Gaborone has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild, dry winters. The best time to visit is the dry season, from May to September, when daytime temperatures are comfortable (18–25°C) and there is almost no rain. Winter nights can be cold, dropping to 5°C or below, so bring a layer.
The summer months, October to March, bring intense heat (regularly above 35°C) and afternoon thunderstorms. The rains turn the bush green almost overnight, which is photogenic, but roads can become difficult and the heat is draining.
The Maitisong Festival, Botswana's main performing arts festival, takes place in late March or early April and brings theatre, music, and film to venues across the city. If you can time your visit to coincide, it offers a genuine window into Botswanan culture.