Best time to visit Zambia

Seasons and Climate in Zambia

Unlike in Europe, the yearly cycle in Zambia does not follow the classical seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Instead, the twelve months are divided into Zambia’s dry season and rainy season – typical for the Southern Hemisphere. Nonetheless, there are some peculiarities: The rainy season in Zambia is limited to a continuous period within the year. Additionally, there is a hot dry season alongside the cool dry season in Zambia.

Whether you prefer to visit Zambia during the best travel time between May and October or favor an alternative time frame depends significantly on your planned activities. You should also consider your respective location while planning. While the plateaus maintain an average temperature of 21 degrees Celsius, the river valleys in Zambia can average up to 25 degrees Celsius.

Unlike many other African countries, travelers from Central Europe find Zambia's tropical to subtropical climate pleasantly mild.

In the following, we will present to you the three prevailing seasons in detail.

Zambia's Rainy Season: November to April

Long and heavy rains are typical of Zambia's rainy season, which corresponds to the Central European winter until the beginning of spring. The roads in the national parks are often impassable during this season, and most lodges remain closed. Normally dry grass steppes turn into water-rich floodplains. Storms are also commonplace. January and February are particularly rainy. The daily high temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius with humid, warm air.

Zambia's Cool Dry Season: May to August

While spring and summer in Central Europe raise temperatures, the months of May to August are relatively cool in Zambia. Moreover, it generally remains dry. During the day, you can expect pleasantly summery high temperatures between 24 and 27 degrees Celsius. At night, it can noticeably cool down to 7 to 9 degrees Celsius. Locally, ground frost is even possible in June and July.

Zambia's Hot Dry Season: September to October

With high temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, 'Zambia’s summer' reaches its peak between September and October. This is particularly noticeable in the North Luangwa National Park, with sweat-inducing temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius. On average, there are 10 hours of sunshine per day heating things up. October is typically the warmest month. Good news for adventure seekers: wildlife safaris are now in high season!

Preferred Travel Time for Safaris in Zambia

Zambia is known for its biodiversity. In both the cool and warm dry seasons, the chances of numerous wildlife sightings are best. Besides classic game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, between May and October, other exciting safari activities are also available.

Look forward to:

• Guided walks with knowledgeable guides
• Boat trips
• Group horseback riding
• Bike tours and much more

Elephants, buffaloes, wildebeests, and other wildlife gather in large herds at the waterholes of the national parks. In their wake: predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas. Scantly green, the vast plains reveal views of the wildlife. Nothing remains hidden from you!

Best Travel Time for the Victoria Falls

Due to the already mentioned adverse weather conditions, it is generally advisable to avoid safari trips in many regions of Zambia during the rainy season. Quite differently, visiting the Victoria Falls at the border with Zimbabwe is another story. The high water levels turn the Zambezi River into a raging torrent at this time. The thundering water masses and the splashing spray of the Victoria Falls are particularly impressive between November and April.

Even though Zambia's weather has its own rules – with the right planning, you can travel to this Southern African state year-round.

Do you want to swim in the Devils Pool right at the edge of the Victoria Falls and enjoy the breathtaking view? When the Zambezi River has less water during the dry season between May and October, this is possible at your own risk. During the rainy season or at high water levels, entering the fast-flowing river is considered extremely risky.

The exposed rocks provide contrasting photo opportunities during the cool and hot dry seasons. Rafting tours are among the most popular activities on the Zambezi River all year round. Additionally, you can usually choose your hiking routes around the Victoria Falls freely during the low rainfall months. Expected closures due to flooding are then unlikely.

Zambia During the Rainy Season: A Secret Tip for Individualists

Depending on your destination, the rainy season between November and April can also be a good time for your trip to Zambia. Along with fewer visitors, you can also enjoy lower prices outside of high season.

Some regions of Zambia undergo a remarkable metamorphosis during this time. The barren land blooms in rich green. Where lush grass sprouts, hungry wildebeests are not far behind. From late October to June, you can observe large herds of hoofed animals on their seasonal migration through Liuwa Plains National Park. This natural spectacle can only be seen elsewhere in the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya.

Grab your camera and capture the wildlife migration in photos and sounds! Pure deceleration: On safari walks along green riverbanks, you can look out for exotic birds.

Seasonal Differences by Regions

Are you planning your first trip to Africa or are you drawn back to the cradle of humanity again and again? With 19 national parks and pristine landscapes, Zambia is a rewarding destination for both seasoned travelers and those yet inexperienced – and in many ways. The following travel times are suitable for Zambia's most popular regions:

South Luangwa National Park

In Zambia's most famous wildlife sanctuary, wildlife sightings are likely even in the early dry season in May and June. In pleasantly mild summer temperatures, besides elephants and buffaloes, you may also see Nile crocodiles, hippos, and zebras. From September, temperatures in the plains rise to up to 40 degrees Celsius. The Luangwa River is the heart of the national park established in 1972 – where most animals also gather.

Kafue National Park

The Kafue National Park, located in the southwest of Zambia, is the country's largest national park. Here, with a bit of luck, you may encounter four of the famous Big Five. Since the area covers 22,400 square kilometers, you should plan several days for safari activities. Even rare species like cheetahs, leopards, and African wild dogs can be found here. Between May and October, traveling is particularly worthwhile due to favorable weather in Zambia.

Lower Zambezi National Park

The Lower Zambezi National Park welcomes you at the northwestern bank of the Zambezi River. Here, you can often find large herds of elephants with up to 100 individuals. Besides big cats like lions and leopards, you may also observe swimming buffaloes in this 4,200 square kilometer area. Over 400 bird species make the national park interesting for ornithologists. In the dry season between May and October, the chances for successful safari adventures are favorable.

Do you have further questions about the best time to travel to Zambia? We will gladly advise you on seasonal topics, destinations, and activities.