Best Time To Visit Zambia

Different Seasons of Zambia

Situated in the tropics, Zambia experiences mainly two distinct seasons: the dry/peak season in the winter months which is cool and dry, and the green/rainy season in the summer months which is hot and wet. Apart from that, there are shoulder seasons which run in a brief period of April-May and November.

Let’s have an overview of each safari season in Zambia and their highlights.

The Green Season- December to April

• With the advent of December, the green season of Zambia arrives. The parks are scenic green, and the daylight is phenomenal - a photographer's delight.
• Remote bush camps in premiere Zambia National Parks remain closed around this time. Some lodges may be open at reduced prices.
• Leisure Activities In Zambia that can be done during the green season are boating trips in the South Luangwa.
• Victoria Falls are at their best because of the high volume of water but are not suitable for carrying out adventure Things To Do In Zambia like white-water rafting.

The Shoulder Season- April and May

• The arrival of shoulder season means that the rains are almost over. But be careful and carry your rain gear as there are chances to rain now and then.
• As the rains stop, this essentially also means that the grass starts to disappear, and game-viewing starts gaining pace.
• Travellers can decide Best Time to visit Zambia during this time and save a few pennies by seeking some great deals on accommodation options.
• Most remote bush camps at important national parks in the country are closed. Walking Safaris can't be done during this time.
• With the water level of River Zambezi rising, Victoria Falls can be seen in all their glory during this season.

The Peak Season- May to October

• Like other African Countries, Zambia has its peak safari season from May to October. It is the winter season in Zambia, with chilly mornings and evenings.
• As we move through the months, the temperature increases and the atmospheric conditions are dry. Game-viewing is phenomenal across all the main Zambia Safari Parks as animals gather around remnant water resources.
• Some popular activities in the dry season include boating around Busanga Plains. Walking Safaris is open after the tall grass recedes.
• Victoria Falls are an amazing sight to behold during the peak season of May to August. After the month of July, the water level starts receding in the River Zambezi, and it is an ideal time to indulge in water-based activities like white-water rafting.

The Shoulder Season- November

• Rains are dramatic around November.
• Fewer accommodations choices are left as bush camps start to shut down.
• Main attraction: Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration on Liuwa Plains (second largest migration in Africa)

Comparison Between The Peak Season & The Green Season

Now that we know, the two main seasons that Zambia experiences are the peak season and the green season. Now, let us draw a comparison between them to let you understand what each of them has in store for you before you start planning your Zambia Safari.

Climate Guide for Zambia Safari

As established, weather patterns and safari seasons always go hand-in-hand.  So, the behaviour of the weather can influence travellers' decisions when determining the Best Time to Go to Zambia.

So, before deciding when to visit Zambia for a safari, a detailed understanding of its weather and climate is paramount. All general information related to Zambia Climate, temperature and rainfall is given below:

• Mostly Zambia experiences a moderate climate throughout the country and receives a lot of strong sunlight. Though the heat is normally regulated in most places by the general height of the country above sea level and its rainfall pattern, still some areas in the valley feel oppressive with the unusually intense heat.
• The Zambia Climate can be summarized into essentially three parts:
• Hot and wet December to April with downpours in the late afternoon.
• Dry and cool from May to August. It gets progressively cooler towards the end of the period.
• Dry and hot from September to November. It gets progressively hot as we move towards the end of the period.
• The average Zambia Temperature during the summer ranges between 25°C to 35°C and in the winter, it varies from 6°C to 24° Also, the rainfall pattern in Zambia changes from south to north. The south of Zambia receives 700 mm whereas the north side receives 1400 mm. May to August are very dry and tend to receive no rainfall at all.

The table below gives information about Zambia’s Climate along with the minimum, maximum temperature and average rainfall in the Lusaka area (capital of Zambia) over different months.

