Harare in December

In December, Harare averages 26°C (79°F) during the day and 17°C (62°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 22 days of the month see precipitation (169 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

December offers comfortable temperatures in Harare, with some rain to plan around.

26°C
Avg high
17°C
Avg low
22
Rain days
169 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Harare

4th
warmest month of the 12
3rd
wettest month of the 12
22%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
13 h 11 min
daylight on the 15th

December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Harare (4th of 12) and one of the wettest months (3rd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (25°C). December runs 2°C cooler than November (28°C) and cools 2°C in January (25°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Harare

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:15 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:26 PM
Day length
13 h 11 min

Times shown for Harare local time (Africa/Harare), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Harare — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Harare's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:15 AM – 4:55 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
4:55 AM – 5:55 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:46 PM – 6:46 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:46 PM – 7:26 PM

📅 When to book — Harare in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Shoulder) and Harare's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Harare

Shoulder

Harare is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Harare

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.9
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Harare in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 25°C / 76°F 16°C / 61°F 233 mm 27
February 25°C / 76°F 16°C / 61°F 145 mm 24
March 25°C / 77°F 15°C / 59°F 71 mm 20
April 24°C / 75°F 13°C / 56°F 45 mm 14
May 23°C / 73°F 11°C / 51°F 4 mm 5
June 21°C / 69°F 9°C / 48°F 2 mm 3
July 21°C / 69°F 8°C / 47°F 1 mm 3
August 24°C / 75°F 11°C / 51°F 0 mm 1
September 27°C / 81°F 14°C / 56°F 1 mm 1
October 29°C / 84°F 16°C / 60°F 19 mm 8
November 28°C / 82°F 16°C / 62°F 79 mm 17
December 26°C / 79°F 17°C / 62°F 169 mm 22

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Harare in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Harare in December?

In December, Harare averages a high of 26°C (79°F) and a low of 17°C (62°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Harare in December?

December is quite rainy in Harare, with about 22 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Harare?

December is warm but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Harare in December?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Harare for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Harare on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.