Last updated: August 28, 2025
January in Harare, Zimbabwe is characterized by a warm and humid climate, with maximum temperatures reaching as high as 34°C (93°F) and an average of 21°C (70°F). However, nighttime brings a refreshing drop, with minimum temperatures around 12°C (54°F). This month also sees considerable rainfall, with an average precipitation of 216 mm (8.5 in) over 18 rainy days, contributing to a high humidity level of 85%. Enthusiasts of tropical weather can expect lush surroundings and vibrant flora, making January an intriguing time to experience Harare’s natural beauty.
In January, Harare, Zimbabwe, experiences warm temperatures that set the stage for the month ahead. With a minimum of 12°C (54°F) and a maximum reaching up to 34°C (93°F), the average temperature hovers around a pleasant 21°C (70°F). This blend of warmth showcases a distinct pattern, as the city transitions into the hotter months of February and March, where minimum temperatures rise slightly, yet the averages remain consistent at 21°C (70°F). While the peak temperatures in February and March dip slightly, the overall trend suggests a gradual increase as the year moves toward October, when sweltering highs reach 36°C (97°F). As the summer sun persists, January marks not just the heat of the season, but also the anticipation of a vibrant, warm atmosphere that characterizes Harare's climate.
In January, Harare experiences its most substantial rainfall of the year, with an impressive 216 mm (8.5 in) falling over 18 days. This deluge provides a crucial water supply, nurturing the vibrant landscapes before the wet season begins to wane. Comparatively, February follows closely with 183 mm (7.2 in) on 21 days, indicating a gradual but noticeable decrease in precipitation. The trend continues sharply downward as the months progress, with March receiving only 94 mm (3.7 in) and a marked reduction to a mere 32 mm (1.3 in) by April. The shift towards the dry season is evident, with the subsequent months of May through August yielding minimal rainfall, only a few millimeters here and there. This seasonal pattern highlights Harare's distinct wet and dry cycles, illustrating the region's reliance on its vibrant January rains to sustain it through the drier months ahead.
In January, Harare, Zimbabwe experiences a high humidity level of 85%, setting the tone for a sweltering summer. This peak persists into February, where humidity remains steady at 85%, offering little respite from the heat. As the season transitions into March, humidity begins to decrease gradually to 81%, hinting at the approaching cooler months. The trend continues into April and May, with levels dropping to 73% and 67% respectively, as the rainy season draws to a close. By mid-year, from June to July, humidity dips further, reaching a low of 63% in July, providing a refreshing break from the sweltering heat. The early spring months see a brief increase, with November rising to 55% before dropping significantly to 38% in October. Finally, December ushers in a slight resurgence in moisture, culminating in a year-end humidity of 78% as the cycle starts anew. This pattern highlights Harare's climatic rhythm, where humidity plays a significant role in the seasonal experience.
In January, Harare experiences a remarkably high UV Index of 18, categorizing it as extreme, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. This intensity is part of a trend that sees the region grappling with extreme UV levels throughout the first half of the year. As February rolls in, the index slightly dip to 16, yet still demands caution. March and April continue this trend, showcasing UV values above 13, consistent with significant sun exposure risk. Interestingly, May marks a shift, as the index drops to 10, transitioning to a very high exposure category, allowing for a bit more leeway at 15 minutes of burn time. However, by August, the UV levels return to extreme status again, underlining the importance of sun protection all year round. For those planning to bask in Harare’s sun, staying informed is crucial—check out the detailed Harare UV Index for more insights.
UV Risk Categories
January greets Harare, Zimbabwe, with 275 hours of sunlight, a gentle start to the year that hints at the abundance to come. As the weeks pass, the days lengthen, reaching 297 hours in February, paving the way for March’s peak of 344 hours. The trend of increasing sunlight continues, with April and May maintaining impressive totals of 328 and 333 hours, respectively. From June onward, the sunshine lingers warmly, with consistent hours that barely dip below 313. Notably, by October, Harare basks in a remarkable 359 hours, closing the year with a splendid flourish in November and December, both of which boast sunlit hours in the mid-340s. This vibrant trajectory highlights the city's sunny allure, making it a beacon for sun-seekers throughout the year.
