Therefore it is truly a great thing to be prepared for all circumstances by checking news and advisories. One of the things you should check is the climate and weather of the country you are going to visit. This will help you pack the right clothes and bring the right accessories that you would need for the duration of your stay.

Zimbabwe, which lies south of the equator is a tropical country although the climate and temperature is dependent on altitude. This means that the country’s climate is temperate Rainfall is likewise affected by altitude and those areas that are higher and those that are located in the east receive more rainfall and a lot cooler than the lower regions. In winter, the temperature highveld drops to about 12 °C to 13 °C, which is about 54 °F to 55 °F. At summer time the average temperature is a mild 24 °C or about 75 °F.

In contrast, the lowveld temperature can be about 6 °C or just 11 °F in winter and soar up to an average that ranges between 32 °C to 38 °C or between 90 °F to 100 °F in summer.

The eastern parts of Zimbabwe receive over 100 centimeters of rainfall annually. As you go further west, Bulawayo receives about 61 centimeters of rain a year while Harare gets around 81 centimeters of rain per annum. Conditions are different in the south and southwestern sections of the country as the areas here receive very little rainfall and it is quite common to have water shortages in these parts.

Zimbabwe experiences a wet summer during the months of November until March, which is then followed by transitional weather when the temperatures and the amount of rainfall go down. This period is immediately followed by a dry and cool season from mid-May to mid-August that moves on to a warm and dry season until November.

The best time to visit Zimbabwe is between April and May and again between July and September before the onset of the rainy season. The tall grasses that grew tall due to the rains and cooler weather would be thinner and more animals could be seen around the water holes. During these months, the rain usually falls either during the night or during the early morning hours. Expect to experience some very cold and even freezing evenings, though.

Generally, the coolest month of the year in Zimbabwe is June while the warmest month is October. Altitude plays a great part in the variation in temperature. Harare is about 4,800 feet above sea level and its seasonal temperatures range from 14 °C or 57 °F to 21 °C or 70 °F. On the other hand Inyanga is about 5,500 feet above sea level and its temperature varies from 11 °C or 52 °F around July and goes up in October to about 18 °C or about 65 °F. Bulawayo is quite low at 4,400 feet and temperatures here range from 14 °C or 57 °F to around 21 °C, which is just about 70 °F. Bulawayo and Harare normally gets eight hours of sunshine each day even when the rains come.

If you plan on traveling to Zimbabwe, you should check the current prevailing weather conditions and temperature as well as the weather forecasts for the cities you plan to visit. Global warming has an effect on the unpredictability of African weather patterns right now, so even if technically it is the rainy season, you might find that you places on your itinerary are experiencing an unusual dry weather.

Generally, the rains occur in the months of December until March. The areas in the east, which are higher, receive more rainfall while the low-lying western areas have less. The rains occur earlier in the northern areas.

Zimbabwe is very green during the months of April and May after the rains but you will find that the grasses would be starting to dry and the nighttime temperatures would be lower. You would need warmer clothes if you are planning to take a short vacation in Zimbabwe between June and August as the nights will be much cooler. These months are also the perfect times for more game sightings. The water sources become limited during the months of September and October and there will be more opportunities to see a variety of wildlife congregating around the fewer water holes, although this period is also when the temperatures are on the rise again.

To be prepared for all weather and temperature conditions, it is best to pack warmer clothes that you can use in the evening and bring plenty of summer wear for daytime use. Bring lots of high-SPF sunscreen and apply it liberally. Do not forget a wide-brimmed hat, cap, travel umbrella and dark sunglasses. Lip balms and skin moisturizers will also ensure that your skin will be protected. Mosquito repellant is also needed.