Month-by-month guide for Trip to Zambia

Travelling To Zambia In January

Overview

January marks the peak rainy season in Zambia. Most camps remain closed but lower rates are available at those camps which remain open amidst the rain. Many roads are filled with mud owing to the rains which makes it difficult to drive around.

Recommendations

• Victoria Falls receive high volumes of water. So, marvel at this thundering wonder, whose sprays and roars can be viewed and heard, respectively from miles away.
• Great time for bird watching and walkers to explore the beautiful scenery all-round Victoria Falls. With fewer tourists around, you will have a great experience exploring the serenity of the place.

Not recommended

• It is not advisable to travel to some national parks like South Luangwa National Park, Lusaka and Kafue National Park as the climate gets worse there in January.

Travelling To Zambia In February

Overview

Just like January, February receives heavy rainfall throughout Zambia. The majority of accommodations remain closed during this month. There are some exceptions though as some destinations and accommodations might open to a variety of outdoor activities.

Recommendations

• Good time to go sightseeing at Victoria Falls. Few camps might give access to boating trips.
• Depending on the national parks that are open for public access, you can choose to go for bird watching.
• Climate is suitable for Livingstone Tours.
• Good time for fly-in safaris to experience the emerald season of Zambia.

 Not recommended

• The climatic conditions around South Luangwa and Lusaka are very bad. Hence, it is not recommended to travel to these areas.

Travelling To Zambia In March

Overview

Just after the rains, the Zambezi River flows at its full capacity, making it the Best Time To Visit Victoria Falls. The large volume of sprays from the falls is visible from miles away and sometimes obscures the view of the falls. Several camps do open for boating trips. Also, as there are fewer crowds around, Zambia Accommodations are available at reduced prices.

Note: The Zambia Climate in March can vary from good to bad depending on the destinations you chose to visit. However, Livingstone and Victoria Falls do experience great weather during this Month.

Recommendations

• Great time for bird watching as migratory birds start their annual migration.
• Visit Victoria Falls and behold its magnificence.
• Trips around the town of Livingstone.
• Helicopter or microlight flights over Victoria Falls to experience them at their fullest.
• Lower Zambezi River cruise.
• Good time for cultural tours or hiking.

Not recommended

• The climate is not that favourable for exploring the South Luangwa National Park for safaris.

Travelling To Zambia In April

Overview

Rains continue through April, but they may dry up towards the end of the month. Road conditions may remain bad which is an important consideration to keep in mind when coming for Zambia Safaris.

Recommendations

• Experience the traditional Kuomboka Festival with the Lozi people.
• Good time to get around Victoria Falls on a helicopter ride.
• You can go sightseeing at South Luangwa National Park and Kafue National Park.

Not Recommended

• Not recommended for predator sightings.

Travelling To Zambia In May

Overview

The dry season starts in May and is considered one of the best times to go on Safaris to Zambia. Several lodges, camps and parks that were closed earlier due to bad weather conditions gradually opens up. The lush green landscapes all around Zambia Safari offer great photographic opportunities for our guests.

Recommendations

• Embark on fishing trips now on as May flags the fishing season in Zambia.
• Take up helicopter rides over Victoria Falls for the best experience.
• Best time to go for game-viewing in Zambia National Parks.

Not recommended

• The month of May is generally not recommended for walking safaris as the tracks are still laden with mud and it might be slippery just after the rains.

Travelling To Zambia In June

Overview

During June, lands are dry, rivers are full and the landscape is green and beautiful. Prevailing weather conditions are dry and cool making June one of the ideal times to head on Safaris to Zambia.

As the rain completely stops, the camps and lodges also start reopening. And, with fewer visitors around, the accommodations around the Zambian destinations offer good deals.

Recommendations

• Best time to head on for walking safaris in the Luangwa valley.
• Many major parks around Zambia offer guided walks too.
• Camping out in the bush while hearing the hippos grunting and lions roaring.

