"Harare, Huya Uone | Harare, Come and See"
About:
Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, was founded in 1890 as Salisbury, a British South Africa Company settlement. It was named after UK Prime Minister Lord Salisbury. Renamed Harare in 1982, it became a municipality in 1897 and achieved city status in 1935. Harare experienced rapid growth post-independence in 1980. Despite economic challenges since the late 1990s, it remains Zimbabwe's leading financial, commercial, and communications center, and a trade hub for tobacco, maize, cotton, and citrus fruits.
When to visit:
Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe, experiences a subtropical highland climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The optimal time to visit Harare for a holiday is during the dry season, which typically occurs from May to October. During this period, visitors can expect clear skies, mild temperatures, and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, travelers should be prepared for cooler evenings and nights, especially in the months of June and July.
When to avoid:
Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe, experiences its peak rainy season from November to March, making this period the least favorable time to travel for a holiday. Heavy rainfall and potential flooding can disrupt travel plans and outdoor activities during this time. Additionally, the humidity levels are high, which can make sightseeing and exploring the city uncomfortable for visitors. It is recommended to avoid traveling to Harare during the peak rainy season to ensure a more enjoyable and hassle-free holiday experience.
"Rainy Season (Nov–Mar)"
In Harare, Zimbabwe, the coldest and wettest portion of the year is from November to March, known as the rainy season. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C. Rainfall is abundant, with an average of 150mm per month, and there's significant cloud cover, reducing sunlight hours to 5-6 per day. Thunderstorms are common, often in the afternoon. An average day for a visitor might start sunny and warm, then turn cool and rainy in the afternoon. Despite the rain, the vibrant green landscape and blooming jacarandas make it visually stunning.
"Hot Season (October–April)"
In Harare, Zimbabwe, the warmest part of the year is typically from October to April, with the peak temperatures occurring in October and November. During this period, daily high temperatures average around 28-30°C (82-86°F), while the nighttime lows rarely drop below 15°C (59°F).
Rainfall is quite significant in these months, with the wettest period being from December to February. The city can receive up to 200mm of rainfall per month during this time, contributing to a high humidity level, often above 80%.
Despite the rain, Harare generally enjoys a good amount of sunlight during the warmest part of the year. The city experiences an average of 6-7 hours of sunshine per day, although cloudiness can increase during the rainy season.
For a visitor, a typical day in Harare during the warmest part of the year would feel hot and humid, especially in the afternoons. Mornings are generally cooler and more comfortable. It's common for the day to start with bright sunshine, followed by cloud buildup and afternoon thundershowers, which can bring a refreshing relief from the heat.
Language:
In Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe, the most commonly spoken language is Shona. This Bantu language is native to the Shona people of Zimbabwe. English is also widely spoken, serving as the country's official language and the medium of instruction in schools. Other languages such as Ndebele and Tonga are also spoken, but to a lesser extent.