Last updated: August 28, 2025
In May, Kariba, Zimbabwe experiences a pleasant climate characterized by maximum temperatures reaching 33°C (91°F) and a comfortable average of 23°C (74°F). The days are often warm, while nights can cool down to a minimum of 14°C (57°F). This month sees a modest precipitation of 9 mm (0.4 in) over just one day, making it a relatively dry period. With an average humidity of 61%, the air is comfortably mild, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities and exploration in this beautiful region.
In May, Kariba, Zimbabwe begins to transition into cooler temperatures, offering a delightful reprieve from the sweltering heat of earlier months. With minimum temperatures dipping to around 14°C (57°F) and a maximum of 33°C (91°F), this month presents an inviting climate for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The average temperature settles comfortably at 23°C (74°F), striking a perfect balance for those looking to explore the stunning landscapes surrounding Lake Kariba. As the days grow warmer but nights remain pleasantly cool, May serves as an ideal time to enjoy the region's vibrant wildlife and breathtaking sunsets. This gradual change reflects a broader trend of decreasing temperatures as the region heads into the cooler winter months.
In May, Kariba, Zimbabwe experiences a notable decline in precipitation, receiving only 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain over the course of just one day. This reduction continues the trend set in April, where rainfall dwindled to a meager 34 mm (1.3 in) after the generous downpours of the preceding months like January and February, which both averaged around 241 mm (9.5 in) of rain. As the region transitions towards the dry winter months, both the volume of rainfall and the number of rainy days sharply decrease, indicating a significant shift in the climate patterns of late autumn. With June bringing even less precipitation at 2 mm (0.1 in), it's clear that May marks the beginning of a pronounced dry spell, setting the stage for the subsequent arid months ahead.
As the year progresses in Kariba, Zimbabwe, May marks a significant shift in humidity levels. Starting from a peak of 87% in January, the humidity gradually decreases through the months, with May bringing a comfortable 61%. This steady decline mirrors the transition into the drier winter months, as humidity continues to drop further to 60% in June and 55% in July. The change is refreshing, enabling residents and visitors alike to enjoy outdoor activities without the oppressive moisture experienced earlier in the year. May’s climate offers a delightful balance that hints at the approaching winter, characterized by clearer skies and pleasant temperatures.
In May, Kariba, Zimbabwe experiences a very high UV Index of 10, indicating significant sun exposure risks with a burn time of 15 minutes. As the temperature rises toward winter, the UV Index decreases from the extreme levels of January through April, where it peaked at an astonishing 17 in January. This trend of diminishing UV intensity continues into June and July, where the Index hovers around 8. However, come August, the UV levels rebound to 10, reminding residents and visitors alike of the persistent need for sun protection. Staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for enjoying the great outdoors safely. For more details, visit Kariba UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
As May settles in Kariba, Zimbabwe, the town basks in an impressive 338 hours of sunshine, continuing a trend of abundant daylight that has characterized the months leading up to it. Following a peak in March with 343 hours, the sunny days of April and May have both maintained a delightful warmth, making this part of the year particularly inviting. The sunshine seems to bloom steadily as winter approaches, with the hours slightly tapering off in June but still offering a generous 317 hours. This string of bright months not only enhances the stunning landscapes of Kariba but also enriches experiences for residents and visitors alike, creating an atmosphere that is undeniably vibrant.
In Kariba, Zimbabwe, May marks a significant shift toward sunnier days, with the likelihood of clear skies soaring to 83%. This trend is reflective of a broader pattern observed as the year progresses: starting from just 18% in January, the chance of sunshine steadily climbs to 70% in April, culminating in an inviting May. Following this peak, though the sunshine remains plentiful into the cooler months of June and July, the early onset of winter does bring a slight dip. Overall, May stands out as a delightful time for sunseekers, hinting at the beautiful weather that lies ahead in the African autumn.
