🌤️ When to go?
Best time to visit Zambia
The best time to visit Zambia for backpacking is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. This period offers the most comfortable weather conditions for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing. In particular, the months of June to August are popular as temperatures are cooler, and the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot animals in national parks such as South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi. Additionally, this time is ideal for visiting Victoria Falls, as the water levels are lower, allowing for better visibility and opportunities for activities like white-water rafting.
Why visit Zambia in May?
May is a fantastic time to visit Zambia because it falls during the shoulder season, meaning fewer crowds and more affordable prices. The weather is generally mild and dry, making it an ideal time to explore the country’s stunning national parks and wildlife reserves. During May, Zambia’s landscapes are lush and green, creating a beautiful backdrop for activities such as safari tours, birdwatching, and hiking. The Victoria Falls, one of the most iconic natural wonders of the world, is also at its peak flow during this time, offering a truly awe-inspiring experience for visitors.
On the downside, May is towards the end of the green season, so some areas may still be recovering from the heavy rains, and wildlife spotting may not be as easy as during the dry season. Additionally, some lodges and camps may be undergoing maintenance or closed, limiting accommodation options in certain areas.
Overall, visiting Zambia in May offers a unique opportunity to experience the country’s natural beauty without the peak season crowds, making it an appealing choice for travelers looking for a more laid-back and affordable safari experience.
Why visit Zambia in June?
June is an ideal time to visit Zambia due to its pleasant weather and the abundance of wildlife. The country’s national parks and game reserves are teeming with animals, making it a prime time for safari adventures. The Luangwa Valley, in particular, is known for its incredible game viewing opportunities, with the chance to see lions, elephants, hippos, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.In June, Zambia’s Victoria Falls is also at its most impressive, as the Zambezi River is at its peak flow, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Visitors can witness the sheer power and beauty of the falls from various viewpoints, or even take part in adrenaline-pumping activities such as white-water rafting or bungee jumping.
Additionally, June is a great time to experience Zambia’s cultural festivals and events. The Lwiindi Ceremony of the Tonga people and the Kuomboka Ceremony of the Lozi people are both celebrated during this month, offering a unique opportunity to witness traditional ceremonies and immerse oneself in the local culture.
Overall, June is an excellent time to visit Zambia for wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those interested in experiencing the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Why visit Zambia in July?
July is a fantastic time to visit Zambia due to the dry season and mild temperatures. This means that wildlife viewing is at its best, as animals gather around water sources, making it easier to spot them during game drives and boat safaris. The famous South Luangwa National Park is particularly vibrant during this time, with its diverse range of wildlife and bird species.Moreover, July is the perfect time to witness one of Zambia’s most incredible natural spectacles - the Victoria Falls. The water levels are at their peak, creating a breathtaking display of cascading water and mist. Visitors can take advantage of the clear skies and mild weather to explore the falls from various viewpoints, including the Knife Edge Bridge and the Devil’s Pool.
For those seeking adventure, July offers excellent conditions for activities such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and helicopter flights over the falls. The lower water levels also provide opportunities for swimming in natural rock pools along the Zambezi River.
Overall, July is an ideal time to visit Zambia for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers looking to experience the country’s natural beauty and diverse range of activities.
Why visit Zambia in August?
August is the perfect time to visit Zambia for a variety of reasons. The weather is dry and mild, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as safaris, wildlife viewing, and exploring the stunning natural landscapes. The Victoria Falls, one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world, is at its peak flow during this time, offering a truly awe-inspiring experience for visitors.For wildlife enthusiasts, August is an excellent time to visit Zambia as it is the peak of the dry season, meaning that animals gather around water sources, making it easier to spot them during game drives and boat safaris. The South Luangwa National Park, known for its high concentration of leopards, is particularly rewarding to visit in August.
Additionally, August is the month of the vibrant and colorful Kuomboka Ceremony of the Lozi people, a traditional festival that celebrates the moving of the Litunga, the Lozi King, from the floodplains to higher ground. This cultural event offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in Zambia’s rich cultural heritage and witness traditional ceremonies and performances.
Overall, August is a fantastic time to visit Zambia for its favorable weather, abundant wildlife sightings, and the chance to witness unique cultural celebrations.
Why visit Zambia in September?
September is an ideal time to visit Zambia for a variety of reasons. The weather is generally dry and warm, making it a great time for outdoor activities such as safaris, game drives, and bird watching. The Victoria Falls, one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world, is also at its peak flow during this time, offering a breathtaking and powerful display of nature’s beauty.The dry season in September means that wildlife congregates around water sources, making it easier to spot a wide variety of animals in national parks such as South Luangwa and Kafue. This is an excellent time for wildlife enthusiasts to witness the annual migration of animals, including elephants, buffalo, and antelope, as they move in search of water and food.
However, it’s important to note that September is also a popular time for tourists, so some areas may be more crowded and accommodations may be more expensive. Additionally, the dry season can also bring dusty conditions, which may not be ideal for those with respiratory issues. Despite these potential drawbacks, the unique opportunities for wildlife viewing and experiencing the power of Victoria Falls make September a compelling time to visit Zambia.
Why visit Zambia in October?
October is a great time to visit Zambia for wildlife enthusiasts. The weather is warm and dry, making it an ideal time for game viewing in the national parks. With the vegetation beginning to thin out, it becomes easier to spot animals as they gather around water sources. October is also the start of the birding season, with many migratory species arriving in the country, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.However, October is also the end of the dry season, so some areas may start to experience water scarcity, which can impact the availability of wildlife sightings. Additionally, the temperatures can be quite high, reaching up to 35°C (95°F) in some parts of the country, which may be uncomfortable for some travelers.
Overall, October in Zambia offers a unique opportunity to witness an abundance of wildlife and bird species in their natural habitat, making it a fantastic time to visit for nature lovers.
🌤️ Climate in Zambia
Zambia, a country located in southern Africa, is almost entirely covered by a plateau, which tempers the climate, making the temperature generally acceptable for most of the year.In Zambia, the climate is tropical or sub-tropical depending on altitude, with a hot, humid, and rainy season from mid-November to March and a dry season from April to mid-November.
Within the dry season, there is a cool period from mid-May to mid-August, and a progressively hotter period from September to mid-November, when the heat becomes torrid, that is, intense but with low humidity. In fact, October is typically the hottest month of the year. On the other hand, moisture is high during the rainy season, which begins around the middle of November, and lasts until the end of March.
The temperature in Zambia varies according to altitude and latitude. The plateau's altitude ranges mostly from 900 to 1,500 meters (3,000 to 4,900 feet), but some areas descend to almost 500 meters (1,600 feet), in the far south along the Zambezi River (and in Lake Kariba, created by a dam on the river), and also in the east, in the Luangwa National Park, where the Luangwa River flows. On the contrary, in the north, the altitude reaches 1,800 meters (5,900 ft) near Mbala, while in the north-east, near the border with Malawi, where the cool grassland of the Nyika National Park is found, it even reaches 2,200 meters (7,200 ft).
source: climatestotravel.com
Explore Zambia
Does the weather seem nice in the period you would like to go? Find all the info you need to start your trip, including reasons why to go, general country info and health and safety advice.