Travelling To Zambia In July

Overview

July offers the best wildlife spotting opportunities as the vegetation is scarce now and it is easier to spot them congregating around remnant water sources. Though daytime temperatures rise gradually, still mornings and evenings are comparatively cooler. July is one of the busiest months as the number of visitors coming for Holidays In Zambia rises.

Recommendations

• Visit South Luangwa for the best game-viewing activities.
• Try river cruises and fishing activities at Lower Zambezi National Park.
• Explore the remote wilderness of Kafue National Park.
• White-water rafting starts on the River Zambezi.

Not Recommended

• It’s better to avoid water-based activities on the River Zambezi if the water levels are too high because of the prior heavy rains.

Travelling To Zambia In August

Overview

The peak safari season in Zambia extends into August. The cool mornings and warm days along with scarce vegetation, provide ideal conditions for wildlife encounters. Animals tend to assemble around water holes and can be viewed easily on safari drives.

August is also a good time to combine Victoria Falls Tours with safaris to any of the national parks in Zambia.

Recommendations

• As the bush dries up due to dry weather conditions, it is easier to navigate around on foot. Hence, August is a perfect time to go on walking safaris all across the country.
• Take safari drives in Kafue National Park and explore its remote landscapes.
• As the water levels in River Zambezi start receding in August, white-water rafting and bungee-jumping activities are carried out in full swing.
• Attend the Likumbi Lya Mize Ceremony to interact with the local people and get a glimpse of their cultural traditions.

Travelling To Zambia In September

Overview

As the temperature starts to raise in September, the cool and dry atmosphere in Zambia Safari is replaced by hot and drier conditions. Still, it’s a good time for safari expeditions as animals conglomerate around remaining waterholes and rivers in search of drinking water. Thus, making it easy to spot them when going on safari drives across the national parks.

Recommendations

• An ideal time for bird watching. Common sightings include eagles and storks preying on fish.
• Walking safaris in North Luangwa are quite popular around this time.
• Visit the South Luangwa National Park to witness flocks of hundreds of carmine bee-eaters swarming the Luangwa River.

Travelling To Zambia In October

Overview

It gets extremely warm in the low-lying regions of Zambia. The temperature reaches mid 30°C. Crocodile nesting season begins during this month in South Luangwa National Park.

Recommendations

• Wildlife safaris in Lower Zambezi National Park.
• Tiger Fishing in Lake Kariba.
• Early morning and evening game drives to beat the heat.

Not Recommended

• The Zambian side of Victoria Falls tends to dry up, so to see the main falls cross over to the Zimbabwe side.

Travelling To Zambia In November

Overview

The weather conditions in November are quite unpredictable. This is because you exactly don’t know when the rains will arrive. Sometimes, disruptive summer rains can affect wildlife viewing. Some lodges and camps might close down. Others offer lower rates, thus making it a good time to visit Zambia if you want to travel on a budget.

Recommendations

• Get to witness the second-largest wildebeest migration in Liuwa Plain National Park.
• Experience the world’s largest spectacle in Zambia’s Kasanka National Park, the Great Bat Migration.
• Rafting and bird watching at nearby Chusa Falls are popular activities during this time.
• Go hiking or horseback riding in Shiwa Ngandu Lake.

Travelling To Zambia In December

Overview

The rainy season in Zambia starts in December. The weather conditions are very warm and humid. As heavy rains and floods hit the place, most lodges and camps across national parks in Zambia shut down.

Recommendations

• Great time for bird watching as migratory birds return during this time.
• You can also spot baby antelopes and young zebras taking their first steps in the bush.

Not Recommended

• Victoria Falls Tours can be avoided during this time as the Zambia side of the falls dries up.

Best Time To Visit Zambia Based on Destinations

Kafue National Park

Kafue National Park is a dry-season destination which offers the best wildlife sightings during the peak months of July to October. During this time, the African bush dries out and vegetation is scarce. The animals gather around remaining water holes and are easy to view in the course of game drives.

