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The Weather and Climate in Zimbabwe

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The country of Zimbabwe enjoys a sub-tropical climate though it lies below the equator, in the tropic region. The country’s altitude is the main reason why it experiences such type of climate, wherein its terrain is mostly high plateaus and high veld areas and mountain ranges in the east (Eastern Highlands). Hot and dry season is from August to October while wet and rainy season is from November to March.

Summer in Zimbabwe lasts for as long as 8 months, from October until April where the average temperature is 30oC. However, in low lying areas like the Zambezi Valley along with the areas of Kariba and the Victoria Falls, temperature in the summer season tends to be hotter. It is a bit cooler in the high veld where the average temperature is 24oC.

Even though it is summer, Zimbabwe still experiences rainfall because its rainy season lasts from November until March. The Eastern Highlands, stretching from Nyanga in the north up to Chimanimani in the south, receives rainfall throughout the year. The region receives more amount of rainfall than the lower areas of the country. The south and southwest parts of Zimbabwe receive the least amount of rainfall during this season.

Winters are mild and pleasant where average temperature is 20oC, though it can get extremely colder during the night where temperature can be freezing especially in the high veld (temperature is at 12oC on the average). It is the peak season for tourism in the country since tourists enjoy white water rafting and other sports.