Last updated: August 28, 2025
May in Harare, Zimbabwe brings a pleasant shift in climate as temperatures gradually rise, with maximums reaching 28°C (83°F) and an average of 17°C (63°F). Nighttime chills can dip to a refreshing 6°C (44°F), creating a comfortable range for daily activities. This month experiences light rainfall, totaling 8 mm (0.3 in) over just 2 days, contributing to a humidity level of 67% that enhances the lushness of the environment. Ideal for outdoor exploration, May offers a perfect blend of sunshine and mild temperatures amid the vibrant backdrop of Harare's urban charm.
In May, Harare transitions into cooler weather, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of 6°C (44°F) and reaching an average of 17°C (63°F). This month embodies a distinct shift as the maximum temperatures peak at 28°C (83°F), marking a mild end to the warmer season. Compared to the sweltering highs of January and February, where temperatures soared above 30°C (86°F), May offers a refreshing reprieve with its more moderate climate. Vegetation flourishes in the cooler air, creating a picturesque backdrop as the city prepares for the winter months ahead. This gradual decline in temperatures signals not just a change in the weather, but also a shift towards the lush greens that characterize Harare's scenery in the autumn.
In May, Harare experiences a significant drop in precipitation, with only 8 mm (0.3 in) of rainfall recorded over just 2 days. This stark contrast follows a gradual decrease from the substantial 216 mm (8.5 in) in January to a modest 32 mm (1.3 in) in April. As the city transitions into winter, the already diminished rain continues its downward trend, setting the stage for June's nearly parched conditions with just 2 mm (0.1 in) expected. Overall, May signifies the close of the wet season in Harare, marking a period of reduced moisture that paves the way for the dry months ahead.
As May arrives in Harare, Zimbabwe, the city witnesses a noticeable decline in humidity, dipping to 67%—a significant drop from the earlier months. Following the peak of 85% in January and February, the gradual decrease through March (81%) and April (73%) hints at the transition to the drier season ahead. This trend continues into June, where the humidity levels slightly increase to 68%, but overall, May marks a pivotal point in the year, offering a breath of fresh air before the arid months of winter set in. The shift in humidity not only influences the city’s climate but also sets the stage for the vibrant life that blossoms in the forthcoming months.
As May rolls into Harare, the UV Index settles at 10, marking a shift to the very high exposure category and allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. This month stands out as a transitional period, as it follows a series of extreme UV ratings that peaked at 18 in January and gradually declined through April. Notably, while the UV Index drops from the extreme levels seen earlier in the year, precautions are still essential, particularly for those spending extended periods outdoors. With the sun's intensity remaining significant, it's a great time to stay informed and protect your skin. For more detailed information, visit Harare UV Index.
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May in Harare, Zimbabwe, basks in a delightful 333 hours of sunshine, positioning it as a splendid time for outdoor activities and exploration. Following the sunny trend set by March and April, May continues to showcase vibrant weather patterns, ensuring a nearly perfect balance of warmth and brightness. As the city transitions from the lush rains of the earlier months, sunshine hours maintain a consistent rhythm, only slightly dipping in June. This steady influx of sunlight not only enhances the beauty of Harare's landscapes but also invigorates the spirit of locals and visitors alike, making May a captivating month in the heart of Zimbabwe.
As May approaches in Harare, Zimbabwe, residents can look forward to a significantly increased likelihood of sunny weather, with a remarkable 82% chance of clear skies. This month marks a noticeable pivot from the early months of the year, where sunshine is sparse—only 16% in January and 24% in February. The trend of increasing sunshine continues through the preceding months, as April enjoys a promising 69% before May reaches its peak. Following May, the sunny weather remains relatively strong, with June and July maintaining 70% and 75%, respectively. As the dry season kicks in, the city transitions into its sun-drenched winter months, making May not only a delightful time for outdoor activities but also a vibrant precursor to the abundant sunshine that characterizes the forthcoming months.
In Harare, Zimbabwe, the pattern of daylight duration throughout the year reveals a fascinating rhythm. Starting with a generous 13 hours of daylight in January, the days gradually shorten, dipping to 11 hours by April and maintaining this duration through the heart of winter until August. As spring approaches, daylight begins to increase again, climbing back to 12 hours by October and returning to its peak of 13 hours in December. This cyclical change showcases the vibrant interplay of seasons in Harare, where the length of daylight creates a dynamic backdrop for daily life and activities.
In May, Harare experiences a steady average wind speed of 2.6 m/s (6 mph), maintaining the same gentle breeze characteristic of the preceding months. This consistency reflects a transitional phase as the city bids farewell to its mild autumn before embracing the slightly breezier conditions in June and July, where winds begin to pick up to 3.0 m/s (7 mph). The persistent calm of May, along with its moderate temperatures, creates a delightful environment for outdoor activities, making it an ideal time for residents and visitors alike to enjoy the city’s natural beauty. As the year progresses, an evident upward trend in wind speeds from August onwards suggests a shift as the dry season intensifies, eventually leading to a more refreshing atmosphere in the city's landscape.
Weather in Harare varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Harare, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January showcase contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a cool minimum of 6°C (44°F) to a pleasant average of 17°C (63°F), peaking at a maximum of 28°C (83°F). The month experiences relatively low precipitation, averaging only 8 mm (0.3 in) over just 2 rainy days, with humidity at 67%. In stark contrast, January sees warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (54°F) and an average of 21°C (70°F), reaching highs of 34°C (93°F). It is also significantly wetter, with 216 mm (8.5 in) of precipitation spread across 18 days and higher humidity at 85%. For more details, check out Harare weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, it becomes evident that February is typically warmer and much wetter. In February, temperatures range from a minimum of 14°C (58°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F), with an average of 21°C (70°F). The month also sees substantial rainfall, averaging 183 mm (7.2 in) across 21 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 85%. In contrast, May experiences cooler temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 6°C (44°F) to a maximum of 28°C (83°F), with an average of 17°C (63°F) and significantly less precipitation at just 8 mm (0.3 in) over only 2 days. This results in lower humidity levels of around 67%. For more detailed insights, you can check out the weather specifics here: Harare weather in February.
