When is the best time to visit Zambia?

The best time to visit depends on where you go. Livingstone: May & July.

Which month is best overall in Zambia?

Averaged across our 1 destinations in Zambia, the strongest months are April, May, August. Individual places can shift a month or two earlier or later — each destination page lists its own peak.

Which cities in Zambia does bestime.to cover?

We currently score 1 destinations in Zambia: Livingstone.

How are the Zambia travel scores calculated?

Every city is rated 0-10 per month using ERA5 climate normals - temperature, precipitation, humidity, daylight, and days with 6+ hours of sunshine.

Best Time to Visit Zambia: Weather by Month

01 · Zambia

About Zambia

Landlocked in south-central Africa, Zambia is a country of high plateau, woodland and great rivers, with the Zambezi, Kafue and Luangwa shaping its map. Victoria Falls on the southern border is the best-known landmark, South Luangwa and Kafue are the classic safari parks, and Lake Tanganyika touches the far north. The dry season from June to October concentrates wildlife around water, the falls run fullest from March to May, and the rains make many tracks impassable.

Did you know?

Victoria Falls, shared with Zimbabwe, is the largest sheet of falling water in the world, more than 1,700 metres wide.
Zambia is one of the best places for walking safaris, a style pioneered by its national parks.
The South Luangwa valley and Kafue national park hold huge elephant and leopard populations.

Weather

Zambia: weather by month

Warmest month: October (27°C). Wettest: January (275 mm). Best overall score: April (9.8/10).

Month	Avg temp	Rain	Sunny days	Score
January	22°C	275 mm	22	5.8/10
February	22°C	126 mm	24	6.9/10
March	22°C	60 mm	27	8.6/10
April	22°C	21 mm	23	9.8/10
May	20°C	2 mm	24	9.8/10
June	18°C	2 mm	18	9.5/10
July	18°C	0 mm	21	9.7/10
August	20°C	0 mm	28	9.8/10
September	24°C	0 mm	30	8.7/10
October	27°C	17 mm	31	8.0/10
November	26°C	86 mm	28	7.0/10
December	25°C	263 mm	29	5.4/10

Travel Tips

01Best time & timing: Target April, May, August — that is where comfort scores peak (9.8/10). December is the weakest month at 5.4/10.
02Weather & what to pack: April averages 22°C with 21 mm of rain and about 23 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Pack light clothing, a hat and real sun protection.
03Crowds & value: If budget matters, target September — 8.7/10 with lighter demand than August.

Things to do in Zambia

Zambia. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.

FAQ

Frequently asked

When is the best time to visit Zambia?: The best time to visit depends on where you go. Livingstone: May & July.
Which month is best overall in Zambia?: Averaged across our 1 destinations in Zambia, the strongest months are April, May, August. Individual places can shift a month or two earlier or later — each destination page lists its own peak.
Which cities in Zambia does bestime.to cover?: We currently score 1 destinations in Zambia: Livingstone.
How are the Zambia travel scores calculated?: Every city is rated 0-10 per month using ERA5 climate normals - temperature, precipitation, humidity, daylight, and days with 6+ hours of sunshine.

Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 historical archive, the five most recent complete years (2021–2025). Scores are monthly averages for that window, not forecasts, and short-window precipitation can differ from longer-term normals. “Sunny days” count days with at least 6 hours of measured sunshine — they are not dry days.

Curated in Zambia

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Destinations in Zambia

Livingstone