Christmas lands right in the middle of Harare’s rainy season, so you’ll get warm days along with those classic afternoon showers. Daytime temperatures usually sit around 25°C to 28°C (77°F to 82°F), and nights are mild, hovering near 16°C to 17°C (61°F to 63°F).
This mix of warmth and rain brings a lively, refreshing holiday vibe. The weather shapes the whole season, making it feel unique and, honestly, a bit unpredictable in a good way.
You’ll quickly see that rainfall is common in December, with storms that often don’t last too long. The air feels more humid than in the dry months, and clouds show up more frequently.
Even with the rain, sunshine sticks around for a good chunk of the day. There’s plenty of time to get outside before the next shower sneaks up.
Christmas in Harare really stands out because of this weather. Mornings can be bright and sunny, then you get that cooling afternoon rain, and evenings stay comfortable—not too hot, not too cold.
If you know what to expect, planning your holiday gets a lot easier. Whether you’re exploring the city or just hanging out with family, the weather won’t catch you off guard.
Overview of Harare’s Climate in December
December brings warm daytime temperatures, cooler nights, and lots of rain. Harare sits up in the highlands, so even in the rainy season, the climate feels milder than in other parts of Zimbabwe.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
December falls right in Harare’s summer, which is also the wettest time of year. You’ll see daytime highs around 26–29°C (79–84°F) and nighttime lows near 15–17°C (59–63°F).
The city’s elevation keeps things warm without getting uncomfortably hot. Rain happens a lot, with totals reaching 120–150 mm for the month.
Showers usually show up in the afternoon or evening, sometimes with a bit of thunder. You might get 15–18 rainy days in December.
Humidity climbs to about 70–80%, so the air feels heavier than during the dry months. Still, you’ll usually get 7–10 hours of daylight most days.
This sun-and-rain combo keeps the city looking green and lush.
Transition from Dry to Wet Season
December marks the real shift from the dry winter into the wet summer. By now, those clear skies from June to October have turned into heavier clouds and regular rain.
As the rain picks up, humidity goes up too. Plants thrive, and evenings cool down a bit more.
Travel can get tricky—unpaved roads sometimes turn muddy, and outdoor plans depend on the forecast. Temperatures gradually cool as the month goes on.
Early December can get up to 30–32°C (86–90°F), but by late December, it averages closer to 25–26°C (77–79°F). This slow cooling makes the holiday period more pleasant, even with the rain.
Typical Temperatures Around Christmas
December in Harare brings warm days, mild nights, and those expected afternoon showers. If you plan ahead with light clothes and a rain jacket, you’ll be just fine.
Average Daytime Highs and Lows
Around Christmas, daytime highs usually hit 26°C to 28°C (79°F to 82°F). The city’s elevation helps keep things from getting too hot.
Lows often drop to about 17°C (63°F), so it never feels stifling. Warm afternoons and comfortable mornings make it easy to get outdoors, though humidity creeps up with the rain.
You’ll see a bit of variation—clouds and rain can cool things down a few degrees, while sunny days might bump the temperature up. This back-and-forth is pretty typical for Harare in late December.
Nighttime Temperatures
At night, temperatures usually settle between 16°C to 18°C (61°F to 64°F). Thanks to Harare’s elevation above 1,400 meters (about 4,600 feet), nights feel mild compared to many other cities at this latitude.
You probably won’t need heavy layers. A light sweater or jacket is handy if you’re out late or up early.
Indoor spaces without heating stay comfortable, and most people sleep just fine with simple bedding. Humidity sticks around after sunset, especially on rainy days, but the cooler air balances it out.
Nights rarely feel stuffy, so getting a good night’s sleep isn’t a problem.
Temperature Trends During December
December temperatures follow a steady rhythm—warm afternoons, mild evenings, and not much risk of extreme heat or cold. The daily swing between highs and lows is about 10°C (18°F), which is pretty standard for Harare.
Christmas falls right in the middle of the wet season. Rain can drop temperatures quickly, especially during afternoon storms.
Once the rain passes, the air feels fresher and just a bit cooler. Unlike some places where December heat is intense, Harare stays moderate.
The city’s altitude keeps things stable, and while it’s wet, the overall climate is still comfortable for both locals and visitors.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
By late December, Harare is deep into its rainy season. Rain falls often and sometimes hard, but there are breaks of sunshine too.
You’ll notice a big difference in both how much it rains and how often compared to the drier months.
Average Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall jumps up in December. On average, Harare gets between 150 mm and 200 mm during the month.
This makes December one of the wettest periods of the year, just a bit less than January, which usually tops 200 mm.
Rains come in bursts, often in the afternoon or evening. Showers can be short but heavy, sometimes with thunder.
It’s common for streets and open spaces to flood quickly, even if the rain doesn’t last long. December alone can deliver almost a fifth of the city’s yearly rainfall total of about 850 mm.
That’s a lot for one month, showing just how seasonal Harare’s rain really is.
Rainy Days and Frequency
You’ll get rain on plenty of days in December, but it’s rarely a washout all day. Harare usually records 14 to 16 rainy days during the month.
Most rainy days only see a few hours of showers, with the rest of the day staying dry and warm. Because rain can pop up suddenly, you’ll want to keep your plans flexible.
Mornings might start clear, but things can turn fast after lunch. Umbrellas and light rain jackets are lifesavers, but you won’t need heavy winter gear since it stays mild.
Even with frequent rain, sunshine is still pretty common. December averages over 200 hours of sunshine, so you’ll often see bright skies between storms.
This mix of wet and dry is classic for Harare’s summer.
