Spring in Bulawayo feels like a steady shift from dry, clear skies to warmer days. You’ll notice more cloud cover and a rising chance of rain as the season rolls along.
Daytime highs usually hover around 28°C, while nights start off cool—about 12°C—and gradually warm up to 17°C. This mix of comfortable warmth and refreshing evenings makes spring one of the most enjoyable times to visit the city.
As the weeks go by, the skies change fast. Early spring brings mostly clear days, but by late spring, clouds and rainfall show up more often.
This shift affects how much sunshine you get and how often you’ll run into afternoon showers. It also influences what kind of outdoor plans actually work out.
You’ll spot changes in wind and daylight too. Winds calm down a bit as the season moves forward, and daylight hours stretch out, giving you more time to explore.
These patterns set up everything from wandering the city to heading out into the countryside.
Overview of Spring Weather in Bulawayo
Spring in Bulawayo means warmer days, cooler nights, and a steady uptick in rainfall.
You’ll see daylight lasting longer and clouds rolling in, with mostly sunny skies in early September turning to wetter, cloudier days by late November.
Typical Temperature Ranges
During spring, daily highs usually land between 70°F and 93°F (21°C to 34°C). The hottest stretch hits in early November, when highs average about 85°F (29°C).
Lows climb steadily, starting near 54°F (12°C) in September and reaching around 63°F (17°C) by late November. Nights almost never dip below 49°F (9°C), so frost just isn’t a thing.
Warm afternoons and mild evenings make it easy to spend time outdoors. Mornings are often sunny, though November brings more afternoon rain showers.
| Month | Avg High °F (°C) | Avg Low °F (°C) | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 82°F (28°C) | 54°F (12°C) | Mostly sunny, dry |
| October | 84°F (29°C) | 59°F (15°C) | Warm, breezy |
| November | 85°F (29°C) | 63°F (17°C) | Warm, wetter |
Day and Night Temperature Differences
The gap between day and night temps is clear but not dramatic. Early on, you’ll feel a sharp drop after sunset, with swings of 20–25°F (11–14°C) from hot afternoons to cool nights.
By November, nights warm up, and the gap narrows to about 15–18°F (8–10°C). So evenings don’t feel as chilly, and you might skip the heavy layers after dark.
Mornings start off crisp, afternoons turn warm and sunny. Most travelers stick with light clothes during the day and toss on a sweater or jacket at night, especially early in the season.
Length of Daylight Hours
Spring brings longer days in Bulawayo. Early September gives you about 11 hours and 43 minutes of daylight.
By late November, you get around 13 hours and 15 minutes. Sunrise moves from 6:14 AM in September to about 5:16 AM in late November.
Sunset shifts too, from 5:57 PM at the start to around 6:32 PM by the end. More daylight means more time for outdoor plans.
Mornings are usually clear and sunny, while November afternoons can bring clouds and showers. Warmer evenings follow the longer days.
Monthly Breakdown: March, April, and May
In Bulawayo’s spring, temperatures slide from warm, wet conditions to cooler, drier days. Rainfall drops off, skies clear up, and daily highs get more comfortable as the season moves along.
March Weather Patterns
March still hangs onto the rainy season. You’ll see moderate to heavy showers, especially early in the month.
Rainfall averages around 70–90 mm, though it can swing a bit year to year. Daytime highs usually hit the upper 70s to low 80s °F (25–28°C).
Nights cool to the mid-50s °F (12–14°C). Humidity stays high, often above 60%, which can make afternoons feel warmer than they are.
Cloud cover is common, with overcast or mostly cloudy skies on many days. Sunshine hours go up compared to February, but expect wet ground and the odd storm.
Winds stay light to moderate, mostly coming from the east. If you’re heading to Bulawayo, bring light clothes for the heat and a rain jacket or umbrella for those quick showers.
April Weather Patterns
April brings a real change. Rainfall drops hard, averaging 20–40 mm, and storms don’t show up as often.
