Hippo yawning, Busanga Plains, Kafue National Park, Zambia

The best time to visit Zambia

The best time to visit Zambia is during the dry season between May and October. This is the optimal period for wildlife viewing as many of the water holes have dried up pushing the animals to congregate around large pools and lakes. However, be prepared for high temperatures over 40ºC if you are going towards the end of this period.

Information & Highlights

Victoria Falls from the air, Livingstone, Zambia

Victoria Falls

If getting a spectacular view of Victoria Falls is top of your list then March and April are the time to travel. The Zambezi River is full after the rainy season and the might of the river is at its most impressive.

Elephants crossing the river, Lower Zambezi, Zambia

Safari Experiences

For fabulous game viewing in Zambia the dry season is the time to travel. June to October is a great time to explore the Lower Zambezi National Park and South Luangwa when you can head out of walking safaris and open-topped vehicle game drives.

Explore the best time to visit

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Visiting Zambia in January

low season

There are three seasons in Zambia – the cool, dry winter season, the hot, dry summer season and the rainy season, which is in fact even hotter. It will depend on your activity preferences and the destinations in Zambia you are travelling to as to the best time to visit the country.

Visiting Zambia in February

low season

Similarly to January, February will experience heavy rainfall throughout the country. Some destinations and accommodation will be open to a variety of outdoor activities, but it should be noted that the majority will remain closed.

Visiting Zambia in March

medium season

Throughout the winter months, it can be a perfect opportunity for bird watching although some wildlife may be more difficult to spot with the thick vegetation flourishing after the rainy months. You can expect temperatures of 23°C with heavier rainfall at the start of the month.

Visiting Zambia in April

medium season

As the rainy season comes to an end, both April and May are the best months to visit Victoria Falls, where temperatures are marginally cooler, averaging 21°C and there is less rainfall than previous months.

Visiting Zambia in May

high season

Zambia will experience the cool, dry winter season from May until September making it the best time to travel to Zambia as the wildlife is in abundance. Temperatures are pleasant at the beginning and end of this season and there is considerably less rainfall.

Shoebills in Zambia

Visiting Zambia in June

high season

For the best game viewing in Zambia, it is suggested to travel from June to October although safaris are an all-year-round activity. In June temperatures will average 25°C during the daytime and remain cooler through the evening.

Visiting Zambia in July

high season

July is one of the peak months to travel to Zambia as temperatures range from 22°C to highs of 30°C. Zambia will experience the least rainfall during July and all accommodation and destinations throughout the country will be fully open, with opportunities to partake in all the activities.

Visiting Zambia in August

high season

From June to September, Zambia will experience its peak season as it can be one of the best times to visit the country when both travelling for the wildlife viewings and to see Victoria Falls. It is a popular time to travel to Zambia and so accommodation should be booked well in advance.

Visiting Zambia in September

high season

During the month of September, temperatures will begin to rise and can reach highs of 28°C in certain regions of the country. Like July and August, September can be an ideal month for safaris in Zambia, with higher chances of regular wildlife viewings on game drives.

Visiting Zambia in October

high season

During the months of October and November, Zambia will experience the hot, dry season, particularly in the river valleys of the Zambezi and Luangwa where it will become very hot. Game drives during the day can sometimes become uncomfortable due to the humidity and high temperatures.

Carmine bee-eaters in Southern Africa

Visiting Zambia in November

medium season

As the dry season comes to an end in the months of October and November, water levels are low and so can be an ideal time to visit Zambia to see the magnificent rock formations yet not the most ideal time to visit Victoria Falls, which is better viewed in April and May.

Fruit bat migration in Zambia

Visiting Zambia in December

low season

From the month of December until April, Zambia experiences the rainy season, which is in fact much hotter than the summer months of October and November. Temperatures can rise to highs of 28°C in December and as rainfall becomes more regular, Zambia will start to experience the lush, green vegetation – harder for spotting wildlife!

Zambia climate guide

Drag the slider to see monthly temperature and rainfall.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Maximum Temperature (°C) Monthly Rainfall (mm)
The Kafue National Park
The Lower Zambezi National Park
Lusaka
North Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park
Victoria Falls

Explore Zambia

  • The Kafue National Park
  • The Lower Zambezi National Park
  • Lusaka
  • North Luangwa National Park
  • South Luangwa National Park
  • Victoria Falls

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