Harare in May
In May, Harare averages 23°C (73°F) during the day and 11°C (51°F) at night, with around 5 days of rain (4 mm total).
High seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
May is a great month to visit Harare: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Harare
May is one of the coolest months in Harare (10th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C below the annual average (25°C). May runs 1°C cooler than April (24°C) and cools 2°C in June (21°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Harare
Times shown for Harare local time (Africa/Harare), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Harare — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Harare's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Harare in May
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 May's tier (High season) and Harare's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Harare
This is a busy month in Harare — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: excellent tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Harare
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
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow 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 May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Harare in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Harare in May?
In May, Harare averages a high of 23°C (73°F) and a low of 11°C (51°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Harare in May?
May sees occasional rain in Harare, with about 5 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Harare?
May is mild and pleasant and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Harare in May?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full May packing list for Harare for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.