Harare
Harare is Zimbabwe's capital and a practical stop on the highveld, with a national gallery, a large market and a base for trips across the country.
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Harare is the capital of Zimbabwe, in the country's northeast on a high plateau that keeps the city cooler than many lowland towns. It is the main hub for flights, government and business. Its best-known places include the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, which holds a collection of Shona stone sculpture, and Mbare Musika, a large market where traders sell produce, secondhand goods and crafts.
Harare suits a short stay of two or three days, either as a first stop after arriving by air or as a break between longer trips to the country's waterfalls, lakes and national parks. The dry season, from May to October, is the most comfortable time to visit, with clear skies and mild days. Plan your onward transport before you leave the city, since the rest of the country is spread out.
Harare in five
- Check the visa rule for your passportMany passports need a visa for Zimbabwe, and the rules can change. Check the current requirements with the immigration department before you book flights.Visas and entry
- Carry small US dollar notesMany prices in Harare are quoted in US dollars, and change is often short in shops. Bring small notes so you can pay for taxis and snacks without asking for change.Money and costs
- Get a local SIM or eSIMEconet, NetOne and Telecel are the main mobile networks. Buy data before you leave the airport, because maps and taxi bookings need a connection.Phones and eSIM
- Pre-book your airport transferHarare International Airport is outside the city centre. Arrange a driver with a confirmed name and car registration before you land.Getting around
- Buy insurance that covers medical evacuationSerious cases may need treatment outside the country, and private care is often paid up front. Check that your policy covers medical evacuation.Travel insurance
Need to know
- Currency
- Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG); US dollars widely used
- Entry
- Visa needed by many passports; check the official immigration rules first
- Emergency
- Ask your hotel for police and ambulance numbers before you need them
- Tipping
- Check the bill for a service charge before you add a tip
- Time
- UTC+2, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryHeavy rain
- FebruaryHeavy rain
- MarchRain tapering
- AprilClearing, mild
- MayDry, mild
- JuneCool, dry
- JulyCool nights
- AugustDry, warming
- SeptemberWarm, dry
- OctoberHot, storms start
- NovemberEarly rains
- DecemberRainy season
Right now in Harare
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
24
- Feels like
- 22°
- Humidity
- 30%
- Wind
- 8 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 0%
Harare
12:37 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today32°17°0%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 32°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Wed32°18°2%Wednesday: Partly cloudy. High 32°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Thu32°19°6%Thursday: Clear. High 32°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 6%.
- Fri33°19°8%Friday: Clear. High 33°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 8%.
- Sat33°21°14%Saturday: Cloudy. High 33°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 14%.
- Sun33°19°37%Sunday: Drizzle. High 33°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 37%.
Updated 08:20 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Lake Chiveroabout 40 to 60 minutes by carA large reservoir close to the city, with picnic spots and birdlife.
- Domboshavaabout 45 min by carGranite hills with ancient rock paintings and a walk to the top.
- Great Zimbabweabout 4 hours by roadStone ruins of a medieval city, the best-known archaeological site in the country.
Before you go to Harare
Rules for Harare, checked
- Check Zimbabwe's visa rules with the immigration department before you fly, since they depend on your passport.
- Ask permission before photographing government buildings, police or military sites, and respect any signs that forbid it.
- Use a pre-booked or licensed taxi at night, and keep bags closed and close to you in busy streets.
Plan around Harare
Cities, roads, entry and sights beyond Harare
Read the guideVisas and entryWhich passports need a visa and where to check
Read the guideMoney and cardsPaying in US dollars and ZWG without surprises
Read the guideWhere to stayCentral Harare, Avondale and Borrowdale compared
Read the guideGetting aroundTaxis, minibuses and airport transfers
Read the guidePhones and eSIMNetworks and data for maps and taxi bookings
Read the guideHarare FAQ
Is Harare worth visiting?
Yes, for two or three days. Visit Heroes' Acre and the National Gallery, then use the city as a base for trips to Great Zimbabwe and Lake Chivero.
How many days do you need in Harare?
Two days covers the city centre, a gallery and one day trip. Add a third day for Domboshava or a slower pace.
Do I need a visa for Zimbabwe?
It depends on your passport. Check the official immigration rules before you book flights.
Is Harare safe for tourists?
Standard city precautions apply. Use pre-booked taxis after dark, keep valuables out of sight, and ask your hotel which streets to avoid.
What money should I bring to Harare?
Bring small US dollar notes and a card for hotels. Many prices are quoted in US dollars, and small change is often short.
Can I visit Victoria Falls from Harare?
Yes, by air, which is the quickest option. The road journey is long, so check flight schedules before you plan a day around it.