum and minimum temperature is 14.1°C). This means it can be warm and sunny during the day, but becomes noticeably cooler after sunset, so it is recommended to have warm clothing with you for the evenings.

Harare has distinct rainfall seasonality, dividing the year into two main periods: wet and dry. Understanding these cycles will help you better plan your trip and prepare for the weather conditions in the capital of Zimbabwe.

The rainy season in Harare usually falls between November and March. The highest amount of precipitation and rainy days is observed in January, when an average of 7 mm of precipitation and as many as 21 rainy days are recorded. February is also a wet month with 5 mm of precipitation and 17 rainy days, and December with 5 mm of precipitation and 16 days with rain. Although the total amount of precipitation might seem low, rains occur quite frequently during these months, defining the wet character of the season. In March, the number of rainy days decreases to 10 (with 2 mm of precipitation), and in November it is about 14 days (with 3 mm of precipitation).

From May to September, a prolonged dry season sets in Harare. During this period, precipitation is practically absent. The months from May to September are characterized by minimal rainfall – just 0 mm. In August and September, there is no rain at all (0 rainy days), and in May, June, and July only one day with precipitation is registered, making this time ideal for those who prefer sunny and dry weather. Transitional months, such as April (1 mm precipitation, 7 rainy days) and October (1 mm precipitation, 4 rainy days), show a gradual shift in weather patterns between the wet and dry seasons.

When planning a trip to Harare, it is important to choose the right wardrobe to feel comfortable in any weather. The climate here features clearly defined seasons, so the choice of items will depend on the time of your visit. Generally, Harare is characterized by a pleasant subtropical highland climate, but there are nuances to consider. Regardless of the season, comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen will come in handy, as the sun here can be intense even on cool days.

If your trip falls during the rainy season (November to March), be prepared for warm days (average highs 25-28°C) and frequent rainfall. During this period, you should bring light, quick-drying clothing made from natural fabrics, as well as a waterproof jacket or raincoat and possibly a small umbrella. Don't forget mosquito repellent, as humidity promotes their activity. Evenings in this season are usually warm, but a light sweater might be useful.

The dry season (May to September) is characterized by sunny days and noticeably cooler nights. During the day, the temperature is comfortable (around 21-24°C), but by evening and especially at night, it can drop to 8-9°C, particularly in June and July. Therefore, the principle of layering in clothing comes in handy here. Bring t-shirts and light shirts for daytime walks, as well as a sweater, fleece jacket, or light jacket for evening and morning hours. In transitional months, such as April and October, the weather can be changeable, so it is also recommended to have clothing that is easy to combine.