Last updated: April 14, 2025
Zambia's climate presents a diverse range of temperatures and precipitation patterns influenced by its varied geography. The warmest month, October, sees temperatures soaring up to 42°C (109°F) in Lusaka, while the cooler May registers a low of 6°C (42°F) in Southern. Precipitation varies significantly throughout the year, with June experiencing a low of 0 mm (0.0 in) in Western, contrasting sharply with the deluge of December that can deliver up to 302 mm (11.9 in) in Luapula. Humidity levels also reflect this variability, dropping to an average minimum of 19% in September in Western before rising dramatically to an average maximum of 91% in December in Luapula. Together, these elements shape a dynamic climate that is integral to Zambia's diverse ecosystems and agricultural practices.
Zambia is a country rich in climatic diversity, characterized by several distinct climate zones as classified by the Köppen-Geiger system. The Central and Copperbelt regions, along with Muchinga, and parts of Luapula, showcase a Cwa climate, marked by cool winters and warm, wet summers. In contrast, areas like Eastern and Northern provinces exhibit both Aw and Cwa climates, while the Southern and Western regions blend Cwa, Aw, and BSh climates, offering a mixture of humid subtropical and semi-arid conditions. The Lusaka region stands out with its BSh climate, presenting a unique combination of dry and humid atmospheres. Explore specific details through the region links for a comprehensive understanding of Zambia's climatic tapestry.
| Climate Zone | Description |
|---|---|
| Aw | Tropical savanna climate with a dry season occurring in winter. |
| BSh | Hot semi-arid climate with low rainfall and high temperatures. |
| Cwa | Monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate with dry winters and hot summers. |
Zambia experiences a diverse temperature range throughout the year, showcasing its unique climatic patterns. January kicks off with comfortable mornings at 13°C (56°F) in Central, soaring to a hot 37°C (98°F) in Lusaka. As the wet season rolls into February, temperatures remain high, peaking at 36°C (96°F) in Southern. March maintains similar highs with a maximum of 37°C (100°F) again in Southern, before transitioning into the cooler, dry months of April and May, where Lusaka sees its minimum fall to 10°C (50°F) and 6°C (42°F), respectively. The coolness continues into June and July, with lows around 6°C (43°F), while the maximums linger at 32°C (89°F). Come August, temperatures can spike again, with a maximum reaching 37°C (98°F) in Lusaka. September introduces an even sharper rise, hitting an impressive 40°C (105°F). The heat intensifies in October and November, with highs of 42°C (109°F) and 42°C (107°F) respectively, before the year ends on a slightly cooler note in December, where temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) in Northern to 40°C (105°F) in Lusaka. This fluctuation not only signifies the seasonal changes but also highlights Zambia's rich climatic diversity.
Zambia exhibits striking variability in its precipitation patterns throughout the year. June stands out with absolutely no rainfall, recorded at 0 mm in the Western region, making it one of the driest months. In contrast, December brings a dramatic shift, particularly in Luapula, where precipitation surges to a maximum of 302 mm (11.9 in) over an impressive 27 days of rainfall. This stark contrast highlights a distinct wet and dry season, with the peak of the rainy season occurring in the late months of the year, underscoring the importance of understanding these trends for agriculture and water resource management in the region.
Zambia's humidity levels showcase a significant contrast throughout the year, reflecting the changing seasons. With a minimum humidity of 19% recorded in September in Western, the dry season allows for comfortable, crisp air. However, as the year progresses, humidity levels rise sharply, peaking at an impressive 91% in December in Luapula during the rainy season. This shift not only emphasizes the variation in climatic conditions across regions but also highlights the impact of seasonality on Zambia's overall weather patterns.
Zambia experiences a significantly high ultraviolet (UV) index, particularly noted in February, where both the Northern region and Muchinga record an average daily maximum UV Index of 17. This consistency across these areas highlights a worrying trend of extreme UV exposure during the peak month, emphasizing the importance of protective measures for residents and visitors alike. With such elevated levels, it is crucial to remain vigilant against potential health risks associated with prolonged sun exposure in these regions.
