The Best Time to Visit Zambia
Published on: September 30th, 2024
Last updated: September 30th, 2024
The best time to visit Zambia is from May to October, during the dry, sunny winter months. These months offer the ideal African safari in Zambia conditions with excellent visibility in national parks like South Luangwa and Kafue, comfortable temperatures and high densities of animals gathering around limited water sources.
The wet season (known as the green season) runs between December and April. These months are great for skipping the crowds and offer fantastic bird watching activities, although some national parks close to protect the muddy land. The mighty Victoria Falls are at their most spectacular from February to May, as the swollen rivers of the rainy season finally reach the crest of the falls.
Zambia Month By Month Weather Guide
To help you decide the best time to visit Zambia we’ve created a month-by-month climate guide to highlight the varying weather conditions in some of our favourite regions. It’s important to note that the climate differs across the country, for instance, low-lying areas tend to be warmer than higher plateau regions, while the Zambezi River valley remains hot throughout most of the year.
January in Zambia
January is the heart of Zambia’s rainy season, so expect frequent heavy showers and thunderstorms. Humidity is high and daytime temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). Lush greenery covers the landscape and the roads can be difficult to navigate due to wet conditions.
February in Zambia
Similar to January, February is wet and humid with regular rain showers, especially in the afternoons. The temperature remains warm, typically between 23°C to 29°C (73°F to 84°F). Vegetation becomes vibrant green during this period, giving rise to the name ‘the green season’. February until May are great months to visit Victoria Falls, and we highly recommend a stay at Wilderness Toka Leya camp for falls, safari and much more.
March in Zambia
In March, the rainy season starts to taper off slightly. The rain showers are still frequent, but less intense. Temperatures cool slightly, ranging from 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F), still feeling humid in the heat and the landscape remains beautifully verdant.
April in Zambia
April marks the transition from the rainy season to the dry season. Rainfall becomes sporadic, and the skies are now clear for most of the day. Temperatures range between 20°C and 28°C (68°F to 82°F), and humidity starts to drop. The landscape remains green, but the rains are less of a daily occurrence.
May in Zambia
May is the start of the cool dry season, with little to no rainfall. The temperatures drop slightly, ranging from 15°C at night to 26°C (59°F to 79°F) during the day. The landscape is still green from the previous rains, the weather is pleasant and the animals are well fed and happy.
June in Zambia
June is cooler, especially in the mornings and evenings, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). Days are dry, clear and sunny, making it a great time for outdoor activities. Vegetation begins to dry up, though some areas remain lush.
July in Zambia
July is one of the coldest months in Zambia, with chilly mornings and evenings, as temperatures drop to 0°C (32°F), while daytime temperatures reach up to 24°C (75°F). You will need to wrap up warm for morning game drives with coats and hats. The skies are clear, and the dry weather continues. It’s a great month for wildlife viewing.
August in Zambia
In August, temperatures begin to rise again, ranging from 12°C (54°F) in the mornings to 28°C (82°F) during the day. The weather is still dry and clear, and the landscape starts to dry up further. This is the beginning of the hot dry season.
September in Zambia
September marks the beginning of the hot season. Daytime temperatures rise to around 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F), with very little to no rain. The air becomes drier, and the landscape appears more arid as vegetation dries out. At this time of year, animals tend to congregate in large numbers around the limited water sources.
October in Zambia
October is the peak of the hot season, with temperatures soaring between 35°C and 40°C (95°F to 104°F) in many areas. The air is extremely dry, and the land is parched. Towards the end of the month, some regions may experience the first light rains. Some years the rains arrive early, causing the end of the month to become quite wet.
November in Zambia
November brings the first significant rains, marking the start of the rainy season. The temperatures drop slightly, ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). The rains are sporadic, but the landscape begins to green again as vegetation starts to recover. This can be a great time for photographers to capture dramatic rain clouds of the savannas.
December in Zambia
December is characterised by frequent rain showers, especially in the afternoons and evenings. Temperatures range between 24°C and 30°C (75°F to 86°F). The air is humid, and the landscape becomes green and lush once again as the rainy season intensifies.
Best Things To Do in Zambia by Season
Walking safaris
The best time to go on a walking safari in Zambia is during the dry season, from May to October. Having clear visibility through the bush and dry conditions underfoot makes for a truly unforgettable experience as you cover plenty of ground, gaining a privileged, intimate connection to the land and wildlife. We recommend a camp-to-camp walking route, starting from South Luangwa, enjoying sleepouts in sand river beds.
Marvel at Victoria Falls
Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means ‘the smoke that thunders,' known as Victoria Falls, is considered one of the largest falls in the world with the biggest, constant curtain of water falling – a truly magnificent sight. The best time to visit Zambia’s Victoria Falls at their most dramatic is at the end of the rainy season between February and May. Wander the wooden walkways for magnificent views over the falls and be prepared to get wet from thick spray.
Birdwatching adventures
The best time to go birdwatching in Zambia is during the rainy season from December to April for lush, green bushland, which is a haven for migrating and endemic species of birds. There are nearly 900 species of birds in Zambia. Look out for some of our favourites: lilac-breasted rollers, fish eagles, bee-eaters, lovebirds and spoonbills. Although the rains can be heavy, they tend to set in during the afternoons, leaving mornings clear and sunny.
Go game driving
Zambia is one of the world's great wildlife destinations, with vast areas completely untouched by humans. To see as much as possible, we recommend hopping into a safari jeep and heading out for a day of exciting wildlife spotting. The best time to go on game drives in Zambia is during the dry season from May to October when the land is dry and you can access the remote corners of South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and Kafue national parks.
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