The Busanga Plains contain permanent water resources where most of Kafue’s wildlife gathers during the peak dry months. A visit to the plains during Kafue National Park Tours is a very rewarding experience as you get to witness some of the best prey-predator interactions.

Climate Guide For Kafue National Park

Livingstone

The tourism centre of Zambia, Livingstone, is generally visited during the dry season for the best adventure and thrilling experience. The pleasant temperature and low rainfall between the dry months of June and October are conducive for Livingstone Tours. Besides, this period is also suitable for visiting nearby attractions like the Zambezi River and the devil's pool.

The dry season receives lower rainfall, meaning water levels are low in the River Zambezi and suitable for carrying out adventure-laden activities. Also, wildlife viewings are best during the dry season as animals gather together to quench their thirst and are spotted easily. These are some reasons that make the dry season the best time to visit Livingstone city. 

Climate Guide For Livingstone 

Lusaka

Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia can be visited from March through September and November. The temperature is warm and the city receives little to no rainfall during this time. Thus, making it the ideal time to visit Lusaka and thereafter, head on to your next safari destination.

October is hot with the highest average temperature around 33°C and can be avoided if you are not a sun-chaser. The lowest temperature in Lusaka is about 23°C, ideal conditions for spending one or two nights in the city.

Climate Guide For Lusaka

South Luangwa National Park

The Best Time To Visit Zambia’s premiere safari destination, South Luangwa National Park, is through the peak of dry months running from June to October. The park is at its driest best, and the temperature is cool and warm with plentiful sunlight.

These months are excellent for wildlife sightings as they gather around permanent water resources in search of drinking water. So, any Zambia Safari Packages on foot or in a vehicle will be rewarding.

Apart from the dry season, if there is another time that can be considered the best time to visit South Luangwa, then it has to be the emerald season. The rains turn the landscapes lush and green. Droves of migratory and endemic birds visit the National Park and can be sighted easily, thus making South Luangwa a bird watcher’s haven.

Climate Guide For South Luangwa National Park  

Lower Zambezi National Park

Lower Zambezi National Park follows similar wildlife viewing patterns as most other Zambia National Parks. Dry season months extending from June to October are the best time to visit the national park.

Thinner vegetation and drier lands during the dry months force the animals to gather around the river in search of clear waters. Thus, making wildlife spotting easy.

Another preferred time for Lower Zambezi National Park Safaris is its green or emerald season. The temperature is hot and humid and heavy rainfalls around this time may not sound attractive to many.

Still, if you want to escape from usually over-crowded parks and experience the lush-green landscapes at lower rates, visiting Lower Zambezi from November to March should be your next best choice.

Climate Guide For Lower Zambezi National Park

North Luangwa National Park

The North Luangwa National Park experiences the best wildlife viewing months from June to October. Animals come out of the bush and gather near the river banks in search of water. This makes it easy to sight the animals during safaris to North Luangwa.

Moreover, the infrastructure in North Luangwa is still not developed completely. This is why tour operators only conduct safaris in North Luangwa during the dry season. Also, due to its remote nature, the park is almost completely inaccessible during the wet season.

Climate Guide For North Luangwa National Park

Kasanka National Park

Kasanka National Park is best visited during the dry season extending from May to October. This is an ideal time for safaris to the national park.

Wildlife viewing is at its best as animals concentrate around watering holes to quench their thirst. You can also spot predators hunting down on others during this time around. An experience every safari-enthusiast wishes to get a glimpse of.

This national park is also popular for being host to Earth’s largest bat migration. Visit the park at the beginning of the wet season to see around 10 million straw-coloured fruit bats descend upon the area. The event occurs during November-December and that is why these months are often considered the best time to visit Kasanka.

Liuwa National Park

Liuwa National Park doesn’t follow the traditional wildlife patterns of most of the other parks in Africa. And, the park’s best time to visit is not the usual dry season but extends from late November or early December (wet season).