Rainfall Trends Leading Into January
Rain doesn’t actually peak in December—it keeps building into January. December brings heavy rains, but January is usually the wettest month of the year, often getting over 200 mm of precipitation.
If you’re sticking around into the new year, expect things to get even wetter. Roads, fields, and rivers get soggy, and sometimes tricky to get around.
Farmers are busy, as crops love the steady rain. Thunderstorms show up more often in January than December, and they can be stronger too.
December feels like the ramp-up to the true peak of the rainy season.
Humidity and Cloud Cover During Christmas
Christmas in Harare lands right in the middle of the rainy season, so humidity is up and clouds are more frequent. Still, you’ll get a good amount of sunshine most days.
Typical Humidity Levels
Late December brings higher humidity to Harare compared to the dry months. Average relative humidity tends to land between 65% and 75%.
Mornings feel damper, and evenings keep some of that moisture too. The seasonal rains drive this up, with totals often passing 100 mm.
The air feels heavier than during June or July, so you might find mornings and late afternoons more comfortable for outdoor plans. Humidity also affects how warm it feels.
Even though daytime highs usually reach 25–28°C (77–82°F), the extra moisture can make it feel a bit warmer and less crisp. If you’re not used to tropical highland climates, you’ll probably notice the difference right away.
Cloudiness and Sunshine Hours
Clouds show up more in December, but skies aren’t always gray. Expect a mix—cloudy periods, then breaks of sun.
On average, Harare gets 8 to 10 hours of daylight and around 9–10 hours of sunshine, though afternoon storms can cut that short some days.
Clouds build up as the day goes on, especially in the afternoon when the air starts to rise and cool. That often leads to quick, heavy showers or thunderstorms.
Mornings are usually brighter, so it’s a good time to get outside before the clouds take over. Even with more clouds, the sun stays strong thanks to Harare’s elevation of about 1,500 meters (4,900 feet).
UV levels can get high, so don’t skip sunscreen—even when it looks cloudy.
UV Index and Sun Safety Considerations
December brings long sunny days to Harare and some seriously strong ultraviolet (UV) rays. If you’re planning outdoor activities around Christmas, you’ll want to keep sun safety in mind.
Average UV Index in December
Harare’s UV Index in December often hits 15 to 16, which is considered extreme. That means your skin can start to burn in as little as 10 to 15 minutes if you’re out at midday.
The mix of warm temps, clear skies, and a high sun angle really ramps up UV exposure. Mornings and late afternoons are a bit gentler, but between 10:00 and 14:00, the risk is at its highest.
Compared to other months, December is right up there for UV radiation in Harare. Cities nearby, like Bulawayo and Mutare, show similar patterns, but Harare sometimes pushes a little higher.
If you’re visiting for the holidays, expect high UV levels almost every day.
Recommended Sun Protection
Take a layered approach to sun safety in Harare during December. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) at least 20 minutes before heading outside, and reapply every couple of hours—more if you’re swimming or sweating.
Wear lightweight long-sleeve shirts, a wide-brim hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses to cut down on direct sun. Finding shade during peak hours is one of the easiest ways to stay safe.
If you’re sightseeing, plan walks or tours early in the morning or later in the afternoon. For anything around midday, try to stick to covered spots.
These steps make it easier to enjoy the weather without ending up sunburned or overheated.
Travel Tips for Visiting Harare at Christmas
Christmas in Harare falls right in the rainy season. Warm days mix with frequent showers and higher humidity.
You can still dive into the city’s festive spirit and get outside—it just takes a bit of planning and flexibility.
What to Pack
Bring light, breathable clothing for those warm days. Average highs often hit the upper 20s °C (low 80s °F).
Short sleeves, cotton shirts, and lightweight trousers usually feel best.
Toss in a light rain jacket or poncho since December brings afternoon or evening showers more often than not.
An umbrella helps too, especially if you’re moving between markets or hopping from one event to another.
For footwear, pick comfortable closed shoes or sandals with decent grip. Streets and paths get slippery after it rains.
A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen really matter because the sun still packs a punch, even behind clouds.
Mosquitoes love the wet season, so don’t forget insect repellent.
If you’re thinking about Christmas services or a formal meal, pack at least one smart outfit.
Outdoor Activities and Weather Impact
Rain usually shows up in quick bursts, not all-day storms.
You can still enjoy outdoor attractions like Harare Gardens, Mukuvisi Woodlands, or day trips to nearby reserves.
Mornings tend to be clearer, making them the best time for sightseeing or walking tours.
Showers get more likely by late afternoon, so plan indoor stops—galleries, craft markets, or restaurants—later in the day.
Humidity often makes the heat feel stronger, so carry water and pace yourself if you’ll be outside for a while.
If you’re heading out of the city, muddy rural roads can be a problem. It’s worth considering a vehicle that handles wet conditions.
Planning a Trip During the Festive Season
Christmas gets pretty busy in Harare. Hotels, lodges, and flights fill up fast, so it’s smart to book early if you want decent choices.
Restaurants and event venues get packed too, especially on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. You might have to plan ahead or be a little flexible with your reservations.
Shops and markets buzz with energy in the weeks leading up to Christmas. You’ll find local crafts and all sorts of seasonal treats.
But here’s the thing—many businesses close or cut back their hours on the actual holiday. You’ll want to check ahead and maybe adjust your plans.
Transport services often run on tighter schedules, and traffic jams are pretty common as families travel around. Give yourself extra time if you’re heading somewhere across the city.
If you’d rather skip the crowds, why not check out parks or cultural sites earlier in the week? It’s usually a lot more peaceful before the holiday rush hits.