Summer in Gaborone means long, hot days, plenty of sunshine, and just enough rainfall to break the heat. Daytime highs usually land around 29°C to 32°C, while nights cool off to about 18°C to 20°C.
The season runs from late September through March. It’s the warmest and most lively time for outdoor life in the city.
You’ll quickly realize that summer weather here isn’t just about the heat. Afternoon showers often roll in between November and March, giving short bursts of rain that refresh the air.
These rains shape the local rhythm. People often plan their activities around them.
Most days, clear skies dominate, so you get lots of sunshine hours for sightseeing. Sometimes you’ll get a bit of humidity or a nice breeze, which keeps things interesting.
If you want to explore the city or plan day trips, knowing Gaborone’s summer climate helps you prepare. It’s worth checking the weather before you head out.
Overview of Gaborone’s Summer Climate
Gaborone, Botswana’s capital, gets hot and sunny summers with rainfall peaking in certain months. Expect long days, high temperatures, and a clear split between wet and dry times of year.
Location and Climate Classification
Gaborone sits in southeastern Botswana, close to the South African border. The city stands at about 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) above sea level, which takes the edge off the heat compared to the lowlands.
The Köppen system classifies the climate as semi-arid (BSh). Summers get hot with seasonal rains, while winters stay dry and cooler.
Because of the elevation, daytime highs feel warm, but nights cool off, even in summer. The steppe landscape around the city matches this semi-arid climate, with most vegetation growth tied to rainfall.
Summer Months and Seasonal Patterns
Summer in Gaborone lasts from November through March. This is the rainy season, and most of the city’s annual precipitation—about 485 mm per year—falls during these months.
Daytime highs usually range from 30°C to 32°C (86°F to 90°F). Nights tend to stay between 18°C and 20°C (64°F to 68°F).
On especially hot days, temperatures can shoot above 37°C (99°F). Rain comes in short, heavy bursts rather than steady downpours.
January often brings the most rain, averaging 145 mm. Even with the rain, sunshine is still plentiful—about 9 hours of sun a day.
Humidity hovers around 55–60%. That makes the heat feel more intense than in the drier winter months.
Comparison to Other Seasons
The dry season from April to October brings little or no rain. In winter, especially June and July, nights can drop near or below freezing, but days stay mild.
Winter actually brings more sunshine hours, often over 10 hours per day, thanks to clear skies. Daytime highs in winter usually stick between 22°C and 25°C (72°F to 77°F), so it’s much cooler than summer.
You’ll notice Gaborone’s climate splits into two halves: hot, rainy summers and mild, dry winters. The temperature difference between day and night gets bigger outside of summer.
Average Summer Temperatures in Gaborone
Summer in Gaborone means long, hot days and warm nights. You’ll see high daytime temperatures and steady nighttime warmth, with the heat peaking in January before easing into autumn.
Typical Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During summer, daytime highs in Gaborone usually fall between 85°F and 89°F (29°C to 32°C). The hottest afternoons generally come in January, when the average high hits about 88°F (31°C).
The sun feels strong, and the heat builds quickly by midday. At night, things stay mild. Evening lows are typically between 64°F and 68°F (18°C to 20°C).
Nights rarely get cold, so you can enjoy warm evenings outside. The hot days and warm nights give Gaborone a steady summer climate.
Air conditioning or fans come in handy, especially in January and February when humidity adds to the heat.
Monthly Temperature Variations
Summer runs from late September through March, with the peak heat in December, January, and February.
- December: Average high 88°F (31°C), low 67°F (19°C)
- January: Average high 88°F (31°C), low 68°F (20°C)
- February: Average high 87°F (31°C), low 67°F (19°C)
By March, the average high drops to about 85°F (29°C), signaling the end of the hot season. April cools further, with highs near 81°F (27°C).
This pattern means you can count on hot weather throughout summer, with only slight shifts in temperature.
Record Highs and Lows
Averages give you a general idea, but extremes do happen. Gaborone has hit summer highs close to 97°F (36°C) during hot spells.
These spikes aren’t common, but they can show up in late December or January. On the cooler end, summer nights rarely dip below 60°F (16°C).
Occasionally, lows get closer to 57°F (14°C), especially in March as summer winds down.
So while Gaborone’s climate stays pretty stable, it’s smart to be ready for sudden heat or the odd cooler evening.
Rainfall and Rainy Days During Summer
Summer brings most of Gaborone’s annual rainfall. Showers come short and intense, and the number of rainy days shifts from month to month.
Knowing how much rain to expect and how often it falls can help you plan your activities.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall peaks in December, January, and February. January is usually the wettest month with about 80–90 mm of rain.
December and February tend to get a bit less, averaging 60–75 mm. The rest of the year is much drier, with rainfall totals dropping close to zero in winter.
Annually, Gaborone gets around 470–510 mm of rain. Nearly two-thirds of that falls during the three summer months.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| December | 65–75 |
| January | 80–90 |
| February | 60–70 |
So, summer is basically the only time you’ll see consistent rain here.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Even in the wettest months, rain doesn’t fall every day. January brings about 10–12 rainy days.
December and February usually see 8–10 rainy days each. Rain is spread out, often arriving in quick bursts.
You might get a few dry days, then a sudden afternoon storm. Summer makes up most of the city’s 50 rainy days per year.
The rest of the year is mostly dry, with July often seeing 0 rainy days. In mid-summer, you’ll see rain roughly once every three days, but it usually clears up fast.
Rainfall Patterns and Trends
Gaborone’s summer rainfall follows a distinct seasonal rhythm. Most showers hit in the late afternoon or evening and often come with thunderstorms.