In January, Harare experiences relatively low chances of sunny weather, with only 16% likelihood of sunshine. This sets the stage for a gradual uptick in brightness as the year progresses, with February bringing a modest rise to 24%. As March approaches, the sun's presence becomes more pronounced, hitting 48%, signaling the onset of the more favorable dry season. By April, that likelihood skyrockets to 69%, peaking in the following months — with May at 82% and August soaring to an impressive 90%. As the year unfolds, the trend clearly favors sunshine, making the latter half of the year a splendid time for outdoor activities in Harare.
In Harare, Zimbabwe, January enjoys the longest daylight duration of the year with 13 hours of sunshine, a delightful start to the calendar year. As the month transitions into February and March, daylight slightly decreases, both offering 12 hours of natural light. This trend continues into the cooler months, where daylight remains consistent at 11 hours from April through August. Interestingly, as spring approaches, the days gradually lengthen again; both October and November experience 12 hours of daylight, culminating once more in December, which mirrors January with another 13-hour stretch of daylight. This cyclical pattern illustrates how Harare's daylight hours ebb and flow, creating a rhythmic dance between light and shadow throughout the year.
In January, Harare experiences a gentle average wind speed of 2.6 m/s (6 mph), setting a tranquil tone for the month. This calm air continues into February, where the wind slightly increases to 2.8 m/s. Throughout the first half of the year, wind speeds remain stable, hovering around 2.6 m/s before a noticeable shift occurs in July, when gusts strengthen to 3.0 m/s. The trend of increasing wind continues into August, reaching 3.1 m/s and peaking in September at 3.7 m/s. This uptick in wind speed coincides with the transition into the drier months, where the air becomes more invigorating. As autumn approaches in the southern hemisphere, winds remain robust, gradually tapering off towards the year’s end, but the initial calm of January stands in stark contrast to the lively breezes that follow.
Weather in Harare varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Harare, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In comparing January and February weather, both months exhibit similar average temperatures, lingering around 21°C (70°F). However, January tends to be slightly warmer, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 34°C (93°F), compared to February's maximum of 32°C (90°F). January also experiences more precipitation, totaling 216 mm (8.5 in) over 18 days, whereas February sees 183 mm (7.2 in) spread over 21 days. Notably, humidity remains consistent at 85% for both months. For more details about February weather in Harare, you can visit Harare weather in February.
In January, the weather in Harare is characterized by higher temperatures and increased humidity, with minimums of 12°C (54°F) and maximums reaching up to 34°C (93°F). This month sees substantial rainfall, averaging 216 mm (8.5 in) over 18 days, contributing to a muggy atmosphere with humidity levels at 85%. In contrast, March experiences slightly cooler maximum temperatures at 31°C (88°F) while maintaining a similar minimum of 12°C. Precipitation drops significantly to 94 mm (3.7 in) over just 11 days, and humidity decreases to 81%, resulting in a more comfortable and drier climate. For more detailed information, you can refer to Harare weather in March.
In January, the weather showcases a warm tropical climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), alongside notable humidity at 85%. This month experiences significant rainfall, accumulating 216 mm (8.5 in) over 18 days, contributing to a lush, green environment. In contrast, April presents a cooler atmosphere with temperatures dipping to a minimum of 8°C (47°F) and peaking at 31°C (88°F), while the average temperature settles at 19°C (67°F). Precipitation in April is much lighter, totaling only 32 mm (1.3 in) across just 6 days, and humidity decreases to 73%. For more detailed insights, you can check Harare weather in April.
In January, the weather is characterized by warm temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (54°F), an average of 21°C (70°F), and a maximum of 34°C (93°F). This month also sees significant rainfall, totaling 216 mm (8.5 in) over 18 days, combined with high humidity levels at 85%. In contrast, May experiences much cooler conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (44°F) to a maximum of 28°C (83°F), and an average of 17°C (63°F). Additionally, May has notably less precipitation, with only 8 mm (0.3 in) falling over just 2 days, and a lower humidity of 67%. For more details, check out Harare weather in May.
