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Bulawayo

Weather in Булавайо by month: what to expect

Photo: Radozw at Serbian Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0

Weather overview

Булавайо enjoys a mild climate year-round, with distinct warm and cool seasons. The city sits at an elevation that keeps temperatures comfortable, even when nearby regions experience more extreme heat. Travelers will find Булавайо pleasant for outdoor activities, though the cooler months bring a noticeable drop in warmth.

From November to March, Булавайо sees its warmest weather, with daytime highs often reaching 26–30 °C. Nights remain mild, rarely dipping below 15 °C. The cooler season arrives in May and lasts through August, when temperatures ease into a gentler range. Evenings in Булавайо during these months can feel crisp, especially in June and July, when lows hover around 8 °C.

Temperature

Temperatures in Булавайо follow a steady rhythm, peaking in the late rainy season and dipping during the dry winter months. The hottest period spans October to November, when daytime highs frequently climb to 29–30 °C. By contrast, June and July bring the coolest weather, with average highs of just 20–21 °C and nighttime lows that can drop to 7–8 °C.

The shift between seasons is gradual, with April and September acting as transitional months. In April, Булавайо cools from its summer warmth, while September marks the return of rising temperatures. Travelers visiting in these months will find Булавайо’s weather mild, with daytime highs around 25–28 °C and nights that stay above 10 °C.

Even during the coolest months, Булавайо rarely feels cold during the day. The city’s elevation moderates extremes, so while nights in June or July may require a light jacket, afternoons often warm up enough for comfortable exploration.

Average air temperature °C
Average air temperature
Month Minimum Maximum
January 17.7 26.7
February 17.5 27.4
March 15.9 27.1
April 14 25.5
May 10 23.2
June 8.4 20.8
July 7.8 21.1
August 10.7 25.3
September 14 28.9
October 16 30.4
November 17.6 29.1
December 18.1 28.2

Precipitation

Rainfall in Булавайо is minimal, with the city experiencing a pronounced dry season. While specific monthly precipitation data isn’t available, the pattern is clear: Булавайо sees little to no rain for much of the year. The dry air and sunny skies make it an ideal destination for those who prefer consistent, rain-free conditions.

The lack of rainfall means travelers can expect reliable weather for outdoor plans. Whether visiting in the warmer months of November to March or the cooler period from May to August, Булавайо offers dry conditions that rarely disrupt activities. The absence of heavy rains also makes packing simpler, as waterproof gear is rarely necessary.

What to pack

For trips to Булавайо during the warmer months, lightweight clothing is ideal. From November to March, daytime temperatures often reach 26–30 °C, so breathable fabrics will keep you comfortable. Evenings can still be mild, so a light layer or shawl is useful for cooler nights, especially in March or April when temperatures begin to drop.

Visiting Булавайо in the cooler season requires slightly warmer attire. From May to August, nights can feel chilly, with lows around 8 °C, so packing a jacket or sweater is wise. Daytime temperatures remain pleasant, so layers that can be easily removed work well. A scarf or hat may also come in handy for early mornings or late evenings.

Since Булавайо stays dry year-round, rain gear isn’t necessary. Comfortable walking shoes are a good idea for exploring the city, and sunglasses or a hat will help shield you from the sun, which shines consistently regardless of the season.

Average monthly wind m/s
Average monthly wind
Month Wind speed
January 3.8
February 3.6
March 3.6
April 3.4
May 3.3
June 3.3
July 3.4
August 3.6
September 4.1
October 4.5
November 4
December 3.8