December Weather in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Last updated: August 28, 2025

In December, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe experiences a vibrant summer climate characterized by a maximum temperature soaring up to 36°C (98°F), with an average of 23°C (73°F), providing a warm and inviting atmosphere. Nighttime brings relief with temperatures dropping to a comfortable minimum of 12°C (53°F). However, this month also witnesses significant precipitation, totaling 148 mm (5.8 in) over approximately 16 days, contributing to a humidity level of 68%. This blend of warmth and moisture creates a lush and lively environment, perfectly capturing the essence of summer in Bulawayo.

December Temperature in Bulawayo

In December, Bulawayo welcomes the onset of summer with warm temperatures that are both inviting and vibrant. The month typically sees a minimum of 12°C (53°F), climbing to an average of 23°C (73°F) and peaking at a maximum of 36°C (98°F). This dynamic range indicates a gradual heat increase, building from the milder conditions of November, where temperatures reach a max of 36°C (98°F). As the year draws to a close, the weather becomes ideal for outdoor activities, with longer days and a well-deserved opportunity to bask in the sun. The warm evenings add to the lively atmosphere, making December a favorite time for both locals and tourists to enjoy what Bulawayo has to offer.

December Weather in Bulawayo: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates December temperature patterns in Bulawayo, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends. In Bulawayo, December typically has an average temperature of {2}°C ({3}°F), with highs reaching up to {4}°C ({5}°F) and lows dropping to around {6}°C ({7}°F).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec717170666258566469727473
Data source: Temperature data for Bulawayo generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

December Precipitation in Bulawayo

In December, Bulawayo experiences a significant uptick in precipitation, with 148 mm (5.8 in) falling over 16 days—a trend reflecting the onset of the rainy season. This marks a notable increase from the previous months, particularly when contrasted with November's 71 mm (2.8 in) over 10 days. The month not only highlights the transition to wetter conditions but also indicates a return to more active weather patterns as the region prepares for the peak of the rainy season in the following months. As the year wraps up, December's rainfall serves as a vital resource for local agriculture, replenishing the landscape and setting the stage for a lush and vibrant start to the new year.

December Precipitation Trends in Bulawayo

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Bulawayo, with values for each month alongside December’s data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how December’s conditions compare to those of other months. In Bulawayo, December typically receives around {2} mm ({3} inches) of precipitation spread over approximately {4} days.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec1351844126423242571148
Data source: Precipitation data for December generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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December Humidity in Bulawayo

In December, Bulawayo experiences a noticeable increase in humidity, rising to 68% as the year draws to a close. This uptick follows a gradual decline from the peak of 79% in January, highlighting a trend of decreasing moisture levels during the drier months. However, as the festive season approaches, the humidity begins to climb again, reflecting the transitional nature of the weather. With January to April showcasing a steady drop, December's humidity figures signal a shift that precedes the rains of the coming months. This trend not only contributes to the warm, vibrant atmosphere of the city but also prepares residents for the refreshing downpours that characterize the late rainy season.

December Average Humidity in Bulawayo

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Bulawayo, with December’s data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, helping you understand how conditions vary by season. In December, average humidity in Bulawayo is approximately {2}%, offering insight into how humid the weather typically is during this month.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec79%74%70%59%50%51%52%45%44%44%57%68%
Data source: Humidity data for December generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

December UV Index in Bulawayo

In December, Bulawayo experiences a UV Index of 15, maintaining its status as an extreme exposure category, similar to the preceding month. This consistent level of UV radiation means that sun protection remains essential, as your skin can burn in just 10 minutes. Observing trends from earlier months, we see a gradual decline in the UV Index from a peak of 17 in January to December's 15. Despite the slight decrease, the extreme risk persists, emphasizing the importance of taking precautions throughout this sun-drenched month. For more details on UV levels and safety tips, visit Bulawayo UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Bulawayo for December

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Bulawayo in December, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues. In December, the maximum UV index in Bulawayo typically reaches {2}, which falls under the {3} exposure category.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec171614129881012131515
Data source: Bulawayo December UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

December Sunshine in Bulawayo

As December descends upon Bulawayo, the city basks in 352 hours of luscious sunshine, making it a fitting end to the year's bright journey. Following November's tantalizing peak of 358 hours, December continues the trend of abundant daylight, a hallmark of Zimbabwe's summer season. The gradual increase in sunshine hours from January's 289 hours to October's impressive 355 hours highlights a steady ascent, with the warmth reaching its zenith in late spring and early summer. As the year wraps up, the consistency of sunny days not only creates a vibrant atmosphere but also invites both locals and visitors to partake in the bliss of outdoor activities under the radiant sky.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Bulawayo: December Highlighted

The December sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Bulawayo experiences direct sunlight during the month of December, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of December with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec289h291h340h326h332h312h322h332h334h355h358h352h
Data source: Bulawayo December Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Bulawayo During December

In Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, the likelihood of enjoying sunny weather takes a noticeable dip by December, with only a 28% chance of clear skies. This marks a significant decline from the predominantly sunny months that precede it, where April and August shine with 85% and 88% chances of sunshine, respectively. As the year progresses from the bright days of March (62%) to the cooler transition of late spring and early summer, December stands out as a transition period, aligning with the onset of the rainy season. While the sun may not be as predominant this month, it’s worth noting the gradual shift from the abundant sunshine earlier in the year, making each sunny day in December feel like a rare treasure amidst the clouds.

