Best Time to Visit Zambia
Zambia is at its sunniest and driest in April–October.
The best time to visit Zambia for sunny, dry weather is April–October — 7 months of the year match our sunny profiles at a country-wide average. The drier half of the year covers April–October, while the wetter half runs through November–March. Country-wide monthly temperatures range from 15.2°C / 59.4°F in July to 24.5°C / 76.1°F in October, and monthly rainfall from 0 mm / 0 in (July) to 225 mm / 8.9 in (January). Zambia's climate is broadly seasonal. These are national area-weighted averages from long-term climate normals — regional variation within Zambia can be substantial, especially for large or geographically diverse countries. Below, every month is classified against our five weather profiles so you can match your travel window to your preferred weather.
Recommended months
| Month | Temp | Rain | Feels like |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | 20°C68°F | 45 mm1.8″ | Sunny & Mild |
| May | 17.5°C63.5°F | 5 mm0.2″ | Sunny & Mild |
| June | 15.5°C59.9°F | 1 mm0″ | Sunny & Mild |
| July | 15.2°C59.4°F | 0 mm0″ | Sunny & Mild |
| August | 18°C64.4°F | 1 mm0″ | Sunny & Mild |
| September | 22.5°C72.5°F | 2 mm0.1″ | Sunny & Warm |
| October | 24.5°C76.1°F | 22 mm0.9″ | Sunny & Warm |
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Zambia?
The best time to visit Zambia for sunny, dry weather is April, May, June, July, August, September, October. The warmest month is October (24.5°C / 76.1°F country-wide average) and the driest is July (about 0 mm / 0 in). These months combine warmth with low rainfall based on long-term climate normals.
When is the rainy season in Zambia?
The rainy season in Zambia runs through November–March, when monthly rainfall exceeds the national annual median of about 45 mm / 1.8 in. The wettest single month is January, averaging 225 mm / 8.9 in.
What is the dry season in Zambia?
The drier half of the year in Zambia covers April–October, when monthly rainfall stays at or below the annual median of about 45 mm / 1.8 in. The driest single month is July with about 0 mm / 0 in.
What months should I avoid visiting Zambia?
The least comfortable months for travel in Zambia — based on our climate data — are January, February, May, June, July, August, December. These are Zambia's wettest or coolest months. Rainfall peaks at 225 mm / 8.9 in in January, and temperatures bottom out at 15.2°C / 59.4°F in July.
Is there a shoulder season in Zambia?
Zambia doesn't have a distinct shoulder season by our heuristics — its climate is either sunny-and-dry or clearly outside those bounds most of the year. Consider the July window (driest) or October window (warmest) as alternatives to peak season.