You’ll get more dry, sunny days with only the occasional short shower. Highs average 77–80°F (25–27°C), and lows dip to 50–54°F (10–12°C).
Nights start to feel crisp, especially outside the city. Humidity drops, so the air feels more comfortable.
Skies are clearer, with longer stretches of sunshine. April is great for outdoor activities.
Winds stay light but might shift directions more than before. April’s reliable weather means fewer surprises if you’re planning a trip.
May Weather Patterns
By May, Bulawayo settles into the dry season. Rain is rare, often below 10 mm for the whole month.
Skies stay mostly clear, and you’ll get plenty of sunshine. Daytime highs reach about 73–76°F (23–25°C).
Nights drop fast, averaging 46–50°F (8–10°C), and can feel cold if you don’t have enough layers. Humidity often sinks below 50%, making things very dry.
Dust becomes more noticeable in the countryside once the rain stops. May’s stable weather is perfect for travel, but don’t forget a sweater or jacket for chilly nights.
Rainfall and Precipitation Trends in Spring
Spring in Bulawayo brings a real uptick in rainfall after the dry winter. You’ll see a steady climb in both total precipitation and rainy days as summer approaches.
Average Rainfall in Bulawayo
Rainfall jumps from almost nothing in early September to much higher totals by late November. At the start, you might get only 0.1 inches (0.2 mm) of rain for the month.
By November, that can rise to 3–4 inches (75–100 mm). This marks the city’s move from dry winter to a wetter summer.
Early spring stays dry, but late spring rain helps crops grow and refills local water sources.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Month | Average Rainfall |
|---|---|
| September | ~0.1 in (0.2 mm) |
| October | ~1–2 in (25–50 mm) |
| November | ~3–4 in (75–100 mm) |
Number of Rainy Days
Rainy days ramp up as spring goes on. In September, rain might show up on just 1 day or less.
By November, you’ll get about 7 to 9 days of real rain. Showers tend to be short but can pour down hard.
Thunderstorms become common in late spring, usually in the afternoon or evening. It’s smart to keep plans flexible in November, since rain can sneak up on you.
Early spring is mostly dry, while late spring offers a mix of sun and showers.
Transition from Wet to Dry Season
Spring in Bulawayo bridges two very different seasons. September still feels like the dry season, with barely any rain and clear skies.
By November, the weather shifts toward the wet season, with storms and rising humidity. This change happens gradually.
Temperatures stay warm, averaging in the mid to high 20s °C (mid-70s °F to low 80s °F), but the air feels less dry as spring moves on.
If you’re after dry-weather activities, September is your best bet. November brings greener landscapes and more rain.
Sunshine and Cloud Cover
Spring in Bulawayo gives you longer days, but how much sun you get really depends on the clouds.
Conditions change fast, starting with mostly clear skies in early September and moving to more clouds by late November.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
Daylight hours stretch out as spring goes on. Early September brings about 11 hours and 43 minutes of daylight.
By late November, you’re up to 13 hours and 15 minutes. That’s almost 1.5 hours more daylight across the season.
The sun rises later at first, around 6:14 AM, but by late November it’s up by 5:16 AM. Sunsets move from 5:57 PM to about 6:32 PM.
Most days, you’ll get several hours of direct sunshine, especially in September and early October when skies are usually clear. By November, clouds cut into the sunny hours, even though the days are longer.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, early spring offers more reliable sunny weather. Late spring gives you more daylight but also a higher chance of clouds and quick rain showers.
Cloudiness and Visibility
Cloud cover builds up quickly as spring moves on. Early September skies are clear or mostly clear about 94% of the time.
By late November, overcast or mostly cloudy skies show up more than 50% of the time. September stands out as the sunniest part of spring, with great visibility and bright days.
As weeks pass, you’ll spot more haze and cloud buildup, especially in the afternoons. Rain becomes more frequent later in the season, which can cut visibility on some days.