Percentage of Sunny Days in December in Bulawayo

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Bulawayo throughout the year, with December highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Bulawayo experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec14%14%62%85%85%80%80%88%81%60%51%28%
Data source: Bulawayo December chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Bulawayo in December

In Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, December sees daylight lasting a delightful 13 hours, aligning with the longest days of the year. This trend of extended daylight begins in November and sustains into January, creating a vibrant seasonal atmosphere. As the year progresses from March to June, daylight gradually decreases, reaching its lowest point in June with just 10 hours of sunlight. However, as winter transitions into spring and summer, daylight durations gradually increase again, stabilizing at 11 hours from July to September before culminating in the extended hours again in the late spring and early summer months. This cyclical pattern not only highlights the region's seasonal variations but also sets the stage for outdoor activities during the sun-drenched holidays of December.

Average Daylight Hours in Bulawayo for December

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Bulawayo throughout the year, with December highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec13h 10m12h 44m12h 10m11h 36m11h 8m10h 54m11h 2m11h 26m11h 58m12h 33m13h 3m13h 18m
Data source: Bulawayo daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

December Winds in Bulawayo

As December sweeps into Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, the average wind speed gently settles at 3.2 m/s (7 mph), marking a subtle shift in the seasonal breeze. This month mirrors the calmer winds of late spring, standing slightly lower than the gusts of September and October, which experienced highs of up to 4.0 m/s (9 mph). The month of December hints at the arrival of a more tranquil atmosphere, following a peak in wind activity during the mid-year months of July and August, and serves as a bridge toward the stillness of the coming summer. Overall, the trend reveals a gradual decline in wind speeds as the year draws to a close, inviting a serene end to the year in this vibrant city.

Average December Wind Speed in Bulawayo

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Bulawayo, with values for each month shown alongside December's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how December's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3.63.53.43.53.13.23.73.53.94.03.43.2 m/s
Data source: Bulawayo December wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How December Weather in Bulawayo Compares to Other Months

Weather in Bulawayo varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Bulawayo, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.

In comparing the weather between December and January, both months exhibit warm temperatures, with December enjoying slightly higher averages. December sees a minimum of 12°C and a maximum of 36°C, while January experiences a slightly cooler range with minimums at 10°C and maximums at 35°C. Precipitation levels are quite similar, with December recording 148 mm over 16 days compared to January's 135 mm, also over 16 days. However, January has higher humidity at 79%, compared to December's 68%. For a more detailed look at January's weather patterns, check out Bulawayo weather in January.

December and February both experience warm temperatures, but February tends to be slightly cooler on average. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 12°C (53°F) to a maximum of 36°C (98°F), with an average of 23°C (73°F). In contrast, February presents a milder range, with a minimum of 12°C (54°F) and a maximum of 33°C (92°F), averaging at 21°C (71°F). Precipitation is also more pronounced in February, with 184 mm (7.2 in) over 17 days compared to December's 148 mm (5.8 in) over 16 days. Additionally, February exhibits higher humidity levels at 74%, compared to December's 68%. For more detailed information, you can visit Bulawayo weather in February.

In December, temperatures in Bulawayo range from a minimum of 12°C (53°F) to a maximum of 36°C (98°F), with an average of 23°C (73°F). The month typically experiences significant precipitation, averaging 148 mm (5.8 in) over 16 days, and maintaining a humidity level of 68%. In contrast, March sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (52°F) and a maximum of 35°C (95°F), averaging 21°C (70°F). Additionally, March has considerably less rainfall, accumulating about 40 mm (1.6 in) over just 9 days, while the humidity remains similar at 69%. For a detailed look at the weather in March, visit Bulawayo weather in March.

In December, the weather is significantly warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 12°C (53°F) to a scorching maximum of 36°C (98°F), and an average of 23°C (73°F). This month also sees considerable rainfall, accumulating to 148 mm (5.8 in) over 16 days, resulting in a higher humidity level of 68%. In contrast, April is milder, with temperatures fluctuating between a cooler minimum of 7°C (45°F) and a maximum of 32°C (90°F), averaging 19°C (67°F). April experiences much less precipitation, totaling 26 mm (1.0 in) over just 4 days and lower humidity at 59%. For more detailed insights, you can check Bulawayo weather in April.

