Spending Christmas in Bulawayo means you’ll get warm days, some clear skies, and a real chance of heavy afternoon rain. Daytime temperatures hover around 29°C, while nights cool off to about 18°C. December’s frequent showers make it one of the wettest months here.
This blend of sunshine and rain shapes the city’s holiday mood.
You’ll notice long daylight hours and lots of sun, but the wet season can flip the weather fast. One moment, the sky’s bright; the next, you might scramble for a poncho as a storm rolls in.
Warmth, rain, and gentle winds mix together to create a holiday atmosphere that’s a bit unpredictable, but kind of charming if you ask me.
If you know what to expect from the weather, you’ll plan better. Maybe you want to explore, hang outdoors, or just soak up the festive vibe—understanding December in Bulawayo makes it all easier.
Typical Weather in Bulawayo at Christmas
Christmas in Bulawayo usually brings warm days, cooler evenings, and frequent rain showers. Weather can shift in minutes, with sunny mornings turning to afternoon thunderstorms.
Average Temperatures in Late December
Late December days usually sit between 28°C and 32°C (82°F–90°F). Sometimes, it gets as hot as 35°C (95°F), but cooler spells can drop highs to about 26°C (79°F).
Nights feel a lot more comfortable. You’ll see lows between 17°C and 20°C (63°F–68°F), and sometimes it dips to around 15°C (59°F), especially after rain.
There’s a noticeable difference between day and night. You might wear light clothes in the afternoon, but need a jacket after sunset. Packing layers just makes sense for this trip.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Christmas lands right in the heart of Bulawayo’s wet season. Rain usually shows up as short but heavy thunderstorms, building up in the afternoon after a hot, sticky morning.
December typically brings 12–14 rainy days, and the month often sees totals over 100 mm, sometimes even reaching 140 mm. Around Christmas, expect sunny mornings and rainy afternoons.
Rainfall varies a lot. Sometimes it’s just a quick shower; other days, storms linger and cool things down. Heavy downpours can flood the streets, so keep your plans flexible.
Humidity Levels During the Holiday Period
December’s frequent rain cranks up the humidity in Bulawayo. You’ll often feel moderate to high humidity, usually between 60% and 75% during the day.
Nights are usually less humid, especially after rain clears the air.
The extra moisture makes the heat feel even stronger. It’s a good idea to carry water and wear light, breathable fabrics.
Afternoon clouds pile up thanks to the humidity. You’ll see the sky get hazier as the day goes on, which usually hints that rain’s on the way.
Sunshine and Cloud Cover
Late December gives Bulawayo long days and a mix of bright sun with some seasonal clouds. You’ll get plenty of daylight, but afternoon showers and clouds are pretty common during this stretch of the rainy season.
Hours of Sunshine Around Christmas
Weather in late December usually means 12 to 13 hours of daylight. Most days, you’ll get about 7 to 8 hours of real sunshine, though rain and clouds can cut into that.
The sun rises early, before 5:30 a.m., and sets close to 6:30 p.m. That’s a lot of time for outdoor plans, even if some hours are cloudy.
Because it’s near the summer solstice, days stretch out longer than at any other time. Even on rainy days, mornings often start clear before clouds build up later.
If you want to sightsee or get out of town, mornings are your best bet for clear skies.
Likelihood of Cloudy Days
December’s cloud cover averages around 30% of the sky. You’ll usually see a mix of sun and clouds, not endless gray.
Rain clouds tend to gather in the late afternoon, leading to short, heavy showers. But all-day gloom is rare, and you’ll still get a good chunk of sun most days.
Compared to the drier months from June to September, December’s skies are much more variable. Expect 11 to 14 days with measurable rain, which means cloudier afternoons are likely.
If you want clearer skies, stick to mornings—afternoons are more likely to cloud up and bring rain.
Winds and Breezes in December
December winds in Bulawayo usually stay gentle, with light breezes most days. The air often feels still, but afternoon storms can stir things up.
Typical Wind Speeds
Average wind speeds in December hover around 8 mph (13 km/h). It’s one of the calmest months, so you’ll mostly feel a gentle breeze—just enough to rustle the trees, not enough to mess with your plans.
Mornings tend to be calm, while afternoons sometimes bring a bit more wind, especially before rain. These little gusts usually come with the afternoon storms.
If you’re outside, expect mild and steady air movement. Less wind means less dust than in drier months, which actually makes walking around and sightseeing more pleasant.
| Time of Day | Typical Wind Strength | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Light breeze (5–7 mph) | Calm, comfortable |
| Afternoon | Gentle breeze (7–10 mph) | May rise with storms |
| Evening | Light breeze (5–8 mph) | Settles after rain |
Notable Weather Phenomena
December’s low winds match up with Bulawayo’s rainy season. Afternoon thunderstorms happen a lot, and while winds stay light before storms, heavy rain can bring quick, strong gusts. You’ll notice them, but they don’t last long.
Humidity climbs, and with less wind, the air can feel heavy and muggy. If you’re outside for a while, look for shade or a breeze.
