January Weather in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Last updated: August 28, 2025

In January, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe experiences a vibrant transition into the heart of summer, characterized by maximum temperatures reaching 35°C (96°F) and an average of 22°C (72°F). With minimum temperatures dipping to around 10°C (50°F), this month offers a blend of warmth and cool evenings. Expect frequent showers, as precipitation amounts average 135 mm (5.3 in) over 16 days, contributing to a humid atmosphere with humidity levels around 79%. This combination of heat and moisture not only enhances the city’s lush landscapes but also creates a unique setting for adventure and exploration.

January Temperature in Bulawayo

In January, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, experiences a dynamic temperature range, starting with a cool minimum of 10°C (50°F) and peaking at a warm maximum of 35°C (96°F). The average temperature hovers around 22°C (72°F), making it one of the hotter months in the region. As the year progresses, temperatures gradually fluctuate, with February's slight increase in minimum and maximum temperatures, while March remains similar to January, signaling a climactic end to the summer heat. By April, the weather cools noticeably with a minimum of 7°C (45°F), marking a transition towards the cooler months ahead. This gradual shift continues into the winter months of May and June, where temperatures dwindle further, dropping to 3°C (38°F) in May. Interestingly, October sees a resurgence in warmth, with temperatures soaring again, hinting at the cyclic nature of Bulawayo’s climate. Overall, January sets the stage for a vibrant summer, characterized by noticeable warmth and a gradual easing into the cooler seasons.

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

The chart illustrates January 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, January 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.
Choose your preferred temperature unit
The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

January Precipitation in Bulawayo

In January, Bulawayo experiences a notable surge in precipitation, receiving approximately 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain over 16 days. This marks the beginning of the wet season, setting the stage for a significant uptick in moisture that peaks in February with 184 mm (7.2 in). Following this, there’s a sharp decline as March brings just 40 mm (1.6 in), and by April, the rainfall dwindles to a mere 26 mm (1.0 in). The trend continues with dry spells, culminating in the months of May through August, where precipitation is almost negligible, reflecting the region's characteristic dry season. As the year goes on, rainfall briefly rises again in November and December, showcasing the cyclical nature of Bulawayo's climate, which offers both lush, rain-filled beginnings and stark dry episodes.

January Precipitation Trends in Bulawayo

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

January Humidity in Bulawayo

In January, Bulawayo experiences its highest humidity level of the year at 79%, creating a muggy atmosphere that often marks the peak of the rainy season. As the calendar turns to February, humidity begins to decrease, settling at 74%, and continues to decline steadily over the following months. By April, the humidity drops to 59%, signalling the transition into the drier winter months. This trend continues, reaching a low of 44% from August through October, providing a refreshing break from the mugginess of summer. However, as the year draws to a close, a gradual rise in humidity is observed again, with December closing out the year at 68%. Overall, Bulawayo's humidity reflects a clear seasonal pattern, showcasing a shift from wet and humid to dry and comfortable throughout the year.

January Average Humidity in Bulawayo

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Bulawayo, with January’s data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, helping you understand how conditions vary by season. In January, 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 January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Bulawayo

In January, Bulawayo experiences an extreme UV Index of 17, making sun protection essential with a burn time of just 10 minutes. This trend of high UV levels continues into February and March, with indices of 16 and 14, respectively, all falling within the extreme category. As the months progress into April, the UV Index slightly decreases to 12, yet remains within the same extreme exposure category. The high levels of UV radiation persist until November, maintaining an index of 15, demonstrating a consistent need for vigilance against sun exposure. From May to August, the UV Index shifts to a very high range, averaging around 9 to 10, which offers a brief respite before summer returns with a spike in September. Overall, January is a crucial month for UV awareness in Bulawayo, where the sun's intensity demands careful planning for outdoor activities. For more insights on UV levels throughout the year, visit Bulawayo UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Bulawayo for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Bulawayo in January, 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 January, the maximum UV index in Bulawayo typically reaches {2}, which falls under the {3} exposure category.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec171614129881012131515
Data source: Bulawayo January 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.

