Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is at its sunniest and driest in April–October.
The best time to visit Zimbabwe for sunny, dry weather is April–May and August–October — 5 months of the year match our sunny profiles at a country-wide average. The drier half of the year covers April–October, while the wetter half runs through November–March. Country-wide monthly temperatures range from 13.5°C / 56.3°F in July to 22.5°C / 72.5°F in November, and monthly rainfall from 1 mm / 0 in (July) to 185 mm / 7.3 in (January). Zimbabwe's climate is broadly seasonal. These are national area-weighted averages from long-term climate normals — regional variation within Zimbabwe can be substantial, especially for large or geographically diverse countries. Below, every month is classified against our five weather profiles so you can match your travel window to your preferred weather.
Recommended months
| Month | Temp | Rain | Feels like |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | 18.8°C65.8°F | 40 mm1.6″ | Sunny & Mild |
| May | 16.2°C61.2°F | 10 mm0.4″ | Sunny & Mild |
| August | 16°C60.8°F | 2 mm0.1″ | Sunny & Mild |
| September | 19.8°C67.6°F | 5 mm0.2″ | Sunny & Mild |
| October | 22.2°C72°F | 35 mm1.4″ | Sunny & Warm |
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Zimbabwe?
The best time to visit Zimbabwe for sunny, dry weather is April, May, August, September, October. The warmest month is November (22.5°C / 72.5°F country-wide average) and the driest is July (about 1 mm / 0 in). These months combine warmth with low rainfall based on long-term climate normals.
When is the rainy season in Zimbabwe?
The rainy season in Zimbabwe runs through November–March, when monthly rainfall exceeds the national annual median of about 40 mm / 1.6 in. The wettest single month is January, averaging 185 mm / 7.3 in.
What is the dry season in Zimbabwe?
The drier half of the year in Zimbabwe covers April–October, when monthly rainfall stays at or below the annual median of about 40 mm / 1.6 in. The driest single month is July with about 1 mm / 0 in.
What months should I avoid visiting Zimbabwe?
The least comfortable months for travel in Zimbabwe — based on our climate data — are January, February, May, June, July, August, December. These are Zimbabwe's wettest or coolest months. Rainfall peaks at 185 mm / 7.3 in in January, and temperatures bottom out at 13.5°C / 56.3°F in July.
Is there a shoulder season in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe doesn't have a distinct shoulder season by our heuristics — its climate is either sunny-and-dry or clearly outside those bounds most of the year. Consider the July window (driest) or November window (warmest) as alternatives to peak season.