Best time to visit Zambia

Zambia's wet season may bring birds flocking, but as a general rule, the dry season is the optimum time to see wildlife, gathered at precious water sources.![]()

The dry season, from Jun-Nov, is generally considered the best time to visit Zambia. Walking safari bush camps in and around South Luangwa are open for six months per year during this time. Be prepared for high temperatures during Sep-Oct in the Lower Zambezi and the Luangwa Valley, but if you can take the heat you’ll see incredible game as animals vie for limited water sources. The rains come from Dec-Mar, falling most heavily in Jan-Feb. Outside of these months it may still rain, but the risk of a shower is offset by minimal crowds and great bird watching.
WHEN TO VISIT ZAMBIA & WHEN NOT TO
Our Zambia Holidays
Zambia small group tour
Raw and untamed adventure showcasing amazing African nature
From
£4195 to £4755
14 days
ex flights
Zambia & Malawi small group safari
Unique adventure safari kayaking, game viewing & hiking
From
€3280
16 days
ex flights
Mobile walking safari in Zambia
A mobile walking safari in a remote part of South Luangwa
From
£5590
7 days
ex flights
Small group safaris to Zambia
Look for wildlife from a canoe
From
£2699 to £3449
10 days
inc UK flights
Northern Zambia Luangwa expedition
Expedition trip to the finest wilderness area's of Zambia
From
€2450
13 days
ex flights
Zambia safari holiday, Xmas & New Year
Safari & Victoria Falls at Christmastime
From
£2345
9 days
ex flights
Livingstone Weather Chart
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
20
31
171
FEB
19
30
140
MAR
18
31
76
APR
16
30
20
MAY
11
28
3
JUN
8
26
0
JUL
7
26
0
AUG
10
29
0
SEP
15
33
1
OCT
19
34
20
NOV
20
33
64
DEC
20
31
163
Our top Zambia Holiday
Zambia small group tour
Raw and untamed adventure showcasing amazing African nature
From
£4195 to £4755
14 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2023: 26 Jun, 9 Oct
2023: 26 Jun, 9 Oct
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Zambia or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.

01273 823 700
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WHAT HAPPENS WHEN IN ZAMBIA
Dirk Reiche, from our supplier Sunway Safaris, discusses the best time to visit Zambia:
“Any period from March to November is a good time to hit Zambia. It’s out of the rainy season and much easier to travel. Most of the parks do close during the rainy season as they become inaccessible. The best time for Victoria Falls is March to July when it’s nice and full.”
“Any period from March to November is a good time to hit Zambia. It’s out of the rainy season and much easier to travel. Most of the parks do close during the rainy season as they become inaccessible. The best time for Victoria Falls is March to July when it’s nice and full.”
FESTIVALS & EVENTS IN ZAMBIA
Did you know about...?
The Kuomboka
Celebrated by the Lozi people of western Zambia at the end of the rains, the Kuomboka marks the ceremonial journey of the Litunga, the Lozi king, from his summer capital in the flood plains to his winter residence on higher ground. Kuomboka in the Lozi language means ‘to get out of water’! This full-on spectacle involves a huge wooden barge, massive Maoma war drums and around 100 paddlers wearing animal skin headdresses and skirts. Dates aren’t fixed, but Kuomboka usually takes place in late March or early April.
Celebrated by the Lozi people of western Zambia at the end of the rains, the Kuomboka marks the ceremonial journey of the Litunga, the Lozi king, from his summer capital in the flood plains to his winter residence on higher ground. Kuomboka in the Lozi language means ‘to get out of water’! This full-on spectacle involves a huge wooden barge, massive Maoma war drums and around 100 paddlers wearing animal skin headdresses and skirts. Dates aren’t fixed, but Kuomboka usually takes place in late March or early April.