When you plan a trip to Harare, it helps to know when the weather will work in your favor. The city sits up on a high plateau, so nights are cooler and days feel warm and sunny—definitely nicer than some other spots in Zimbabwe.
Rain mostly falls from November through March. The rest of the year? It stays dry, with loads of sunshine. The best time to visit Harare for good weather is during the long dry season, from May to October. You’ll get mild conditions, clear skies, and barely any rain.
During these months, you get comfortable daytime temperatures and low humidity. The skies stay bright, which makes sightseeing a breeze.
Nights can feel pretty cool, especially from June to August. But honestly, the crisp air adds a little charm when you’re out exploring the city or the countryside.
If you’d rather see lush, green scenery and you don’t mind the odd afternoon shower, try visiting in early rainy season—March or April. The city’s gardens and landscapes look especially fresh, and you’ll find fewer crowds.
Overview of Harare’s Climate
Harare’s climate is subtropical highland, shaped by its elevation and the seasonal rains. You’ll notice a warm, rainy stretch from late spring to summer and then a long dry season that feels pretty mild.
Temperatures change more between day and night than they do between whole seasons.
Subtropical Highland Characteristics
Harare sits in a subtropical zone, but its high elevation really changes the vibe. You don’t get the brutal heat you might expect in many African cities. Most of the year, it just feels moderately warm.
The rainy season runs from November to March. Expect frequent showers and higher humidity. Skies turn cloudy often, with January bringing the most rain—about 190 mm on average.
The dry season goes from April to October. Rain almost disappears, especially in June and July when totals can drop as low as 2 mm. The sun comes out more, and the days feel bright and dry.
Humidity swings with the seasons. Wet months bring averages above 70%, but in the dry season, it drops to about 40–50%. The air feels crisp and comfortable.
Influence of Altitude on Weather
Harare sits at about 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) above sea level. That altitude keeps things cooler than you’d expect for a tropical city.
Nights can get chilly, especially from May to August. Sometimes, temperatures dip near freezing. Still, even in the coldest months, daytime highs usually climb above 20 °C—so afternoons feel mild after a cool morning.
Because of the elevation, the air is thinner and drier, especially in winter. You’ll probably notice the sun feels stronger, even when the temperature seems moderate. Sunscreen and water become your best friends for outdoor adventures.
The altitude also keeps the worst heat at bay. While lowland areas in Zimbabwe can hit 35 °C or more, Harare rarely goes above 32–34 °C, even before the rains.
Annual Temperature Patterns
Harare’s temperatures stay pretty steady year-round. You’ll spot bigger differences between day and night than between the seasons.
- Warmest months: September to November, with highs around 28–29 °C.
- Coldest months: June and July, with night lows near 7–8 °C and highs around 21–22 °C.
- Average yearly mean: about 19–20 °C.
You’ll feel the biggest shift between mornings and afternoons. For instance, in July, mornings might start at 4–6 °C, but by afternoon you’re up in the mid-20s.
Rainfall patterns affect how the temperature feels. Cloudy, wet months keep nights warmer. Clear, dry months let the temperature drop after sunset.
Harare’s climate stands out from many tropical cities. You get a real mix—warm sun, mild afternoons, and cool nights. It’s a pretty comfortable balance.
Seasonal Weather Patterns in Harare
Harare’s weather splits into two main seasons, shaped by rain and temperature. The city’s subtropical highland climate brings a warm wet period and then a long dry stretch. Cooler months in between keep things comfortable most of the year.
Rainy Season: November to March
The rainy season kicks off in November and runs through March. Most of Harare’s annual rain falls now, usually as afternoon showers or thunderstorms.
December and January see the most rain, with totals often above 140–150 mm.
Temperatures stay warm, usually between 18°C and 27°C (64°F to 81°F). Nights feel mild, but higher humidity can make the air feel heavy.
Cloud cover gets common, so sunshine hours go down. Roads in rural areas might get muddy, and sudden downpours can interrupt outdoor plans. If you’re visiting now, bring light rain gear and plan for possible delays.
Dry Season: April to October
The dry season lasts from April through October. You’ll see long stretches of clear skies and hardly any rain—sometimes less than 5 mm a month in the middle of the season.
The air dries out, and the sun shines most of the day.
Daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 27°C (68°F to 81°F), so it’s great for walking, sightseeing, or outdoor events. Nights cool off, especially in June and July, sometimes dropping to 7°C (45°F).