December and May present contrasting weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 12°C (53°F) to a scorching maximum of 36°C (98°F), with an average temperature of 23°C (73°F). The month is also characterized by higher humidity at 68% and significant rainfall, averaging 148 mm (5.8 in) over 16 days. In stark comparison, May experiences much cooler temperatures, with lows of 3°C (38°F) and highs reaching only up to 29°C (85°F), resulting in a more comfortable average of 17°C (62°F). Additionally, May is notably drier, receiving just 4 mm (0.2 in) of precipitation over a single day, and maintaining a lower humidity level of 50%. For more details on May weather, you can visit Bulawayo weather in May.

In December, the weather is significantly warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 12°C (53°F) to a maximum of 36°C (98°F), averaging around 23°C (73°F). This month experiences considerable rainfall, with about 148 mm (5.8 in) spread over 16 days and a humidity level of 68%. In contrast, June offers much cooler conditions, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of 2°C (36°F) and a maximum of 28°C (82°F), averaging only 14°C (58°F). Notably, June is dry, with just 2 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation and 0 days of rain, resulting in a lower humidity of 51%. For more detailed insights, you can check Bulawayo weather in June.

The weather in December is significantly warmer and wetter compared to July. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 12°C (53°F) to a scorching maximum of 36°C (98°F), with an average of 23°C (73°F). This month also experiences considerable rainfall, receiving 148 mm (5.8 in) over 16 days, contributing to a higher humidity level of 68%. In contrast, July presents a much cooler climate, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of 2°C (36°F) and only reaching a maximum of 27°C (81°F), averaging 14°C (57°F). Notably, rainfall is minimal in July, averaging only 3 mm (0.1 in) and occurring on no rainy days, resulting in a lower humidity of 52%. For more details on the weather during this month, check out Bulawayo weather in July.

When comparing the weather in December and August, the differences are quite striking. December features a warm climate with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 12°C (53°F) to a maximum of 36°C (98°F), along with significant rainfall totaling 148 mm (5.8 in) spread over 16 days. This results in a higher humidity level of 68%, making December feel quite muggy.

In contrast, August presents much cooler temperatures with an average range from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F). Notably, August experiences very little precipitation, just 2 mm (0.1 in) over the entire month, and humidity is lower at 45%, creating a much drier atmosphere. For more details on August weather, you can check Bulawayo weather in August.

In December, the weather in Bulawayo is markedly warmer and more humid compared to September. While December boasts an average temperature of 23°C (73°F) with highs reaching up to 36°C (98°F), September's average is slightly lower at 21°C (70°F), peaking at 35°C (96°F). Additionally, December experiences significant rainfall, averaging 148 mm (5.8 in) over 16 days, in stark contrast to September, which sees minimal precipitation of just 4 mm (0.2 in) with no rainy days at all. The humidity also differs considerably, with December sitting at 68%, compared to September's more comfortable 44%. For more details on September's weather in Bulawayo, visit Bulawayo weather in September.

In December, the weather tends to be warmer and more humid compared to October. Daily temperatures range from a minimum of 12°C (53°F) to a peak of 36°C (98°F), while October features a slightly cooler range with minimum temperatures of 8°C (46°F) and maximums reaching 39°C (102°F). Additionally, December experiences significantly higher precipitation, totaling 148 mm (5.8 in) over 16 days, compared to just 25 mm (1.0 in) over 4 days in October. The humidity in December averages around 68%, which is notably higher than the 44% recorded in October. For more detailed insights into October's weather, you can refer to Bulawayo weather in October.

When comparing the weather in December to that of November, we see several notable differences. December experiences slightly higher minimum and average temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (53°F) compared to November's 9°C (49°F). Both months share the same maximum temperature of 36°C (98°F), but December is characterized by significantly increased precipitation, totaling 148 mm (5.8 in) over 16 days, whereas November sees only 71 mm (2.8 in) over 10 days. Additionally, humidity levels rise in December to 68%, compared to November's 57%. For a closer look at November weather, check out Bulawayo weather in November.

Compare Bulawayo's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From December Weather in Bulawayo

As December rolls into Bulawayo, the weather takes on a truly dynamic character, marked by higher temperatures and a noticeable increase in humidity compared to other months. With daytime highs reaching up to 36°C, the warm sun dances in the sky, while the average temperature hovers around a mild 23°C during the cooler nights. This month also ushers in the rainy season, contributing to 148 mm of precipitation over 16 days, bringing relief and freshness after the heat. Unlike the drier months, December combines warmth with a lush, vibrant atmosphere, making it a unique experience for both locals and visitors. For those curious about climatic patterns, delve deeper into the details at Bulawayo Climate.