UV Risk Categories
Zambia experiences a notable variation in sunshine duration throughout the year, with particularly striking trends in January and October. In January, regions like Muchinga and Western see around 233 and 270 hours of sunlight respectively, highlighting a comparative scarcity of sunshine during the peak of the rainy season. However, as the year shifts to October, this trend reverses dramatically, with Luapula basking in an impressive 344 hours of sunshine and Eastern enjoying even more at 360 hours. This seasonal shift underscores not only the geographical diversity of Zambia's climate but also the generous warmth and light that define the country's transition into the summer months.
When considering the likelihood of sunny weather in Zambia, there’s a striking contrast between the wet and dry seasons across different regions. In January, the chances of sunshine are notably low in the North-Western region, with only a 6% likelihood. This is indicative of the rainy season, where clouds dominate the sky. However, as the year progresses into August, the landscape shifts dramatically in the Western region, boasting a remarkable 96% likelihood of sunny days. This trend highlights Zambia's diverse climate, showcasing a clear transition from the rainy season to a period of abundant sunshine that captivates both locals and visitors alike.
In Zambia, the daylight hours reveal a fascinating seasonal trend, especially in the Southern region. June sees a modest 11 hours of daylight, offering a serene atmosphere ideal for exploring the beautiful landscapes. As the year progresses into December, daylight extends significantly to 13 hours, providing ample opportunity for outdoor adventures and enjoying the vibrant local culture. This increase in daylight not only enhances the experience for visitors but also highlights the region's transition into the warm summer months.
The climate in Central Zambia is characterized by a distinct seasonal rhythm, with temperatures ranging from a cool 6°C (43°F) in the heart of winter to a sizzling 38°C (101°F) at the peak of summer. The wet season, particularly from January to March, brings substantial rainfall, peaking in February with 262 mm (10.3 in), while the air remains humid—over 80%—making the lush landscape vibrant and alive. As the dry season rolls in from May to August, temperatures become milder, dipping to an average of 16°C (61°F) in July and humidity levels drop dramatically, offering a refreshing contrast. For those planning a visit or interested in understanding more about this region's weather patterns, detailed insights can be found at Central climate.
The climate in Copperbelt, Zambia offers a unique blend of warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From November to March, the region experiences its hottest and most humid months, with temperatures often peaking around 36-38°C (97-101°F), while January and February bring significant rainfall. In stark contrast, the cooler months of June and July see temperatures drop to a refreshing 8°C (46°F), accompanied by minimal precipitation. Humidity levels fluctuate dramatically, reaching a peak of 91% in January but dropping to as low as 37% in October, creating a comfortable atmosphere for visitors. Discover more about this dynamic climate at Copperbelt climate.
Nestled in the heart of Zambia, Eastern Province experiences a diverse climate that dances between the warmth of summer and the cooler embrace of winter. From January to March, the region sees high humidity and substantial rainfall, with January peaking at 220 mm, while temperatures soar, averaging around 23°C (73°F). As April approaches, a noticeable shift occurs, marked by a drop in precipitation to just 34 mm and mild temperatures. The winter months of June and July present a refreshing coolness, with nightly lows dipping to 7°C (45°F), before the warmer, drier conditions return in September, reaching scorching highs of 39°C (102°F) in October. For a detailed overview of the region's climate dynamics, visit Eastern climate.
The climate in Luapula, Zambia showcases a distinct rhythm of wet and dry seasons, perfect for those who appreciate diverse weather patterns. January through March brings heavy rainfall, with January receiving up to 225 mm and humidity levels soaring to 90%, making the air feel lush and vibrant. As the rains taper off in April and dry weather prevails from May to August, temperatures remain mild and pleasant, hovering around 20°C (68°F) during the coolest months. However, come September and October, the region warms up, with highs reaching 36°C (97°F) amid low humidity, presenting a stark contrast to the earlier months. For an in-depth look at Luapula's climate, visit Luapula climate.
