Last updated: April 14, 2025
Zimbabwe's climate showcases a striking contrast, characterized by both extreme temperatures and varied precipitation patterns. In Matabeleland South, temperatures plummet to a chilly 2°C (35°F) in June, rising dramatically to a scorching 46°C (115°F) by October, illustrating the region's stark seasonal shifts. Precipitation across the nation also presents significant fluctuations; in Matabeleland North, rainfall is virtually absent in August with 0 mm (0.0 in), while February can bring a deluge of up to 220 mm (8.7 in). Additional climatic diversity is evident in humidity levels, where Matabeleland North experiences a low of 27% in October, contrasting sharply with the humid conditions of Mashonaland West, which reaches an average high of 86% in January. This complex interplay of temperature, precipitation, and humidity shapes the unique ecosystems and agricultural practices found throughout Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe's diverse climate zones—ranging from semi-arid to temperate—play a crucial role in shaping the country's unique landscapes and ecosystems. In the arid regions like Bulawayo, classified as BSh, the dry climate fosters resilient flora. In contrast, areas such as Harare and parts of Mashonaland exhibit a more temperate climate with Cwb and Cwa classifications, supporting a rich agricultural base. The Manicaland region showcases a blend of climates, including BSh, Cwb, and Cwa, allowing for varied ecosystems and biodiversity. Meanwhile, the Midlands present a combination of Cwa, Cwb, and BSh, underscoring Zimbabwe's climatic diversity across its geographical landscape—from the dry Matabeleland to the lush Mashonaland valleys.
| Climate Zone | Description |
|---|---|
| Aw | Tropical savanna climate with a dry season occurring in winter. |
| BSh | Hot semi-arid climate with low rainfall and high temperatures. |
| BWh | Hot desert climate with extremely low rainfall and high temperatures. |
| Cwa | Monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate with dry winters and hot summers. |
| Cwb | Monsoon-influenced temperate climate with dry winters and mild summers. |
Zimbabwe's climate showcases a striking range of temperatures throughout the year, illustrating its diverse landscapes. In January, the winter months begin with a significant variation, where Bulawayo experiences minimums of 10°C (50°F), while Matabeleland South can soar to maximums of 41°C (107°F). As the seasons progress into February and March, mild increases in minimum temperatures are noted, with February's lows at 12°C (54°F) and March's at 11°C (52°F), while the days remain hot, reaching 40°C (104°F) in several regions. April marks a slight cooling trend, with the minimum dropping to 6°C (44°F), yet maximums still hover around 38°C (100°F) in Matabeleland South.
The coolness continues to deepen in May and June, where nighttime temperatures dip to as low as 2°C (35°F) in Matabeleland South, while daytime highs rarely exceed 35°C (96°F). However, July and August maintain the chill, possibly hinting at a stable winter climate. By September, temperatures start to elevate again, marking a transition as lows reach 4°C (39°F) and maximums climb to a sizzling 42°C (107°F). In the warmer months of October, the heat peaks dramatically, with temperatures spiking to 46°C (115°F) in Matabeleland South, before slightly receding in November and December, when maximums remain hot at 42°C (109°F) and 43°C (109°F), reflecting the enduring warmth of the summer season. Throughout the year, Zimbabwe's temperature patterns reveal a fascinating balance between seasonal changes and regional climatic influences.
Zimbabwe experiences notable variations in precipitation patterns throughout the year, with distinct dry and wet seasons shaping its climate. The minimum precipitation occurs in August, where regions like Matabeleland North can see completely dry conditions with 0 mm of rainfall. Conversely, the wet season peaks in February, characterized by the maximum precipitation of 220 mm in the same region, highlighting significant seasonal shifts. This month also boasts the highest number of rainfall days, reaching up to 22 days in Mashonaland Central. Meanwhile, June in Mashonaland West illustrates the stark contrast with 0 days of precipitation, indicating the pronounced differences across regions and months. These trends not only shape the local ecosystems but also influence agricultural practices and water availability throughout the country.
Zimbabwe experiences a notable range in humidity levels, reflecting the diversity of its climate. The driest conditions occur in October, particularly in regions like Matabeleland North, where humidity dips as low as 27%. In contrast, the peak of the rainy season in January brings a stark rise in moisture, with places such as Mashonaland West experiencing humidity levels soaring to 86%. This shift underscores the transition from the dry spells to the lush, wet season, highlighting the dynamic weather patterns that characterize Zimbabwe's climate throughout the year.