In comparing the weather of May and March, we can observe notable differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. May experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 6°C (44°F), an average of 17°C (63°F), and a maximum of 28°C (83°F), alongside minimal rainfall of just 8 mm (0.3 in) over 2 days and a humidity level of 67%. In contrast, March is considerably warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F), and a much higher precipitation of 94 mm (3.7 in) spread across 11 days, resulting in a higher humidity of 81%. For more detailed insights, you can check Harare weather in March.
In comparing the weather of May and April, it's clear that May experiences milder temperatures with a minimum of 6°C and a maximum of 28°C, while April sees slightly warmer conditions with a minimum of 8°C and a peak of 31°C. April also has significantly higher precipitation, totaling 32 mm over six days, compared to May's much drier climate with only 8 mm of rain across two days. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly higher in April at 73%, compared to May's 67%. For more detailed information on April's weather, you can refer to Harare weather in April.
In comparing the weather of May and June, it's evident that May generally offers warmer temperatures, with an average of 17°C (63°F) and maximums reaching up to 28°C (83°F). In contrast, June experiences slightly cooler conditions, with an average temperature of 15°C (59°F) and maximums around 25°C (78°F). Additionally, May sees more precipitation, with 8 mm (0.3 in) over 2 days, while June boasts a drier climate with just 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain and no recorded rainy days. Humidity levels remain similar, with May at 67% and June at 68%. For more details on the weather in June, you can check out Harare weather in June.
In May, the weather is generally warmer with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (44°F) to a maximum of 28°C (83°F), and an average temperature of 17°C (63°F). This month experiences a bit more rainfall, with 8 mm (0.3 in) of precipitation over 2 days and a humidity level of 67%. In contrast, July sees cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 4°C (39°F) and a maximum of 27°C (81°F), along with a lower average of 14°C (58°F). July is drier, recording only 3 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation on just 1 day, and slightly lower humidity at 63%. For more detailed information, you can check Harare weather in July.
In May, the weather is characterized by a mild temperature range with a minimum of 6°C (44°F), an average of 17°C (63°F), and a maximum reaching 28°C (83°F). There is some precipitation, totaling 8 mm (0.3 in) over two days, contributing to a higher humidity level of 67%. In contrast, August experiences slightly warmer weather with temperatures ranging from 6°C (43°F) to a high of 33°C (91°F) and an average of 18°C (64°F). Notably, August has minimal precipitation, recording just 1 mm (0.0 in) over the entire month, and a much lower humidity level of 53%. For more details on August weather in Harare, visit Harare weather in August.
In May, temperatures in Harare range from a chilly minimum of 6°C (44°F) to a pleasant maximum of 28°C (83°F), with an average of around 17°C (63°F). This month experiences approximately 8 mm (0.3 in) of precipitation over two days, accompanied by a relatively high humidity of 67%. In contrast, September brings warmer weather, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (44°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), averaging 20°C (69°F). Interestingly, September is considerably drier, receiving only 2 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation over zero days, resulting in lower humidity levels of 42%. For more details, you can check Harare weather in September.
May and October exhibit distinct differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a cooler minimum of 6°C (44°F) to a maximum of 28°C (83°F), with an average of 17°C (63°F). The month sees relatively low precipitation at 8 mm (0.3 in) over just 2 days, accompanied by a higher humidity level of 67%. In contrast, October experiences warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and a much higher maximum of 36°C (97°F), averaging 22°C (72°F). Precipitation increases to 22 mm (0.9 in) over 4 days, but the humidity drops significantly to 38%. For more detailed insights, check out Harare weather in October.
May and November present quite different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 6°C (44°F) to a comfortable average of 17°C (63°F), peaking at 28°C (83°F). This month experiences relatively low precipitation, with just 8 mm (0.3 in) over 2 days and humidity around 67%. In contrast, November is much warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 13°C (55°F) to a scorching maximum of 35°C (95°F) and an average of 23°C (73°F). However, it also brings significantly higher rainfall, totaling 97 mm (3.8 in) across 13 days and lower humidity at 55%. For more details about the weather in November, you can check Harare weather in November.
May and December present quite contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 6°C (44°F) to a comfortable average of 17°C (63°F), peaking at 28°C (83°F). The month sees minimal precipitation, with just 8 mm (0.3 in) over the course of 2 days and a relative humidity of 67%. In stark contrast, December experiences warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 15°C (59°F) and an average of 22°C (72°F), soaring to a maximum of 33°C (92°F). However, this month is characterized by significantly higher precipitation, totaling 134 mm (5.3 in) across 17 days, along with a higher humidity level of 78%. For more detailed insights into the December weather, you can visit Harare weather in December.
In May, Harare experiences a delightful transition as temperatures begin to cool, with pleasant days averaging around 17°C and minimal precipitation spread over just a couple of days. This month marks a shift from the hotter summer months, offering a refreshing break with a comfortable average humidity of 67%. With maximum temperatures typically reaching 28°C, May is ideal for outdoor activities, contrasting sharply with the sweltering heat of previous months. To learn more about the city's weather patterns throughout the year, visit Harare Climate.