In Kariba, Zimbabwe, the transition into May marks a subtle yet notable shift in daylight duration, as the region experiences 11 hours of daylight—consistent with both April and the following months through August. This gradual decrease from the steady 12 hours seen in the earlier months of the year continues a pattern of shorter days leading into the winter months. The daylight duration not only complements the cooler season but also enhances the beauty of the landscape, allowing ample time to soak in the serene views. As the year progresses past May, daylight duration stabilizes before increasing again toward the end of the year, creating a rhythmic cycle that characterizes life in this vibrant region.
In May, Kariba experiences a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 2.2 m/s (5 mph), consistent with the quieter atmospheric conditions of the preceding months. Following the slight uptick in April, where winds reached 2.6 m/s (6 mph), May sees a return to a calmer state, mirroring the trends of March and June. This stability in wind patterns through the early months hints at the serene ambiance that characterizes the onset of winter in this beautiful region of Zimbabwe. As the year progresses, the winds will gradually intensify, reaching a peak in September and October with speeds of 3.6 m/s (8 mph), showcasing a seasonal shift that invites outdoor enthusiasts to revel in the breathtaking landscapes that surround Lake Kariba.
Weather in Kariba varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Kariba, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
When comparing the weather in May and January, we see distinct differences in temperature and precipitation. May experiences milder temperatures, with averages ranging from a minimum of 14°C (57°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F), alongside low precipitation of just 9 mm (0.4 in) over one day and moderate humidity at 61%. In contrast, January boasts warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 21°C (69°F) and a maximum reaching 35°C (95°F), but also high rainfall, accumulating 241 mm (9.5 in) over 18 days and noticeably higher humidity at 87%. For more detailed insights on January weather, you can check Kariba weather in January.
When comparing the weather between May and February, distinct differences emerge. May experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 14°C (57°F) and a pleasant average of 23°C (74°F), peaking at a comfortable 33°C (91°F). The month is relatively dry, receiving only 9 mm (0.4 in) of precipitation over just one day, along with moderate humidity levels of 61%. In contrast, February is significantly warmer, with minimum temperatures around 22°C (71°F) and an average of 26°C (79°F), reaching highs of 36°C (96°F). This month is also quite wet, receiving a substantial 242 mm (9.5 in) of rainfall spread across 23 days, contributing to a higher humidity level of 84%. For a more detailed look at February's weather, visit Kariba weather in February.
In comparing the weather of May and March, we see significant differences in temperature and precipitation. May tends to have milder conditions with minimum temperatures around 14°C (57°F) and a pleasant average of 23°C (74°F), peaking at a maximum of 33°C (91°F). In contrast, March is notably warmer, with minimum temperatures at 19°C (67°F), an average of 27°C (80°F), and maximums soaring up to 36°C (97°F). Additionally, March experiences much higher precipitation with 127 mm (5.0 in) over 15 days, compared to May’s relatively dry spell of just 9 mm (0.4 in) and a single day of rain. The humidity levels also reflect this difference, with March being more humid at 80% compared to May's 61%. For a closer look at March weather patterns, you can visit Kariba weather in March.
In comparing the weather of May to that of April, it's evident that May enjoys slightly cooler temperatures, with average highs reaching 33°C (91°F) compared to April's warmer average maximum of 35°C (95°F). Notably, May experiences lower humidity at 61%, while April's humidity is higher at 70%. Precipitation also drops significantly in May, with only 9 mm (0.4 in) over just one day, in stark contrast to April's 34 mm (1.3 in) spread over five days. For more insights on April's weather in this region, you can refer to Kariba weather in April.
May and June present slightly different weather patterns, with May generally being warmer. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 14°C (57°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F), with an average temperature of 23°C (74°F). This month sees a modest amount of precipitation at 9 mm (0.4 in) over one day, and humidity levels hover around 61%.
In contrast, June experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 13°C (56°F) and a maximum of 30°C (86°F), leading to an average temperature of 21°C (70°F). Moreover, June is drier, receiving only 2 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation with no rainy days, and humidity remains comparable at 60%.