January Sunshine in Bulawayo

January in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe welcomes the year with 289 hours of sunshine, setting a bright tone for the months ahead. As the seasons progress, sunshine gradually increases, peaking in October with an impressive 355 hours, a highlight in the city's sunny calendar. The trend continues, with November and December closely following, demonstrating a consistent wealth of sunlight that bathes the region in warmth. From March's remarkable 340 hours to April's 326, the sun graces Bulawayo with generous daylight, making it an alluring destination, especially during the later months when the skies are often clear and inviting. This steady rise in sunshine not only enhances the beauty of the surroundings but also creates the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities and adventures in this vibrant city.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Bulawayo: January Highlighted

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

Chance of Sun in Bulawayo During January

In Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, January typically sees a 14% chance of sunny weather, signaling the start of the year with rather overcast conditions. This trend of limited sunshine is not unique to January, as February shares the same low probability. However, as the months progress toward March, the likelihood of clear skies dramatically increases to 62%, marking the transition toward a sunnier season. The sunshine peaks considerably from April through August, where residents can enjoy an impressive 80% chance or more of sunny days. By the time October rolls around, the odds begin to taper off, descending to 59%, and further plummet in November to 50% before declining again in December. This clear pattern reveals that while January may lack sunlight, the months that follow bring a welcome increase in brightness, culminating in the sun-soaked winter months.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Bulawayo

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Bulawayo throughout the year, with January 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 January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Bulawayo in January

In January, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, basks in an impressive 13 hours of daylight, making it one of the sunniest months of the year. This vibrant start to the year gradually transitions into February and March, where daylight remains consistent at 12 hours, providing ample opportunity to enjoy the lush landscapes and lively city. As the month of April arrives, daylight begins to wane, dropping to 11 hours, and this trend continues into the cooler months of May and June, where the duration shrinks to 10 hours. However, daylight starts to reclaim its presence in July, August, and September, stabilizing back to 11 hours. The shift returns to a warm embrace in October with 12 hours, leading into the final months of the year—November and December—which again feature 13 hours of daylight. This cyclical pattern not only marks the passage of time but also shapes the vibrant lifestyle in Bulawayo throughout the seasons.

Average Daylight Hours in Bulawayo for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Bulawayo throughout the year, with January 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.

January Winds in Bulawayo

In January, Bulawayo experiences a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 3.6 m/s (8 mph), setting a calm tone for the month. This slightly stronger wind lingers into February, maintaining the same speed, before experiences a subtle decline to 3.4 m/s in March and April. As the cooler months approach, wind patterns shift—May sees a dip to 3.1 m/s, while June and July fluctuate slightly, with July offering a brief uptick back to 3.7 m/s. The trend continues into late winter, with September and October revealing a rise in wind speed peaking at 4.0 m/s. As the year wraps up, the winds settle back to 3.4 m/s in November before tapering to 3.2 m/s in December, showcasing a dynamic rhythm to Bulawayo's yearly climate that invites both calm days and invigorating gusts.

Average January Wind Speed in Bulawayo

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Bulawayo, with values for each month shown alongside January's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how January's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3.6 m/s3.53.43.53.13.23.73.53.94.03.43.2
Data source: Bulawayo January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January 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 January’s weather to other months in Bulawayo, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.

In January, temperatures in Bulawayo range from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 35°C (96°F), with an average of 22°C (72°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, with a total of 135 mm (5.3 in) spread over 16 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 79%.

In contrast, February sees slightly warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures rising to 12°C (54°F) and a maximum of 33°C (92°F), while the average temperature hovers around 21°C (71°F). Precipitation increases to 184 mm (7.2 in) over 17 days, and humidity decreases slightly to 74%. For more detailed information on February’s weather, you can visit Bulawayo weather in February.

In January, Bulawayo experiences a range of temperatures from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 35°C (96°F), with an average temperature of 22°C (72°F). The month sees significant rainfall, averaging 135 mm (5.3 inches) over 16 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 79%. In contrast, March showcases a slightly warmer minimum temperature of 11°C (52°F) and an average temperature of 21°C (70°F), while still reaching up to 35°C (95°F). Precipitation drops significantly to 40 mm (1.6 inches) over just 9 days, and humidity decreases to a more comfortable 69%. For more detailed information, check out the Bulawayo weather in March.

In comparing the weather between January and April, there are notable differences in temperature and precipitation. January boasts a warmer climate with average temperatures reaching 22°C (72°F), peaking at a maximum of 35°C (96°F). In contrast, April features a cooler average of 19°C (67°F) with a maximum of 32°C (90°F). While January experiences significant rainfall with 135 mm (5.3 in) over 16 days, April sees much less precipitation at just 26 mm (1.0 in) across only 4 days. Additionally, January has higher humidity levels at 79%, compared to April's more comfortable 59%. For more detailed information, you can visit Bulawayo weather in April.