In Zimbabwe, the UV Index trends reveal strikingly high levels of solar exposure, particularly during January. For instance, Bulawayo experiences an average daily maximum UV Index of 17, while Mashonaland West sees an even higher figure at 18. This data highlights a critical pattern across the region: as summer reaches its peak, the risk of harmful UV radiation escalates, necessitating increased awareness and protective measures to safeguard against potential skin damage. The consistent rise in UV Index values underlines the importance of sun safety, particularly in these areas where sun intensity is notably elevated.
UV Risk Categories
Zimbabwe basking in sunshine showcases notable variations across its regions and months. For instance, Manicaland experiences 271 hours of sun in January, while Bulawayo enjoys a slightly sunnier start to the year with 289 hours in the same month. As the year progresses, sunshine peaks dramatically, with Masvingo leading the way in November with a remarkable 347 hours. However, it's Matabeleland North that claims the top spot in October, boasting an impressive 360 hours of sunlight. These patterns highlight not only the climatic diversity within Zimbabwe but also the allure of its sun-drenched landscapes throughout the year.
When it comes to the likelihood of sunny weather in Zimbabwe, distinct regional trends emerge throughout the year. In February, for instance, the city of Bulawayo experiences only a modest 14% chance of sun, suggesting a wetter climate during this period. However, by August, the situation dramatically shifts, particularly in Matabeleland North, where the sun shines a remarkable 96% of the time. This sharp contrast highlights how seasons can dictate weather patterns across the country, with certain areas basking in consistent sunlight while others may find themselves enveloped in clouds and rain.
Daylight hours in Matabeleland South reveal a distinct seasonal trend, with a notable variation between June and December. In June, the region experiences approximately 10 hours of daylight, marking the winter months when the days are shorter. Contrastingly, by December, daylight stretches to 13 hours, coinciding with the summer solstice and longer, sunnier days. This shift not only highlights the seasonal changes but also enhances opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration during the peak of summer.
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, experiences a varied climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters. January marks the peak of the rainy season, with temperatures soaring up to 35°C (96°F) and humidity levels reaching a humid 79%, while February sees even higher rainfall. As the year progresses towards winter, temperatures gradually drop, particularly in June and July, where daytime highs hover around 14°C (58°F) and 27°C (81°F) respectively. Conversely, October brings a rise in warmth, culminating in 39°C (102°F), but the air is less humid, creating a comfortable environment. For a deeper dive into the weather patterns that shape this vibrant city, explore the full details on Bulawayo climate.
Harare, Zimbabwe experiences a subtropical highland climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters. From January to March, the city enjoys its wet season with temperatures ranging from a pleasant 21°C (70°F) to sweltering highs of 34°C (94°F), accompanied by high humidity levels. As the dry season approaches in April, the weather cools slightly, with lower precipitation and temperatures dipping to around 8°C (47°F) at night. By August, Harare can see temperatures reach up to 33°C (91°F), while humidity drops significantly to about 57%, creating a more comfortable atmosphere. For a detailed overview of the weather patterns throughout the year, visit Harare climate.
Manicaland, Zimbabwe, enjoys a subtropical climate characterized by warm, breezy summers and cooler, dry winters. From January to February, temperatures can soar to a sizzling 35°C (95°F), accompanied by high humidity around 84%, making it feel quite sultry. As the year progresses, mild temperatures dominate, especially in July, where it can dip to a brisk 2°C (36°F). While most rainfall occurs during the summer months, with February being the wettest at 205 mm (8.1 in), the dry winter months bring a much welcome respite. Explore more about this captivating climate by visiting Manicaland climate.
The climate in Mashonaland Central, Zimbabwe is characterized by a warm, tropical atmosphere, particularly during the summer months from October to March, when temperatures can soar to a sweltering 38°C (101°F). This region experiences significant rainfall in January and February, averaging around 200 mm (7.9 in) per month, contributing to a lush, vibrant landscape. As the seasons shift towards winter, temperatures drop, with July often bringing chilly mornings as low as 4°C (39°F). Despite the decrease in precipitation from April onwards, the humidity remains fairly high early in the year, with January and February maintaining levels around 85%. For more detailed insights on this region's climate, check out Mashonaland Central climate.