Still, you’ll get plenty of sunshine between showers. If you love blue skies, September and early October are your best window.
Later in spring, expect more clouds, but you’ll still catch enough sun for outdoor plans.
Wind Speed and Atmospheric Conditions
In Bulawayo’s spring, you’ll notice steady breezes that slowly ease up as the season goes on. Humidity creeps up too.
These changes affect comfort levels and outdoor activities, especially when rain becomes more common toward the end of spring.
Average Wind Speed
Winds in Bulawayo during spring start off moderate, averaging about 10.8 mph in early September and dropping to around 9.5 mph by late November.
This makes later weeks feel calmer, though you’ll still get the odd burst of stronger wind.
The windiest days often come in early to mid-October, with speeds up to 12 mph. Winds usually blow from the east, especially in October.
That steady direction can actually help when you’re planning outdoor events. Winds don’t really get in the way, but they do cool things off during warmer afternoons.
If you’re sensitive to dust, you might notice more of it on breezy days before the rains arrive.
Quick facts:
- Early spring: ~10.8 mph
- Late spring: ~9.5 mph
- Strongest gusts: ~12 mph in October
- Main direction: East
Humidity and Air Quality
Humidity in Bulawayo usually starts off pretty low in early spring. As the rainy season creeps in, it rises bit by bit.
You might notice muggy conditions a little more often, but honestly, it’s rare—going from 0% in September to just about 3% by late November. Most days, you’ll feel dry and comfortable, especially when it’s morning or evening.
The air tends to stay pretty clean since Bulawayo sits at an elevation of around 4,400 feet. Still, in September and October, dry winds sometimes kick up dust. If you’re outside for hours, your throat or eyes could get irritated, and visibility drops a bit.
Rain finally arrives by late November, washing away the dust and freshening things up. Outdoor conditions get better, though the humidity can start to feel a bit heavier during the day.
Key points:
- Muggy days: 0–3% chance
- Elevation: ~4,400 ft supports cleaner air
- Dust risk: higher before rains, lower after November showers
Travel Tips for Visiting Bulawayo in Spring
Spring in Bulawayo brings warm days, cool nights, and almost no rain. You’ll get mostly sunny skies, which sounds perfect for outdoor activities or sightseeing.
Best Activities for Spring
The dry weather and long sunny days make it a great time to explore Matobo National Park, just outside the city. People love the park for its granite hills, ancient rock art, and wildlife.
Since rain hardly ever gets in the way, you’ll find the trails easy to walk and game drives more comfortable.
Spring is also a lovely time for city tours. You can check out the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe, wander through local markets, or stroll along Bulawayo’s tree-lined streets without worrying about sudden downpours.
If you’re into culture, you’ll find plenty of outdoor events and performances this time of year. The mild evenings make open-air dining or small community gatherings genuinely enjoyable.
Daytime temperatures usually sit between 75–80°F (24–27°C). Nights cool down to about 55–63°F (13–17°C), so you’ll probably want to spend as much time outside as you can.
What to Pack for the Weather
You’ll want to pack light clothing for those warm afternoons. Think short-sleeve shirts, breathable pants, or maybe a dress if that’s your style.
Nights tend to cool off, so toss in a light jacket or sweater for a bit of comfort. Trust me, you’ll appreciate it when the temperature drops.
Grab a hat, some sunglasses, and definitely don’t forget the sunscreen. The sun stays pretty strong, even during spring.
If you’re planning to hike in Matobo National Park or just wander around the city, comfortable walking shoes make all the difference.
Rain doesn’t show up much in spring. Still, I’d throw a compact umbrella or a light rain jacket in your bag if you’re visiting in March. A few showers can sneak in early on.
For convenience, pack a reusable water bottle. Insect repellent is smart too—it keeps those pesky mosquitoes away when you’re out and about.