Lusaka, Zambia, boasts a tropical savanna climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The warmest months, October and November, can see temperatures soar to an impressive 42°C (109°F), while nights can cool down to a pleasant 16°C (61°F). The rainy season begins in January, bringing high humidity levels of up to 88% and generous rainfall, notably peaking in February with 239 mm (9.4 in). As the year progresses, temperatures gradually drop, providing a much drier climate from May through August, where rainfall is minimal and humidity dips to around 30%. For more detailed insights on the weather patterns in this vibrant city, visit Lusaka climate.
Nestled in Zambia, Muchinga experiences a tropical climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. January through March sees the region soaking in heavy rains, with January and February averaging 90% humidity and temperatures peaking at 32°C (89°F). As the months transition to the dry season, from May to August, temperatures slightly dip, with cooler nights averaging around 7°C (44°F), offering a refreshing reprieve. By October, heat intensifies, reaching a sweltering 39°C (103°F) amidst dwindling humidity levels. Discover more about this fascinating climate and its vibrant ecosystem by visiting Muchinga climate.
Nestled in the heart of Zambia, North-Western boasts a tropical climate characterized by a distinct wet and dry season. January to March sees high humidity and significant rainfall, with averages around 21-22°C (71-72°F) and maximums reaching up to 33°C (91°F), creating a lush, vibrant landscape. As the dry months approach, temperatures begin to cool, dropping to around 8°C (48°F) in June and July, while humidity levels also decline, making it the perfect time for outdoor adventures. The transition into the hotter months of September and October brings maximum temperatures soaring up to 38°C (100°F), balancing the ebb and flow of temperatures with periodic rainfall in the season's tail. Embrace the dynamic weather patterns and explore more about the unique North-Western climate that shapes this enchanting region.
Northern Zambia boasts a tropical climate characterized by a distinct wet and dry season. From January to March, temperatures hover between 15°C and 32°C (60°F - 89°F), coupled with significant rainfall, making this the region's wettest period. As the dry season sets in from May to August, temperatures cool slightly, with July reaching a low of 7°C (46°F) while remaining relatively humidity-free. The warmest months occur in October and November, soaring to a maximum of 36°C (97°F), yet humidity levels begin to rise again with the advent of rains in December. For more detailed insights on the area's climate, visit Northern climate.
Southern Zambia experiences a dynamic climate characterized by warm temperatures and seasonal rainfall. From January to March, the region enjoys its wettest months, with precipitation peaking in February at 243 mm (9.6 in) and temperatures soaring to a sweltering 37°C (100°F). As the dry season approaches in April, temperatures begin to cool slightly, reaching a comfortable average of 22°C (72°F) in April and dropping further to around 17°C (64°F) in the cooler months of June and July. Despite the heat in late spring, with October often hitting a scorching 41°C (106°F), humidity decreases significantly, making the summer months more bearable. To explore more about this fascinating climate, visit Southern climate.
The climate in Western Zambia is characterized by hot temperatures and significant seasonal variation. From January to March, the region experiences warm weather, with daytime highs reaching up to 36°C (98°F), accompanied by high humidity levels that peak at 88%. As the months transition into the dry season, temperatures drop slightly in May and June, offering a more comfortable climate with averages around 19°C (66°F). By September, heat returns, culminating in October's peak of 40°C (105°F), while the rainy season from November to January revitalizes the landscape with substantial rainfall, notably 252 mm (9.9 in) in February. For more detailed climate information, visit Western climate.
Zambia experiences a remarkable range of temperatures and precipitation patterns that paint a vivid picture of its climate. With minimum temperatures dipping to 6°C (42°F) in May and soaring to a sweltering 42°C (109°F) in Lusaka by October, the country's seasonal extremes can be quite dramatic. Meanwhile, rainfall varies significantly throughout the year, evident in the 0 mm recorded in June in Western Zambia, contrasting sharply with the 302 mm that falls in December in Luapula. This diversity is further highlighted by humidity levels that fluctuate from a dry 19% in September in the West to an almost tropical 91% in December in Luapula. Such variations not only shape the landscape but also influence the agricultural practices and daily lives of Zambians, illustrating the intricate tapestry of climate influences across the nation.