These storms drop heavy rain quickly, then move on, leaving clear skies behind. This fits the subtropical steppe climate—rainfall is packed into a short wet season.
From May to September, the dry season stands in sharp contrast to the wet summer. Rainfall totals can swing from year to year, but the summer peak stays pretty consistent.
Some summers get wetter, with January topping 100 mm. Others stick closer to average.
Because of this, it’s wise to pack for both dry spells and sudden downpours if you visit in summer.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight in Summer
Summer in Gaborone means long days and lots of sunshine, though the amount of sunlight shifts a bit each month.
You’ll get steady daylight and strong sunshine hours, perfect for outdoor plans.
Average Daily Sunshine
During summer, Gaborone gets between 8 and 10 hours of sunshine per day. That’s more than most cities, thanks to its dry subtropical climate.
December and January bring about 9 hours of sunshine daily, even though these are also the rainiest months. By February, the average dips to about 8.1 hours per day.
These numbers come from long-term climate records, so they’re reliable. With all this sunshine, you’ll want to bring sun protection for long days outside.
Daylight Duration by Month
Daylight hours shift gradually through summer. December has the longest days, with about 13.5 hours of daylight.
By February, days shorten a bit to around 12.8 hours.
| Month | Average Daylight Hours |
|---|---|
| December | ~13.5 hours |
| January | ~13.3 hours |
| February | ~12.8 hours |
You’ll have plenty of time for activities, but remember daylight isn’t the same as sunshine. Clouds and rain can cut down actual sun hours.
Sunniest Summer Months
December and January are usually the sunniest, with daily sunshine close to 9–9.5 hours. These months mix long days with high sunshine totals, even with scattered storms.
By February, days get a little shorter and sunshine hours drop slightly. Still, Gaborone outshines many other cities.
If you’re after the most sunshine, visit in December or January. You’ll get long days, lots of sun, and warm weather for exploring.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
In summer, Gaborone brings hot days with moderate humidity and steady winds. These factors shape how comfortable the weather feels and influence outdoor plans.
Average Relative Humidity
Relative humidity during summer usually sits between 40% and 60%. That’s not extreme compared to coastal places, but it can make the heat feel stronger.
Mornings often feel more humid, especially after cooler nights. By afternoon, when temperatures climb above 32°C (90°F), humidity drops a bit, making the air feel drier.
Rain is more common in December and January, so humidity peaks then. After showers, you’ll get short, sticky spells, but things clear up once the wind picks up.
Typical Wind Speed
Winds in Gaborone usually stay light to moderate in summer, averaging 8–15 km/h (5–9 mph). They often blow from the east or southeast, helping disperse heat and offering some relief.
Most days, breezes stay steady. Strong winds aren’t common, but they can pop up around thunderstorms and briefly kick up dust.
Evenings tend to calm down, so nights feel warmer and still. If you’re outdoors, daytime breezes feel pleasant, but you’ll want shade when the sun’s at its peak.
Monthly Variations in Wind and Humidity
Humidity and wind shift a bit as summer moves along. December and January usually feel the stickiest, with average humidity around 60% because of the extra rain.
Rain starts to let up by February, so the air gets drier.
Winds stay pretty steady through summer. Still, January can bring unpredictable breezes when storms roll in.
February’s winds settle down and feel more consistent, which helps cool off the leftover heat.
So, early summer feels muggy and heavy, but by late summer, it’s drier—even if it’s still hot. If you’re planning a visit, you’ll want to be ready for those humid afternoons and the breezy evenings that follow.
Weather Patterns Impacting Summer Activities
Summer in Gaborone means hot days, strong UV rays, and quick bursts of rain. All of this can shake up your outdoor plans.
If you know when the weather feels most comfortable, you can make the most of your time outside without too many surprises.
Best Months for Outdoor Activities
In Gaborone, summer runs from December through February. These months bring the year’s highest temperatures, with daytime highs often between 32°C and 33°C (90°F–91°F).
You might find mornings and late afternoons more manageable, but midday sun can feel brutal.
Rain falls most often in December and January, with about 30–33 mm spread over several days. Showers don’t usually last long, but they can throw off your plans.
If you’re thinking about visiting parks or nature reserves, plan your outings for the drier parts of the day.
Sunshine rarely lets up, with 8–9 hours of sun daily, so there’s plenty of time to get out and explore.
But the UV index often reaches extreme levels (up to 12), so you’ll really need sun protection.
Light clothes, hats, and sunscreen aren’t just good ideas—they’re must-haves if you’re spending much time outside.
Weather-Related Travel Tips
Try to get outside early in the morning, when it’s cooler and you’re less likely to get caught in a sudden downpour. The midday heat can really sap your energy, especially if you’re not used to Gaborone’s semi-arid climate.
Evenings usually feel much more comfortable, whether you’re out for a walk or grabbing dinner outdoors.
Always carry water with you. Dehydration sneaks up quickly in hot, dry weather. The air stays pretty dry even when it rains, so you’ll probably get thirsty faster than you expect. Honestly, a reusable bottle just makes sense for city exploring or heading out to a nature reserve.
Bring both light, breathable clothing and a light rain jacket. The rain showers don’t last long, but when they hit, they can be intense. If you’re driving, watch out—roads get slippery fast after a sudden rain, so it’s smart to give yourself a little extra time.
Don’t forget sun safety. Put on sunscreen often, wear your sunglasses, and find shade when you can. These simple habits make it much easier to actually enjoy Gaborone’s summer, without all the hassle of sunburn or overheating.