During this time, huge numbers of wildebeest migrate to the plains which is a major attraction for travellers. Plenty of newborns are spotted moving around the Park as the calving season is in full swing during the wet season. These months also provide excellent birding opportunities.

From January to the end of March, the plains become impassable and it is almost difficult to travel. Another preferred time to visit the National Park is during the months of May and June when wildlife congregates around water resources and can be viewed easily.

Below is a table that summarizes all the best times to visit different Zambia Destinations to get a hold of all its major attractions and partake in the offered activities.

Best Time To Visit Zambia Based on Activities

Best Time To Visit Victoria Falls

Although Victoria Falls will never disappoint you no matter which time of the year you choose to visit. The only difference is the volume of water which varies over different months of the year.

During some months, the Victoria Falls are full and are viewed in all their glory, while in the rest the water levels in the River Zambezi recede and are suitable for adventure sports.

Let’s take you through different Victoria Falls seasons and explain how each season will influence your fall experience.

December to March-Rainy Season

• The peak of the rainy season.
• The weather is hot and humid.
• Best time to witness the majestic Victoria Falls.
• Best time to take stunning pictures of the falls amidst dramatic skies and lush green surroundings.
• Not good for game-viewing.
• White water rafting and bungee jumping is closed.
• Devil’s Pool and Livingstone Island are also both closed.

April to June- Low Rain Season

• After the summer rains, the falls are set up for a spectacular display with the highest volumes of water.
• Water activities are still closed owing to safety concerns.

July to August – Early Dry / Peak Season

• July and August are peak seasons.
• Water levels start going down and fewer sprays give excellent visibility of Victoria Falls.
• The Livingstone Island and rafting facilities start functioning after the water levels drop to a safe level.
• Game viewing is at its’ best in nearby national parks.

September to November – Late Dry / Low Water Season

• Water levels at Victoria Falls reach their lowest.

A visit to Victoria Falls from the Zambia side will not be the same as you are not getting wet.

Best Time For Wildlife Viewing

The success of Safaris To Zambia will depend on timing your journey in such a way that you get to explore the diverse wildlife of the place. If you are a first-time safari-goer, it is best advised to visit Zambia National Parks in the dry season for easy wildlife viewing.

Seasoned travellers can, however, choose to travel in the green season too. This season provides excellent opportunities to spot herbivores amidst scenic luscious green landscapes. You also get to witness animals giving birth to their young ones during this time.

Apart from that the green season in Zambia is also well-known for bird watching, the second-largest wildebeest migration and annual bat migration.

A detailed table regarding when and where to visit Zambia as per the wildlife you want to see is given below:

Best Time For Other Popular Activities

• Kayaking Safaris- June to September to glide gently over River Zambezi
• Walking Safaris- July to October provide ideal temperatures to walk through the parks.
• Attending Festivals- Visit in April to attend the famous Kuomboka festivals. And, if you are visiting during the peak season, you can attend Zambia International Trade Fair (June/July) or Livingstone Cultural and Arts Festivals (August).

Best Time To Visit Zambia Facts

To summarize it all, some essential facts regarding the Best Time to Visit Zambia are emphasized below for your convenience.

• High tourist season - May to October
• Low season- January to June
• Best weather- April to November
• Less-favourable weather- December to March(humid &rainy)
• Highest rainfall- Dec/January
• Best time for game viewing-June to October
• Best time for bird watching- Excellent year-round but particularly rewarding from December to April.
• Best time for tiger fishing- Sep to mid-November

Conclusion

In summary, the Best Time To Visit Zambia will always depend on what you want to see and what you want to experience on your safari.  

While the dry season turns the bush into a beautiful golden-red landscape just after the rains and is optimal for safari, the wet season is considered ideal for those who want to experience Zambia Safaris at affordable prices.

So, choose your best time as per your taste, preferences and convenience.