Best time to visit Zambia

The climate in Zambia through the year

When to go

Zambia scores highest on Eddigo’s travel score in April–October, with an average of 98 out of 100 in June across the 17 destinations Eddigo covers. Daytime highs in June are around 26°C throughout the country. March and November are a fair alternative. The lowest average is in January (45), with daytime highs from 26°C to 30°C.

Where in the country

In June, the highest scores are in Mongu (99), Choma (99) and Lusaka (98). The destinations do not all peak at the same time:

• June: Kitwe, Chipata, Solwezi, Chingola, Luanshya and 7 more
• July: Ndola, Kabwe, Mansa and Mazabuka
• August: Lusaka

Warmest, coolest, wettest and driest

Over the year, Mongu is the warmest destination (daytime highs averaging 31°C) and Kasama the coolest (27°C). Chililabombwe gets the most precipitation, about 1,290 mm a year, and Mazabuka the least, about 780 mm. The highest-lying is Kasama at about 1,400 m. The warmest sea is at Choma: 30°C in December.

By type of trip

The best months change with what you want to do. With Eddigo’s trip types, Zambia averages 65 or more in these months:

• City break: April–September. Best in July: Kabwe (99), Choma (99) and Lusaka (98)
• Hiking: May–August. Best in July: Choma (90), Lusaka (89) and Kabwe (86)