ZIMBABWE TRAVEL INFO

Climate

Summer: October to March with average temperatures ranging from 26-33°C

The rainy season is between December and March with the highest rainfall in January.

Winter:

Winters are dry and midday temperatures seldom go below 25°C, however night-time temperatures can drop to 6°C.

For updated information on weather conditions take a look at the Zimbabwe Meteorological Department's website: http://weather.utande.co.zw/

When to come

Though technically a tropical country, Zimbabwe refuses to conform to hot, sticky stereotypes. The highveld climate is as close as possible to perfection, with dry season temperatures similar to those of the Mediterranean, but without the humidity. Surprisingly perhaps, the capital Harare's highest recorded temperature peak of 35°C is below that of London. Altitude is the most important determinant. The low-lying areas off the plateau – Kariba, the Zambezi river valley and Victoria Falls – get considerably hotter than the higher-lying towns in the rainy season.

Deciding when to come is really a question of what you're after:

• For game viewing, the dry season (May-Nov) is recommended, as wildlife concentrates around scarce water; it's cold at night and in the early morning, but warm enough for T-shirts in the middle of the day. Temperatures climb toward September – an optimum “spring” month which combines good wildlife with colourful vegetation. October and November, the hottest months are the prime time for wildlife, when animals are restricted to a few water-holes.

• The arrival of the rainy season in December does much to damp temperatures. The rains, which last until March, are a time of lush new growth – a scenically beautiful period. This is also the season that hosts a startling number and variety of birds.

• April and May, the “autumn” months are perhaps ideal for overall travels – warm and dry with the land still fresh from the rains.