The best time to visit Zambia is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. These months offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, with pleasantly mild daytime temperatures. However, keep in mind that September and October can become extremely hot. Zambia’s sub-tropical climate is marked by two distinct seasons: the dry winter months and the rainy summer season.
The rainy season, from December to April, is often referred to as the Green Season because the landscape transforms into a lush, verdant paradise. While the scenery is stunning, game viewing can be more challenging due to dense vegetation, and many animals disperse from the dry-season water sources.
Understanding these seasonal variations can help you plan the perfect time to experience Zambia’s diverse landscapes and incredible wildlife.
January marks the peak of the rainy season, bringing heavy summer rainfall. This period is generally not considered the best time to visit Zambia, as many roadways become flooded, and some camps close for the season.
February follows a similar pattern, with short, intense thunderstorms and flooded roads throughout the safari parks. For those wanting to experience Zambia’s wet, emerald season, fly-in safaris are the best option. While not all lodges remain open, a few in South Luangwa National Park offer unique boating safaris, providing an unforgettable way to explore the lush landscape.
By March, the wet season is starting to wind down, though rainfall persists, particularly in the northern regions. This is an excellent time for birdwatching as thousands of migratory species take flight. March also offers a prime opportunity for a Lower Zambezi River cruise and a visit to Victoria Falls, which is at its fullest. For the best view, consider a helicopter or microlight flight—unless you enjoy getting drenched by the mist!
Although April is not peak season for game viewing, it’s one of the best times for a safari in Zambia due to significantly lower accommodation rates. By mid-April, the rains have mostly stopped, particularly in the south. The crisp temperatures and lush, green scenery create a pleasant atmosphere for exploring the parks. However, keep in mind that predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs may be more challenging to spot due to the thick foliage.
May marks the beginning of the dry season and is considered one of the best months to visit Zambia for game viewing. This month not only signals the end of the rainy season but is also renowned for being the most scenic time of the year. As the landscape begins to dry out, many safari camps and lodges reopen, offering great opportunities to explore Zambia’s wildlife. Victoria Falls is also in full force, making this a fantastic time to see the falls in all their majestic glory.
June ushers in the peak safari season, ideal for game viewing. While the weather can get quite hot as the dry season progresses, June remains cooler, making it one of the best months for walking safaris. The Luangwa Valley is especially known for its walking safari experiences, though many of Zambia’s major parks also offer guided walks, allowing visitors to connect more deeply with the landscape and wildlife.
July is one of the busiest months in Zambia, but it’s also one of the best times for a Zambia safari, as wildlife viewing is at its peak. The lush vegetation from the rainy season has thinned, making it easier to spot wildlife. However, since it’s peak season, safari camps charge their highest rates. Late July also marks the start of the white-water rafting season on the Zambezi River, although the rapids’ conditions depend on the amount of rainfall during the wet season.
The peak safari season continues in August, offering a perfect balance of cool, dry weather and thinned-out vegetation, providing some of the most remarkable wildlife encounters. By the end of the month, surface water sources begin to evaporate, causing animal herds to congregate at regular watering holes. South Luangwa National Park is particularly good during this time, with excellent opportunities for walking safaris to get closer to Zambia’s wild beauty.
In September, temperatures begin to rise, but birdwatching reaches its peak, with incredible sightings of eagles and storks hunting fish in the shrinking pools. Although the days can be quite warm, temperatures typically cool off by the afternoon, making it an ideal time for a walking safari. There are also plenty of activities to enjoy in Zambia this month, from wildlife encounters to river cruises, ensuring visitors have a memorable experience.
October brings intense heat to Zambia, particularly in the low-lying regions of the country. The soaring temperatures make white-water rafting on the Zambezi not only an adrenaline-pumping adventure but also a refreshing way to cool off. For fishing enthusiasts, Lake Kariba is the place to visit for tiger fishing. It’s also worth noting that during this time, there may be no water flowing over the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, meaning you might need to cross into Zimbabwe to witness the full force of the falls.
November in Zambia brings unpredictable weather, as the start of the summer rains can be difficult to pinpoint. However, it is one of the best times to visit for lower accommodation rates. Despite the approaching rainy season, Liuwa Plain National Park sees the beginning of Africa’s second-largest wildebeest migration around mid-November. Safari enthusiasts can witness up to 40,000 blue wildebeest moving across the plains, creating a spectacular wildlife spectacle.
In December, temperatures are generally cooler than in the previous months, marking the official start of the rainy season in Zambia. While the conditions are more humid, the cooler temperatures provide some relief. However, heavy rainfall and flooding cause many camps and lodges to close, making this a less ideal time for a safari if you’re looking for accessibility and operational facilities.
