Autumn

Because Lesotho lies in the southern hemisphere, Autumn falls at the opposite time of the year to its northern hemisphere equivalent. It also tends to possess a less distinctly autumnal character in Lesotho than it does in Europe or North America.

Autumn falls over April and May, when average temperatures in Maseru and the relatively low-lying west typically reach a maximum of around 20°C and drop to around 10°C at night. Often, the pattern tends less towards these averages than it does runs of a few successive days of summery weather followed by a few that are more winter-like. Temperatures are typically around 3-5°C lower at medium-high altitudes. The highest peaks are often considerable chillier and might even receive snow.

Lesotho falls in a summer rainfall zone, with some two-thirds of the annual precipitation falling over November to March. As a rule, April and May are a lot drier but the countryside still possesses a green and wall-watered appearance until the first overnight frosts arrive, usually in May or June. Autumn days tend to be very sunny, but afternoon rainstorms are always a possibility, and mist might reduce visibility in the mountains at any time of year.

The combination of low rainfall, temperate weather and green landscape make autumn perfect for popular outdoor activities such as hiking, trail running, pony-trekking, mountain biking and abseiling. These are unlikely to be greatly disrupted by extreme weather in April or May, but still it is a good idea to carry adequate rain gear and warm clothing in case of storms or cold snaps, especially at higher altitudes.

Autumn is not a prime time for birdwatching. This is because altitudinal and Palaearctic migrant species have generally departed the country, and many colourful breeding residents, for instance weavers, bishops and widows, revert to their dull non-breeding plumage.

April and May fall within the fishing season and they generally offer excellent condition for fly-fisherman, with rivers being less silty than during the wetter midsummer months.

Autumn is a good time of year to explore the country in a 4x4, bearing in mind that remoter roads might temporarily become impassable as a result of rain damage, rockfalls or swollen rivers.

There is no skiing or snowboarding in Autumn.