Our verdict
The best time to visit Zambia is May-June
In the summer months, temperatures can reach as high as 35℃ (95℉) in Lusaka, Zambia. The coldest it usually gets in winter-time in Lusaka is around 10℃ (49℉). Temperatures can often differ in other locations in Zambia, so be sure to continue reading if you plan on visiting elsewhere.
The longest days between sunrise and sunset in Zambia are usually in October, so if you want to get the most out of your daytime activities, be sure to plan your visit around this time. The wet season in Zambia usually falls during the months surrounding January each year. It’s not uncommon to get some decent rainfall or light showers during this time, but on some days the weather tends to be fine for a majority of the day, with only a few drops of rain falling from a passing shower.
Below you’ll find loads more detailed information about when to travel to Zambia, including a monthly climate breakdown for the top destinations and loads of tools and recommendations to help you find flights and accommodation to suit your budget.Quick links: Fast facts / Seasons / Average temperatures / FAQs / Map
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Zambia seasons
Before you plan your trip, it’s important to know when the seasons are as they may be different to yours depending on where you’re travelling from. Zambia is in the Southern hemisphere, so the seasons fall on:
Season | Months |
---|---|
Summer | December to February |
Autumn/fall | March to May |
Winter | June to August |
Spring | September to November |
Best time to visit the top destinations in Zambia
We’ve put together a breakdown of the average minimum and maximum temperatures by month, as well as the best times to visit for each. To learn more about these destinations including detailed climate breakdowns and much more, click or tap the city/destination name below.
City | Best time to visit | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kafue | June-September | ↑↓ | 27℃19℃ | 26℃18℃ | 26℃18℃ | 26℃16℃ | 26℃14℃ | 24℃12℃ | 24℃11℃ | 27℃14℃ | 32℃17℃ | 34℃20℃ | 31℃21℃ | 29℃20℃ |
Livingstone | June-July | ↑↓ | 30℃20℃ | 29℃19℃ | 29℃18℃ | 29℃16℃ | 28℃14℃ | 26℃12℃ | 25℃11℃ | 29℃14℃ | 34℃18℃ | 36℃22℃ | 34℃22℃ | 31℃21℃ |
Lusaka | May-June | ↑↓ | 26℃18℃ | 25℃18℃ | 25℃17℃ | 25℃15℃ | 24℃13℃ | 23℃11℃ | 23℃10℃ | 26℃13℃ | 31℃16℃ | 33℃19℃ | 30℃19℃ | 27℃19℃ |
Explore Zambia
Top FAQs
Check out these guides for the top must-see destinations in Zambia: