Best time to visit Zambia

The best times to visit Zambia (Lusaka) are in April, May, June, July and August based on our default weather conditions. Update your weather preferences to see which months best match.

Zambia by month

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

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Top Zambia destinations

Below are the temperatures expected today at popular countries, regions and places in Zambia. Select a destination to compare today's forecast with average weather conditions.

All Zambia destinations

When is the best time to visit Zambia?

The best times to visit Zambia (Lusaka) are in April, May, June, July and August based on the following average weather conditions.

Maximum daytime temperature = 22 - 30°C [remove]
Daily hours of sunshine = 8 hours or more [remove]

Change the criteria to reflect your weather preferences.

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Max Day Temperature (°C)

  • 26°C maximum daytime temperature in January in Zambia (Lusaka)26
    Jan
  • 26°C maximum daytime temperature in February in Zambia (Lusaka)26
    Feb
  • 28°C maximum daytime temperature in March in Zambia (Lusaka)28
    Mar
  • 26°C maximum daytime temperature in April in Zambia (Lusaka)26
    Apr
  • 25°C maximum daytime temperature in May in Zambia (Lusaka)25
    May
  • 23°C maximum daytime temperature in June in Zambia (Lusaka)23
    Jun
  • 23°C maximum daytime temperature in July in Zambia (Lusaka)23
    Jul
  • 26°C maximum daytime temperature in August in Zambia (Lusaka)26
    Aug
  • 29°C maximum daytime temperature in September in Zambia (Lusaka)29
    Sep
  • 31°C maximum daytime temperature in October in Zambia (Lusaka)31
    Oct
  • 29°C maximum daytime temperature in November in Zambia (Lusaka)29
    Nov
  • 27°C maximum daytime temperature in December in Zambia (Lusaka)27
    Dec

Hours of Sunshine (daily)

Best time to visit

The weather guide for Zambia (Lusaka) shows long term weather averages processed from data supplied by CRU (University of East Anglia) & today's weather forecast provided by meteoblue. Find out more about our data sources.

Metric (°C / mm)  |  Imperial (°F / inches)

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Zambia weather overview

Zambia combines the heat of the tropics with a high plateau topography and this altitude keeps temperatures moderate and makes the country's extensive highlands a pleasant place to be. The north, which is closer to the equator, experiences the most rain with a longer wet season than in the south.

The rainy season (November to March) is the hottest period of the year and is usually preceded by a period of very warm, dry weather in September and October. Cooler but dry conditions prevail between May and August. The lowland areas of the Zambezi and its tributary, the Luangwa, are the driest but can be hot, humid and oppressive in the rainy season.

What to pack for Zambia weather

Take light clothes with some warmer options for chilly highland nights.

More about Zambia

Explore our complete guide to Zambia with the latest travel advice for travellers and holidaymakers including official updates and local travel tips for Zambia.

Zambia essential information

Below is a beginner's guide to Zambia with essential travel facts such as dominant language spoken, typical flight time from the UK and the local currency. You can also check whether visas are required and what plug adapter you need to pack.

Zambia - quick facts
Flight time 14 hours
Time difference UK +2 hours
Language(s) English, Bemba, Nyanja
Currency Zambian Kwacha
Electricity C + D + G plug (230V)
Driving side Left
Visa Yes

✝ = Typical flight time from the UK and visa requirements for UK travellers.

Travelling to Zambia?

Discover where to book holidays, flights, hotels and more from popular travel providers for your trip to Zambia in 2026/2027.

Holidays to Zambia

Expedia Expedia
Compare and book holidays, flights, hotels, car hire and more on this trusted website covering global destinations.
Travelbag Travelbag
Award-winning UK-based travel company specialising in personalised long-haul holidays to Zambia and further afield.

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Tours to Zambia

Riviera Travel Riviera Travel
The UK's leading river cruise and tour operator, offering scenic experiences worldwide including in Zambia.
Trafalgar Trafalgar
Discover your next guided tour through this top-rated travel brand covering every destination from Europe to Australia.
G Adventures G Adventures
Award-winning adventure travel brand specialising in small-group tours, safaris and expeditions across all seven continents.
Contiki Contiki
Global travel brand for 18-35s, offering over 200 all-inclusive group trips across six continents. Low deposit bookings available.
Go2Africa Go2Africa
Popular, award-winning safari tour company offering a wide choice of tailor-made trips and tours around Africa.

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Flights to Zambia

Emirates Emirates
The largest airline in the Middle East, operating thousands of flights across 140+ destinations worldwide via its Dubai hub.
KAYAK KAYAK
Search and compare flights, hotels, car hire and package holidays through this award-winning travel search engine.
KLM KLM
The Netherland's national flag carrier and the world's largest airline. Serves 170 international destinations via Amsterdam.
eDreams eDreams
Leading European OTA offering thousands of flights and hotels across 40,000 destinations including Zambia.
Kiwi.com Kiwi.com
Global OTA and search engine specialising in affordable flights, hotels and car hire across worldwide destinations including Zambia.

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Hotels in Zambia

Anantara Hotels Anantara Hotels
Luxury hotel and resort brand rooted in Thai culture. Covers worldwide destinations including Zambia and beyond.
Hilton Hilton
Leading global hospitality brand with a portfolio of 9,000 properties across 141 countries and territories including Zambia.
IHG IHG
Leading global hotel group with a portfolio of international brands including Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza and more.
Marriott Marriott
The world's largest hotel company with a portfolio of 30+ brands and almost 9,600 properties across 143 countries.
Radisson Hotels Radisson Hotels
Major international hotel group with 10 brands and over 1,520 hotels worldwide including in Zambia.
Priceline Priceline
Leading OTA for discounted flights, hotels, cruises, car hire, experiences and packages worldwide including in Zambia.
Hotels.com Hotels.com
Part of Expedia Group, this major OTA offers deals and discounts on hotel rooms worldwide including in Zambia.
Booking.com Booking.com
Leading global OTA founded in Amsterdam. Offers worldwide accommodation, flights, car hire, activities and more.
Agoda Agoda
One of the world's largest online travel platforms with a network of over 6 million hotels. Plus flights, activities and more.
Trivago Trivago

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Accommodation in Zambia

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Things to do in Zambia

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Car hire in Zambia

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Money transfers to Zambia

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Airport taxis for Zambia

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eSIMs for Zambia

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Zambia travel deals

Check out the latest deals, discount codes and special offers on holidays, flights, hotels and more for Zambia in 2026/2027. Pay low deposits and save with last minute holidays, early bird offers and free kids places where available.

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Zambia travel advice

Check the latest travel advice and guidance on visiting Zambia from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions.

Learn more about the current safety and security risks from terrorism, natural disasters and more. Read about the local laws and customs to consider when travelling around Zambia.

Note: UK FCDO - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

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Zambia travel health

Find out more about staying safe when travelling to Zambia with the latest guidance on required vaccinations and recommended medication to take with you.

Check out the general travel tips for staying safe and healthy in Zambia, risks of preventable diseases and what to pack.

Note: CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Zambia travel features

Do you want to learn more about Zambia? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in Zambia.

We don't currently have any travel features on Zambia. Discover more about holiday destinations around the world with this selection of general travel articles.

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Zambia FAQs

Read our frequently asked questions about travelling to Zambia including the current entry restrictions, driving side, electrical plugs used and much more.

Which is the hottest month in Zambia?

The hottest time of year in Lusaka, Zambia is normally October. Expect maximum daytime temperatures to reach 31°C with moderate heat and humidity.

Which month has the most rain in Zambia?

In terms of rainfall, January is usually the wettest month in Lusaka, Zambia with 216mm on average. There are normally 17 days in January with some rain.

When is it sunniest in Zambia?

The sunniest time of year in Lusaka, Zambia is normally August with bright sunshine on average for 84% of daylight hours; that's 10 hours of sunshine per day.

What is the flight time to Zambia from the UK?

The flight time to Zambia from the UK is typically 14 hours.

What is the time difference between Zambia and the UK?

The time difference between Zambia and the UK is UK time+2 hours.

What is the main language spoken in Zambia?

The main languages spoken in Zambia are English, Bemba and Nyanja.

Learn a language for Zambia with Busuu*, Rocket Languages* and Rosetta Stone*.

What is the currency in Zambia?

The currency in Zambia is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMV).

Send money to Zambia with World Remit*.

Which plugs are used in Zambia?

Zambia uses electrical plug type C + D + G (230 Volts).

Which side of the road do they drive on in Zambia?

They drive on the left side of the road in Zambia.

Find out more about driving in Zambia with International Drivers Association*.

Do you need a visa for Zambia?

Yes, UK passport holders do need a visa to enter Zambia.

Check Zambia visa requirements for all passport holders with VisaHQ*.

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