For more detailed insights, refer to Kariba weather in June.
In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 14°C (57°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F), with an average of 23°C (74°F). The month sees a moderate amount of rain, accumulating 9 mm over just one day, and humidity levels are around 61%. In contrast, July experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 13°C (55°F), an average of 20°C (69°F), and a maximum of 30°C (86°F). Precipitation is minimal in July, accumulating only 2 mm and occurring over no days, while humidity dips to 55%. This makes July generally drier and cooler compared to May. For more details, you can visit Kariba weather in July.
May and August in Kariba exhibit some intriguing differences in weather patterns. Both months feature a similar minimum temperature of 14°C (57°F) and an average of 23°C (74°F). However, August tends to be warmer at the maximum end, reaching up to 35°C (95°F), compared to May's peak of 33°C (91°F). Additionally, May experiences a modest amount of precipitation, averaging 9 mm (0.4 in) over one day, while August boasts completely dry conditions with no recorded rainfall. Humidity levels also differ, with May being more humid at 61%, whereas August's humidity drops to 47%. For more detailed information on August weather, you can visit Kariba weather in August.
May and September offer contrasting weather experiences, despite their similar minimum temperatures. In May, the average temperature is around 23°C (74°F), accompanied by a relatively high humidity of 61%, with occasional rainfall adding up to 9 mm over a single day. In contrast, September sees a warmer average temperature of 26°C (80°F), peaking at a scorching 38°C (100°F). The humidity drops significantly to 37%, and precipitation is virtually nonexistent, with just 2 mm recorded across the month. This transition from the milder, more humid conditions of May to the dry heat of September is quite noticeable. For more details on specific weather conditions in September, you can check Kariba weather in September.
In May, temperatures range from a mild 14°C (57°F) to a warm 33°C (91°F), with an average of 23°C (74°F). This month experiences low precipitation, with only about 9 mm (0.4 in) over just one rainy day and a humidity level of 61%. In contrast, October sees higher temperatures, with nighttime lows of 19°C (66°F) and highs reaching a sweltering 41°C (106°F), averaging 29°C (85°F). While precipitation slightly increases to 12 mm (0.5 in) over the same single day of rain, humidity drops to a dryer 33%. For those interested in learning more about seasonal conditions, check out Kariba weather in October.
May and November present quite different weather patterns. In May, the temperatures range from a refreshing 14°C (57°F) at night to a warm 33°C (91°F) during the day, along with low precipitation of just 9 mm (0.4 in) over a single day, and a humidity level of 61%. In contrast, November heats up significantly, with temperatures starting at a milder 21°C (71°F) and soaring to a scorching 40°C (104°F). This month sees considerably more rainfall, totaling 60 mm (2.3 in) spread over 9 days, and humidity slightly decreases to 56%. To learn more about the weather in November, check out Kariba weather in November.
In May, the weather features a pleasant range of temperatures, with minimums around 14°C (57°F) and a comfortable average of 23°C (74°F), peaking at 33°C (91°F). The humidity is moderate at 61%, and with only 9 mm (0.4 in) of precipitation over just one rainy day, May tends to be relatively dry. In contrast, December presents a much warmer climate, with minimum temperatures rising to 21°C (71°F) and averages of 28°C (83°F), occasionally reaching scorching highs of 39°C (102°F). This month is significantly wetter, boasting 172 mm (6.8 in) of rainfall across 18 days, and higher humidity at 80%. For a more detailed look at December's weather patterns, visit Kariba weather in December.
May in Kariba brings a refreshing shift in weather, with comfortably warm days and cooler nights. The average temperature settles pleasantly, offering a welcome respite from the heat of previous months. With just a hint of rain and lower humidity levels, this month is a perfect time for outdoor activities and exploring the stunning landscapes. As the region transitions into the cooler winter months, you'll enjoy a more temperate climate, making it ideal for relaxation and adventures. For more detailed insights into the weather patterns, visit Kariba Climate.