Best Time to Visit Harare

The dry season: May to August

Harare sits high up, so it's cooler than you'd expect this close to the tropics. From May to August the days are sunny and mild, and the rain nearly vanishes. Mornings and nights get properly cold, down to around 7°C in June and July, so you'll want a jacket for early drives.

This is the best time for hiking and wildlife. The grass is shorter and the roads are dry. Try Lake Chivero Recreational Park for birds and rhino, or the balancing rocks at Epworth. Nights are crisp, which suits a braai (a Zimbabwean barbecue) and a long dinner outside.

Late April is just as good. Rain is light and the city is still green after the wet months.

September to November: hot, then stormy

September and October are the warmest, driest-feeling months. October is the hottest, with highs around 31°C. Humidity is low, so it's a dry heat, not a sticky one. Jacaranda trees bloom purple along Harare's streets in October, and it's a lovely time for a city walk.

November is the turning point. Storms start to build and rain comes on about half the days. Afternoons can be hot and heavy, then break into a downpour. Mornings are usually your best window for sightseeing.

December to March: the rains

From December to February the rain is steady, and January is the wettest month. Skies stay grey and humid, and you'll get less sun than at any other time of year. The upside is that everything is green and the city is quiet. Showers often arrive in the afternoon, so plan museums and cafés for then. The National Gallery of Zimbabwe is a good wet-day stop.

Rain also makes some dirt roads rough, which matters if you're driving out of town. By March it's easing, and it's a decent shoulder month if you want fewer visitors.

Crowds and events

Harare never gets the crowds of a beach resort. The busiest time is the dry season, especially July and August, when many people come to combine the city with Victoria Falls and safaris. Christmas and Easter bring local family travel.

The Harare International Festival of the Arts, known as HIFA, is usually held around late April or early May. It's a big week of music, theatre and dance. Hotels fill up, so it's worth knowing the dates before you pick a week. The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, held in late August, is another local favourite.

If you want the easiest weather overall, aim for May or September.