in Zimbabwe: when to go?

subtropical sec climate

Le Zimbabwe bénéficie d'un climat subtropical tempéré par l'altitude, avec des températures remarquablement douces pour un pays situé sous les tropiques. Trois saisons distinctes rythment l'année : la saison sèche et fraîche de mai à août (hiver austral), idéale pour les safaris avec une visibilité exceptionnelle de la faune ; la saison sèche et chaude de septembre à novembre, parfaite pour découvrir les chutes Victoria dans toute leur splendeur ; et enfin la saison des pluies de décembre à avril, transformant le paysage en un écrin de verdure luxuriante mais rendant certaines pistes impraticables. Les hauts plateaux centraux, où se trouve Harare, jouissent d'un microclimat particulièrement agréable avec des nuits fraîches même en été. Pour un voyage optimal, privilégiez la période d'avril à septembre qui combine températures confortables, faible pluviométrie et conditions parfaites pour l'observation animalière. Les amateurs de photographie apprécieront particulièrement les mois de mai à août quand la végétation clairsemée facilite les rencontres avec les Big Five dans les parcs nationaux de Hwange et Mana Pools.

Best period
April to September
Good alternatives
October to November
Rainy season
December to March
Ideal:AprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptember
Avoid:DecemberJanuaryFebruaryMarch

Year-round overview

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Ideal (5)Favorable (4)Fair (3)Unfavorable (2)Not recommended (1)

Climate in numbers

Monthly temperatures and precipitation

Temperature (°C)

Precipitation (mm)

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Month by month

Find detailed climate information for each month of the year.

Temperature

16° — 26°C

Precipitation

190 mm

Average temperature

21°C

Rating

Moyen

By climate zone

Hauts plateaux centraux2/5

Paysages luxuriants mais routes difficiles. Paludisme plus fréquent dans les zones basses.

Temperature

16° — 26°C

Precipitation

150 mm

Average temperature

21°C

Rating

Moyen

By climate zone

Hauts plateaux centraux2/5

Encore beaucoup d'averses. Certains camps de safari ferment temporairement.

Temperature

15° — 27°C

Precipitation

100 mm

Average temperature

21°C

Rating

Correct

By climate zone

Hauts plateaux centraux3/5

Transition vers la saison sèche. Végétation encore dense, observation animalière limitée.

Temperature

12° — 26°C

Precipitation

35 mm

Average temperature

19°C

Rating

Bon

By climate zone

Hauts plateaux centraux4/5

Excellente période de transition. Températures douces et pluies qui s'espacent.

Temperature

8° — 24°C

Precipitation

10 mm

Average temperature

16°C

Rating

Idéal

By climate zone

Hauts plateaux centraux5/5

Conditions idéales pour les safaris. Nuits fraîches, prévoir des vêtements chauds.

Temperature

6° — 22°C

Precipitation

5 mm

Average temperature

14°C

Rating

Idéal

By climate zone

Hauts plateaux centraux5/5

Pic de la saison sèche. Visibilité maximale de la faune, ciel cristallin.

Temperature

6° — 23°C

Precipitation

3 mm

Average temperature

14.5°C

Rating

Idéal

By climate zone

Hauts plateaux centraux5/5

Mois le plus sec de l'année. Parfait pour Hwange et les chutes Victoria.

Temperature

9° — 26°C

Precipitation

5 mm

Average temperature

17.5°C

Rating

Idéal

By climate zone

Hauts plateaux centraux5/5

Températures qui remontent doucement. Conditions exceptionnelles pour tous les safaris.

Temperature

13° — 30°C

Precipitation

8 mm

Average temperature

21.5°C

Rating

Bon

By climate zone

Hauts plateaux centraux4/5

Très bonne période malgré la chaleur croissante. Débit minimal des chutes Victoria.

Temperature

17° — 32°C

Precipitation

25 mm

Average temperature

24.5°C

Rating

Bon

By climate zone

Hauts plateaux centraux4/5

Chaleur intense mais sec. Concentration maximale des animaux près des points d'eau.

Temperature

17° — 30°C

Precipitation

75 mm

Average temperature

23.5°C

Rating

Correct

By climate zone

Hauts plateaux centraux3/5

Premières averses orageuses. Atmosphère lourde mais végétation qui reverdit.

Temperature

16° — 27°C

Precipitation

140 mm

Average temperature

21.5°C

Rating

Moyen

By climate zone

Hauts plateaux centraux2/5

Fortes averses quotidiennes. Nature luxuriante mais accès limité aux parcs reculés.

Frequently asked questions

Everything about the climate and the best time to visit in Zimbabwe

The best months to visit in Zimbabwe are April, May, June, July, August, September. This period offers favourable weather and ideal conditions for exploring the country at its best.

The subtropical climate of Zimbabwe alternates between dry and wet seasons, with consistently warm temperatures (average 21.5°C). Variations are more pronounced than in a classic tropical climate: winters can be cool depending on the region.

The wet season in Zimbabwe covers December, January, February, March, with frequent rainfall. Nature is lush but some itineraries may be affected. The dry season (April, May, June, July, August, September) is preferred.

If Zimbabwe is located in a typhoon zone, these phenomena generally occur in late summer and autumn. Our local agency monitors weather in real time and adapts itineraries as needed.

The driest months (April, May, June, July, August, September) offer the best conditions for cultural site visits and urban exploration. Pleasant temperatures, low humidity, and often clear skies for photography.

If your travel dates don't match the ideal season in in Zimbabwe, the Nomadays network brings together more than 100 local agencies worldwide. Get in touch to find out which destination would be ideal for your dates.

Landscape of Zimbabwe

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