Dust can build up, especially in September and October when winds pick up and daytime highs can hit the low 30s °C (mid-80s °F). The landscape also dries out and looks less green.
Cool Period: May to August
From May to August, Harare goes through its coolest stretch. Skies stay mostly clear, and rain is rare. Even though it’s part of the dry season, the cooler nights and mornings make it feel a bit different.
Daytime highs usually hit 21°C to 24°C (70°F to 75°F). At night, lows can fall to 5°C to 9°C (41°F to 48°F). Frost doesn’t happen often, but you might see it in some outlying spots.
You’ll notice crisp mornings and evenings, so packing a warm layer helps. The dry air keeps mosquitoes away and makes sightseeing a lot more pleasant. Many travelers say this is the most comfortable time for longer stays.
Month-by-Month Weather Guide
Harare’s subtropical highland climate comes from its elevation—about 1,500 meters up. You’ll spot clear differences between rainy and dry seasons, as well as between warm days and cool nights.
Best Weather Months: March to November
From March through November, you get the most comfortable conditions. Rain stays low, skies clear up, and humidity drops compared to the wet season.
In March and April, daytime temperatures average about 21–19 °C. Evenings cool down to 13–15 °C. Rain falls off fast, so it’s easier to get outside.
May to August bring mild days and crisp nights. Highs range from 21–24 °C, and lows dip to 7–10 °C. Hardly any rain falls, and sunshine hours go up, so days stay bright.
By September and October, temperatures climb, but humidity stays low. Highs reach 27–29 °C, and nights are about 12–15 °C. Rain is still rare, so you can pack your days with outdoor plans.
Hottest Months: September to November
The hottest stretch runs from September through November. You’ll feel the dry season giving way to the first rains.
September averages 20 °C, with highs near 28 °C. Nights stay cool, around 12 °C, which balances the heat. Rain is almost nothing—just about 7 mm.
October gets hotter, averaging 22 °C, with highs around 29–33 °C. Nights stay mild, around 15 °C. Humidity starts to creep up, and you’ll notice a few afternoon showers.
November keeps up the heat, with highs close to 28–29 °C. Rain jumps to about 95 mm, spread over 10 days. There’s more cloud cover, but you still get plenty of warm, sunny days.
Coldest Months: June and July
June and July are the coldest months in Harare, though “cold” is relative.
In June, highs reach about 21–22 °C, and nights drop to 8 °C. Rain is almost nonexistent—just 2 mm for the month. Skies stay clear, with about 9 hours of sunshine daily.
July is the chilliest. Daytime highs average 21 °C, but nights can fall to 7 °C, sometimes close to freezing. Rain is rare, and humidity sits low, around 53%. You’ll find this period dry, bright, and cool, especially at night.
Wettest Months: December to February
December through February bring the most rainfall of the year. These months feel warm, humid, and often cloudy.
December averages 22 °C, with highs near 27 °C. Rain peaks around 185 mm, spread over 16 days. Humidity rises above 70%, and sunshine hours drop to about 6.5 per day.
January is similar, with highs around 27 °C and lows near 17 °C. Rainfall is highest, averaging 190 mm over 17 days. The air feels humid, and afternoon storms are frequent.
February stays wet, with about 175 mm of rain across 14 days. Temperatures remain warm, averaging 22 °C, with highs near 27 °C. Skies often stay cloudy, but you still catch some sunshine between showers.
Optimal Times to Visit Harare
Harare’s climate lets you enjoy the city in different ways, depending on the season. The most comfortable times mix mild temperatures, little rain, and clear skies—ideal if you want to explore outdoors without weather hassles.
Ideal Months for Outdoor Activities
If you’re hoping to spend lots of time outside, pick late March to May or August to early November. Daytime highs usually land between 24°C and 29°C (75°F–85°F), so it feels warm without getting too hot.
Evenings are cooler, which makes open-air dining or evening walks more enjoyable.
Rain barely shows up in these months. You can plan picnics at the Harare Botanical Gardens or wander through Mukuvisi Woodlands without worrying about sudden storms. Lower humidity also makes hiking and nature walks easier.
You’ll also get longer sunshine hours, which is handy for day trips outside the city. Stable weather means fewer canceled plans, so it’s easier to organize your days.
