Best Time to Visit Zambia
With its sub-tropical climate, there are two seasons in Zambia, the dry season and the wet season. The dry season runs from May to October and is the best time to visit for the best game viewing, especially from June to September. Temperatures are pleasantly mild although September and October can be hot. The wet season runs from December to April and is commonly called the "Green Season" as the bush, at that time, is extremely thick and green. However, this makes game viewing more difficult because the vegetation is much denser. Also, some lodges may be closed during the rainy season due to flooding. The duration of the rainy season and the amount of rainfall is greatest in the north of Zambia subject to brief afternoon thunderstorms.
The best time to visit Victoria Falls on the Zambia side is at the end of the rainy season which is March to May when the Zambezi River is in full flood and the falls are at their most spectacular. In the dry season, there may not be very much water coming over the Zambia side of the falls.
Approximately 80% of Zambia is situated on a plateau above sea level and this elevation cools down temperatures in most places giving the majority of Zambia its comfortable subtropical climate.
Average Temperatures.
Jan | Apr | Jun | Aug | Oct | |
| Victoria Falls | 31 C/88 F | 30 C/86 F | 26 C/79 F | 29 C/84 F | 34 C/93 F |
| Lusaka | 27 C/81 F | 27 C/81 F | 24 C/75 F | 27 C/81 F | 32 C/90 F |
NOTE – All quoted temperatures are daytime average highs unless otherwise stated and can vary.
Get a Trip Quote Order a Brochure
