Seasons

Nowhere in the world has a perfect climate, but for most of the year Lesotho comes pretty close. It receives an average of eight to ten hours sunshine daily throughout the year, yet the relatively high altitude and distance from the equator ensure the climate is pleasantly temperate by African standards.

With Lesotho being in the southern hemisphere, its seasons fall at the opposite time of year to their northern hemisphere equivalent. Running from October to April, late Spring, Summer and early Autumn are marked by comfortably warm daytime temperatures and cooler but tolerable nights. The midwinter months of June to August can be very cold, especially at higher altitudes, which receive regular snowfall, while May and September also tend to feel more wintery than summery.

Some popular activities in Lesotho are very seasonal. The skiing and snowboarding season, for instance, runs from June to August, while birdwatchers will find the country most rewarding over December to March.

The fly-fishing season opens each year on 1 September and closes on 31 May. However, rivers tend to slit up at the height of the rainy season, so the premier months are September to November and March to May.

Other popular outdoor activities such as hiking, trail running, pony-trekking, mountain biking and abseiling can be undertaken at any time of year. Summer tends to be stormier than winter, but it is preferable in all other respects, thanks to the greener landscapes, warmer weather and diminished likelihood of snow at high altitudes. The first rains of spring and early summer induce a riot of wildflowers, but the Autumn months of April and May, which also mark the end of the rainy season, probably represent the optimum time for most outdoor activities.

Although weather is typically sunny, it is also very fickle, especially at high altitudes, where heavy mist and rain often descend seemingly out of nowhere. It is a good idea to carry a generous supply of warm and waterproof clothing at all times of year.