In January, the weather is quite hot, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 35°C (96°F), and an average of 22°C (72°F). The month sees significant rainfall, with 135 mm (5.3 in) recorded over 16 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 79%. In contrast, May boasts much cooler weather, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of 3°C (38°F), reaching an average of 17°C (62°F) and peaking at 29°C (85°F). Additionally, May is relatively dry, receiving only 4 mm (0.2 in) of precipitation over just 1 day, and the humidity drops to a comfortable 50%. For those interested in more specifics, check out Bulawayo weather in May.

In January, Bulawayo experiences significantly warmer temperatures, with an average of 22°C (72°F) and maximum highs reaching 35°C (96°F), while June sees much cooler conditions, averaging only 14°C (58°F) and peaking at 28°C (82°F). January is also characterized by high humidity at 79% and considerable rainfall, with around 135 mm (5.3 in) of precipitation over 16 days. In stark contrast, June boasts a much drier climate, with minimal precipitation of just 2 mm (0.1 in) and no rainy days, accompanied by a lower humidity level of 51%. For a closer look at Bulawayo weather during June, visit Bulawayo weather in June.

In January, the weather is significantly warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 35°C (96°F) and an average of 22°C (72°F). This month also sees considerable rainfall, averaging 135 mm (5.3 in) over 16 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 79%. In contrast, July presents much cooler conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 27°C (81°F) and an average of just 14°C (57°F). Unlike January, July experiences very little precipitation, with only 3 mm (0.1 in) recorded, and typically no rainy days, resulting in a lower humidity level of 52%. For more details on the weather during this month, you can refer to Bulawayo weather in July.

In comparing the weather of January and August, January is characterized by much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and an average of 22°C (72°F), peaking at a sweltering 35°C (96°F). This month also experiences significant rainfall, averaging 135 mm (5.3 in) over 16 days, resulting in a high humidity level of 79%. In contrast, August brings cooler conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to an average of 18°C (64°F), reaching a maximum of 32°C (90°F). Remarkably, August sees very little precipitation, with only 2 mm (0.1 in) over no rainy days, and a much lower humidity at 45%. For more details, check out Bulawayo weather in August.

In January, the weather is notably warmer and more humid, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 35°C (96°F), and an average temperature of 22°C (72°F). This month sees significant precipitation, with around 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain over 16 days, leading to a humidity level of 79%. In contrast, September offers cooler and drier conditions, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of 4°C (39°F) and averaging 21°C (70°F). Remarkably, September experiences very little rainfall, with only 4 mm (0.2 in) and no days of precipitation at all, resulting in a much lower humidity of 44%. For more details on the September weather in Bulawayo, you can check out this link: Bulawayo weather in September.

January and October in Bulawayo present contrasting weather patterns despite sharing a similar average temperature of 22°C (72°F). In January, temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 35°C (96°F), accompanied by substantial rainfall of 135 mm (5.3 in) over 16 days, resulting in high humidity levels of 79%. In stark comparison, October experiences slightly cooler mornings with a minimum temperature of 8°C (46°F), but can peak at a scorching 39°C (102°F). Additionally, rainfall is minimal at just 25 mm (1.0 in) across merely 4 days, leading to a significant drop in humidity to 44%. For more details on October weather, visit Bulawayo weather in October.

In comparing the weather of January and November, we see some notable differences. January experiences slightly higher temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and a maximum of 35°C (96°F), while November's temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 36°C (98°F). Despite the similar averages, January is characterized by greater humidity at 79%, compared to November's more comfortable 57%. Additionally, January sees more rainfall, with 135 mm (5.3 in) over 16 days, versus November's 71 mm (2.8 in) across just 10 days. For more detailed insights on November weather, visit Bulawayo weather in November.

In January, the weather tends to be slightly warmer compared to December, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 35°C (96°F), while December boasts a minimum of 12°C (53°F) and a maximum of 36°C (98°F). Precipitation levels are also notable, with January receiving 135 mm (5.3 in) over 16 days, compared to December's 148 mm (5.8 in) across the same number of days. Additionally, January experiences a higher humidity level of 79%, contrasting with December's more comfortable 68%. For more detailed information, you can visit Bulawayo weather in December.

Compare Bulawayo's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Bulawayo

In January, Bulawayo experiences notably warmer temperatures compared to other months, with the average hitting a comfortable 22°C (72°F) while the highs can soar to a sizzling 35°C (96°F). This warmth is accompanied by a relatively high humidity of 79%, creating a distinctive tropical feel. However, January is also marked by frequent rain, with precipitation occurring on about 16 days and totaling around 135 mm (5.3 in). This stark contrast in weather, characterized by both warmth and moisture, sets January apart from the drier, cooler months of the year. For a more detailed overview of the seasonal variations, check out the complete Bulawayo Climate guide.