Breezes often shift direction when storms are coming. Winds usually turn southerly or easterly before the rain starts, then settle down after showers pass. It’s pretty typical for this part of Zimbabwe.
Since December isn’t a windy month, you probably won’t deal with disruptive conditions. The main thing to watch for is those short, strong gusts during thunderstorms.
Weather Variability and Extremes
December weather in Bulawayo swings between hot, sunny afternoons and sudden rainfall. Temperatures stay warm, but cloud cover and humidity can change fast, making things feel less predictable than in the dry season.
Day-to-Day Weather Fluctuations
December highs usually stick around 27–29°C (80–84°F), with nights cooling to 17–19°C (63–66°F). The numbers don’t change much, but the feel of each day can be totally different.
Rain showers often come and go quickly, sometimes lasting less than an hour. You might wake up to sunshine, only to see clouds roll in by midday. Afternoon storms are common, but sunshine often returns once they pass.
Humidity adds another twist. On wetter days, the air feels sticky and heavy, while drier days feel more comfortable, even when it’s hot. Breezes after storms help cool things down.
Because of all this, you’ll want to adjust your clothes and plans as the day unfolds. A light jacket for evenings and an umbrella for surprise showers both come in handy.
Unusual Weather Events in December
Some Decembers bring heavier rain than usual. Showers can push totals over 60 mm in a month, and if storms cluster over a few days, low-lying areas might flood.
Thunderstorms stand out as the big extreme. They often bring intense lightning, strong gusts, and heavy rain. They don’t last long, but they can definitely mess with your travel or outdoor events.
Heat waves are rare, but they do happen. Some afternoons, temperatures shoot above 30°C (86°F) before storms break the heat. When it’s humid, those days can feel pretty uncomfortable.
You won’t get these extremes every year, but it’s good to keep them in mind if you’re planning Christmas in Bulawayo.
Travel Considerations for Christmas in Bulawayo
Traveling to Bulawayo at Christmas means you’ll face hot days, frequent rain, and plenty of humidity. You’ll want to plan for both sunshine and sudden downpours so you can actually enjoy your trip.
Weather Preparedness Tips
December is one of Bulawayo’s wettest months, with rainfall totals often topping 150 mm. Showers come down hard but don’t usually last long, and you’ll probably see rain at least a dozen days during the month.
Humidity averages around 69%, which makes the heat feel stronger. Daytime highs reach about 29°C, while evenings cool off to 18°C. That drop is nice, but the daytime mix of heat and moisture can get uncomfortable if you’re not ready for it.
To handle the weather, plan outdoor activities for earlier in the day when it’s cooler. Carry a small umbrella or poncho, since storms can pop up fast. Drinking plenty of water helps too, because sun and humidity together can be draining.
Recommended Clothing and Gear
Light, breathable clothing works best in Bulawayo’s December heat. Cotton and linen help you stay cool. Shorts, skirts, and short sleeves are the way to go for daytime.
The sun’s strong, so bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Even with clouds, UV levels stay high. A light long-sleeve shirt can add a bit more sun protection.
For rain, a compact rain jacket or poncho is better than an umbrella when it pours. Waterproof sandals or quick-drying shoes help if you’ll be walking around after storms.
A small day bag makes it easier to carry water, rain gear, and sun protection. That way, you can adjust on the fly as Bulawayo’s weather changes.
Comparing Bulawayo’s Christmas Weather to Other Times of Year
Bulawayo’s weather really shifts between wet and dry seasons. At Christmas, you’ll get warm temperatures and frequent rain—totally different from the cooler, drier middle months of the year.
December vs. Other Months
December brings warmth and rain. Average highs hit about 28–29°C (82–84°F), with lows at 18–19°C (64–66°F). Rainfall peaks, with 60+ mm over almost half the month, making it the wettest time of year. Humidity jumps above 70%.
Compare that to June or July, when things cool down and dry out. Highs average just 20–21°C (68–70°F), and nights can drop to 9°C (48°F). Rain is almost nonexistent, with less than 2 mm all month. Skies are clearer and humidity is low.
October is the hottest month, with highs near 30–31°C (86–88°F), but rain is still less than in December. October feels hot and dry, while December is sticky and stormy.
So, Christmas in Bulawayo means warmth and frequent showers, nothing like the crisp, dry winter or the scorching but dry October.
Best Time to Visit Bulawayo for Weather
If you’re after dry, sunny days, you’ll probably enjoy visiting between May and September. During this stretch, rain pretty much disappears, skies stay clear, and daytime highs usually hit 21–25°C (70–77°F).
Nights get cooler, but it’s still comfortable enough for most outdoor plans.
If you travel in December, you’ll see more greenery and vibrant landscapes because of the rains. Just be ready for wet afternoons and higher humidity.
Sometimes, roads get muddy, and showers might mess with your plans.
October brings the hottest weather, so if you love the heat, that’s your month. It can feel a bit intense since there’s barely any rain to cool things down.
If you want warmth but not the sticky humidity, late August into September is a sweet spot before the rains show up again.
Honestly, it comes down to whether you prefer dry stability or the lush, rainy vibe. Both have their charm, but most travelers tend to pick the dry months for reliability.