In January, the weather is significantly warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), accompanied by high humidity levels at 85%. The month sees considerable rainfall, with 216 mm (8.5 in) of precipitation over 18 days, making it one of the wettest times of the year. In contrast, June presents much cooler conditions, with temperatures varying from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a maximum of 25°C (78°F) and a much drier atmosphere, receiving only 2 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation over the month, with no rainy days reported. For a more detailed look at the weather patterns, you can check out Harare weather in June.
January and July present stark contrasts in weather. In January, temperatures range from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an average of 21°C (70°F). This month experiences significant moisture, with 216 mm (8.5 in) of precipitation over 18 days, contributing to a high humidity of 85%. In contrast, July sees much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 4°C (39°F), an average of 14°C (58°F), and a maximum of 27°C (81°F). The precipitation drops dramatically to only 3 mm (0.1 in), occurring just once throughout the month, and humidity levels decrease to 63%. For more details on July weather, visit Harare weather in July.
When comparing January and August weather, notable differences emerge. January experiences a warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F) and an average of 21°C (70°F). This month is also characterized by high humidity at 85% and considerable precipitation, with 216 mm (8.5 in) falling over 18 days. In contrast, August brings cooler weather, featuring a minimum temperature of 6°C (43°F) and an average of 18°C (64°F), with a maximum temperature of 33°C (91°F). August is remarkably dry, with just 1 mm (0.0 in) of precipitation and no rainy days, coupled with lower humidity levels at 53%. For more details, you can visit Harare weather in August.
January and September present contrasting weather conditions. In January, temperatures range from a mild 12°C (54°F) to a hot maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an average temperature of 21°C (70°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 85% and significant rainfall, averaging 216 mm over 18 days. In contrast, September experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C (44°F) and a similar maximum of 34°C (94°F), but an average of 20°C (69°F). Furthermore, September boasts extremely low precipitation, with only 2 mm recorded and no rainy days, leading to a much drier atmosphere with humidity dropping to 42%. For more details, check out Harare weather in September.
When comparing the weather in January and October, the differences are quite striking. January experiences higher average temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), along with significant rainfall totaling 216 mm over 18 days, accompanied by high humidity at 85%. In contrast, October boasts slightly cooler temperatures with a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and a maximum of 36°C (97°F). Rainfall is minimal during this month, with only 22 mm expected over just 4 days, and noticeably lower humidity at 38%. This makes October a much drier and more comfortable time of year compared to the humid and wet conditions of January. For more details, you can check out Harare weather in October.
In comparing January and November, we see a slight increase in average temperatures, with January's min of 12°C (54°F) to November's min of 13°C (55°F) and average temperatures of 21°C (70°F) and 23°C (73°F), respectively. November experiences slightly higher maximum temperatures reaching 35°C (95°F), compared to January’s max of 34°C (93°F). However, January is significantly wetter, with 216 mm (8.5 in) of precipitation over 18 days, while November sees much less rain at 97 mm (3.8 in) across 13 days, contributing to its lower humidity of 55% compared to January's 85%. For more detailed weather insights, check out Harare weather in November.
In comparing the weather between January and December, January tends to be slightly warmer with an average temperature of 21°C (70°F) compared to December's 22°C (72°F). While January features higher maximum temperatures reaching up to 34°C (93°F), December's peak is 33°C (92°F). Precipitation is notably heavier in January, with 216 mm (8.5 in) spread over 18 days, whereas December receives 134 mm (5.3 in) over 17 days. Additionally, the humidity in January is higher at 85%, compared to December's 78%. For more detailed insights, you can visit Harare weather in December.
In January, Harare experiences a distinct shift in weather patterns, marked by a blend of warm temperatures and increased precipitation. With daytime highs often reaching their peak, the average temperature provides a comfortable reprieve at 21°C, contrasting sharply with the cooler evenings. This month stands out due to its higher humidity levels and persistent rainfall, contributing to the city’s lush greenery. While the rainy season brings challenges, it also invigorates Harare’s landscape, making the city vibrant and alive. For a deeper dive into the city's climate nuances throughout the year, visit Harare Climate.