Summer

Because Lesotho lies in the southern hemisphere, seasons fall at the opposite time of year to their northern hemisphere counterparts, which means that summer runs from November to February.

Even in midsummer, Lesotho’s relatively high altitude and distance from the equator create more temperate conditions than one might expect of Africa. On a typical summer day in Maseru or elsewhere in the relatively low-lying west, the maximum temperature would seldom exceed 28°C, and it usually drops below 15°C at night. Temperatures are typically around up to 5°C lower at medium-high altitudes. The highest peaks are often considerably chillier.

Lesotho lies within in a summer rainfall zone. The average precipitation over November to March is typically around 100mm per month, much of which falls in short but stormy afternoon cloudbursts. Hail is also possible, especially at higher altitudes, and mist might reduce visibility in the mountains at any time of year.

Summer is generally the most pleasant time to visit Lesotho. Temperatures are comfortable and following the first spring rains, the countryside is blanketed green and liberally adorned with wildflowers. Summer is the well suited to popular outdoor activities such as hiking, trail running, pony-trekking, mountain biking and abseiling, but it is a good idea to carry adequate rain gear in case of storms.

Birdwatchers are encouraged to visit Lesotho in summer, when resident bird populations are supplemented by a wide variety of intra-African and Palaearctic migrants, and several other species shed their dull winter plumage in favour of brighter breeding colours.

For fly-fisherman, midsummer falls within the official fishing season, but since rivers tend to silt up at the height of the rainy season, it is better to avoid the period from December to February.

Summer is also a good time of year to explore the country in a 4x4, bearing in mind that more rough and remote unsurfaced roads might temporarily become impassable as a result of rain damage, rockfalls or swollen rivers.

There is no skiing or snowboarding in summer.