Best Periods for Sightseeing
Sightseeing in Harare is at its best when temperatures are steady and humidity isn’t high. April, May, September, and October stand out. Skies tend to be clear, and the air feels fresh.
During April and May, Harare’s weather is mild, with highs around 22°C–25°C (72°F–77°F). Walking the city center, visiting the National Gallery, or touring colonial buildings is much less tiring when it’s not too hot.
In September and October, days warm up to 28°C–30°C (82°F–86°F), but humidity stays low. The light is great for photography, making the city’s architecture and landscapes pop.
Crowds are moderate in these months, so you can explore at your own pace.
Avoiding Rain and Humidity
Harare’s rainy season runs from December through February. January and December usually get the most rain.
Each day, rain chances can hit 25–33%. Monthly totals often go over 100 mm (4 in), so making outdoor plans feels like a gamble.
Humidity peaks during these months too, averaging 65–68%. The air feels heavy, and daytime temperatures can seem hotter than they really are.
Walking tours or market visits can get pretty uncomfortable, especially in the afternoons.
If you want dry weather, visit between June and September. Rainfall drops to nearly zero then.
Humidity also falls, sometimes down to 31% in September. The air feels crisp and clear, which is a relief.
Skipping the wettest months lowers your risk of travel delays, muddy roads, or canceled outdoor plans.
Weather Considerations for Travelers
When you’re planning a trip to Harare, you’ll want to think about how much daylight you’ll get, how the air feels, and how the wind or sun might change your plans. These details really shape your time outdoors.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
Harare gets plenty of sunshine, especially during the dry season. From May to September, skies usually stay clear. You’ll get about 8–9 hours of sunshine per day.
That makes it easy to fill your days outside without worrying about rain sneaking up on you.
Clouds roll in during the wet season, from November to March. Sunshine drops to around 5–6 hours daily.
Still, mornings often start bright before afternoon showers move in.
Daylight hours don’t change much all year, averaging 11–13 hours per day. Even in winter, there’s enough light for sightseeing, though evenings cool off fast.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Humidity in Harare swings with the seasons. December through February brings higher humidity, often above 60%. Warm temperatures can feel a bit heavier then.
But the city’s elevation helps keep things more comfortable than in a lot of other African cities.
From May to September, humidity drops to around 30–40%. The air gets drier, and nights feel cooler.
This stretch is usually the best for walking tours and outdoor adventures.
Temperatures in Harare usually sit between 15°C (59°F) at night and 27–30°C (81–86°F) during the day. You won’t really deal with extreme heat or cold.
The big difference is how the air feels, depending on how much moisture is hanging around.
Wind and UV Index
Winds in Harare usually stay light. Most of the year, average speeds hover around 5–8 knots (6–9 mph).
September and October get a bit breezier, but even then, the wind rarely gets bothersome. Outdoor dining, walking, and sightseeing usually go on without interruption.
The UV index is another thing you can’t ignore. Harare sits at about 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) above sea level, which means more sun exposure.
UV levels stay high all year, especially from September to November.
It’s smart to use sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses if you’ll be outside for a while. Even when it’s cooler, the sun can burn you if you’re not careful.
Summary of Harare’s Weather for Visitors
When you visit Harare, Zimbabwe, you’ll notice the subtropical highland climate right away. Thanks to the elevation, temperatures stay surprisingly mild compared to most other African cities.
During the day, temperatures usually sit around 22°C (72°F) in July and climb up to about 29°C (84°F) in October. Nights feel cool, especially in winter, when lows can dip to 7–8°C (45–46°F).
Rainfall comes and goes with the seasons. December to February brings the wettest months, with heavy showers and a lot of humidity.
From June to August, rain barely shows up, and the skies often stay clear.
Here’s a quick look at what you can expect:
| Season | Conditions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dec–Feb | Warm, wet, humid | Frequent afternoon storms |
| Mar–May | Mild, drier | Comfortable for outdoor activities |
| Jun–Aug | Cool, dry | Clear skies, chilly nights |
| Sep–Nov | Warm, dry to early rains | Hottest period of the year |
You get a good amount of sunshine throughout the year, with the clearest skies usually in late winter. Humidity really peaks in February, reaching about 75%. By September, it drops to around 45%, so things feel much drier.
Winds tend to stay light, averaging 2–3 m/s most of the year. That keeps Harare’s weather pretty stable, so you can plan sightseeing or day trips without much worry.