Nestled in Zimbabwe, Mashonaland East experiences a diverse climate, offering a captivating blend of warm temperatures and distinct seasonal changes. January and February bring summer heat, with maximum temperatures soaring up to 35°C (96°F) while humidity levels linger around a steamy 85%. As the year progresses, cooler months set in, particularly from June to August, where temperatures dip to a brisk 3°C (37°F) during the nights, accompanied by minimal rainfall. Come October, the heat returns with maximums reaching an impressive 38°C (100°F), paving the way for the rainy season, which rejuvenates the landscape. For more in-depth information on this region's climate, check out the full details at Mashonaland East climate.
The climate in Mashonaland West, Zimbabwe is characterized by warm temperatures and a distinct wet season. From January to March, the region experiences its hottest days, with temperatures soaring as high as 39°C (102°F) and humidity reaching around 86%, creating a vibrant atmosphere. As the rains taper off in April and May, cooler evenings settle in, with averages dropping to 20°C (68°F). The dry winter months of June and July are refreshingly cool, with minimal rainfall and temperatures around 17°C (62°F) during the day. As spring approaches in October and November, the season transitions back to warmth, with occasional showers painting the landscape. For more details about the climate, visit Mashonaland West climate.
Experiencing a diverse climate, Masvingo, Zimbabwe, showcases a striking range in temperatures throughout the year. January and February peak with sizzling highs around 40°C (104°F), while the cooler months of June and July see lows drop to a brisk 3°C (38°F). Rainfall varies dramatically, with the wettest months, January and February, receiving around 180 mm (7.1 in) of precipitation, whereas the dry season witnesses minimal moisture. Despite this, humidity remains a component of Masvingo's character, hovering above 60% during the wet months and tapering off to about 54% in October. For a deeper dive into the local weather patterns, visit Masvingo climate.
Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe, showcases a dynamic climate characterized by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From the intense heat of summer—where January and October can soar above 39°C (102°F)—to the mild winters of June and July, temperatures generally hover between 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 43°C (109°F). Rainfall is most abundant during the summer months, particularly in January and February, while later months see a significant drop in both precipitation and humidity, with August often experiencing a dry spell. With an average humidity that ranges from a humid 85% in January to a more comfortable 27% in October, the climate profoundly influences the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant ecosystems of the region. For more detailed insights, visit Matabeleland North climate.
Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe, is characterized by a climate that transitions dramatically throughout the year. Summer months from January to March bring warm temperatures, peaking at 41°C (107°F) in January, alongside notable humidity levels reaching 79%. As the seasons shift, April and May offer cooler days, with temperatures dropping to around 18°C (64°F), while rainfall diminishes significantly. By August, the weather is quite dry, with only 3 mm of precipitation and milder temperatures averaging 19°C (66°F). For a deeper dive into Matabeleland South's climatic nuances, explore the full details on Matabeleland South climate.
The Midlands region of Zimbabwe showcases a diverse climate that transitions beautifully throughout the year. Summers (December to February) are warm and humid, with temperatures soaring to a maximum of 36°C (98°F) in January, accompanied by high rainfall, particularly in February, which sees nearly 199 mm. As the winter months arrive, temperatures drop, reaching lows of 2°C (36°F) in June, with minimal rainfall on average. The spring months bring moderate warmth and decreased humidity, creating a pleasant atmosphere for outdoor activities. For a detailed overview of the region’s weather patterns, visit Midlands climate.
Zimbabwe's climate showcases a striking range of temperatures and precipitation patterns, revealing diverse weather experiences across its regions. The bone-chilling minimum of 2°C (35°F) in June in Matabeleland South contrasts sharply with the blistering maximum of 46°C (115°F) in October, underscoring the country’s extreme seasonal shifts. Rainfall patterns follow a distinct cycle as well, with August in Matabeleland North showing a stark minimum of 0 mm, while February peaks dramatically at 220 mm—the perfect illustration of the wet season's intensity. Alongside these variations, humidity levels fluctuate significantly, reaching an average maximum of 86% in January in Mashonaland West, and dipping to 27% in October in Matabeleland North, highlighting the country’s dynamic climate environment. Together, these elements paint a comprehensive picture of Zimbabwe’s climatic diversity, making it a land where weather conditions are as varied as its landscapes.