Zambia is often referred to as “The Real Africa” due to its diverse wildlife, stunning natural landscapes, and rich culture.
Apart from visiting the iconic Victoria Falls, Zambia offers incredible opportunities for wildlife experiences in its many safaris and national parks, all of which Zambia weather will play a huge part on deciding when is the best time to visit.
This beautiful country also tops our list of “Best People” we encountered on our 9-month Cairo to Cape Town adventure.
Now that we have persuaded you to go, let’s find out when is the best time to visit Zambia.
Zambia Weather: Seasons in Zambia
The best time to visit Zambia largely depends on your interests and what you want to experience during your trip.
Best Time to Visit Zambia: Dry Season (May to October)
This period is considered the best time to visit Zambia for wildlife viewing. The weather is cooler and drier, making it easier to spot animals gathering around water holes in national parks such as South Luangwa, Kafue, and Lower Zambezi.
This is an ideal time for safari adventures and game drives, as the vegetation is thinner, and animals are more visible.
Sometimes you don’t even have to be on safari – check out the video below!!
Best Time to Visit Zambia: Green Season (November to April)
This period marks the ‘green season’ or rainy season in Zambia. The landscape is lush and vibrant due to rainfall, creating a beautiful, green environment.
While this time might not be ideal for some wildlife viewing as animals are more scattered, it’s fantastic for birdwatching.
Additionally, this season offers fewer crowds and lower accommodation rates.
Best Time to Visit Zambia: Victoria Falls
The flow of the Zambezi River over Victoria Falls varies throughout the year.
The best time to witness the falls in its full glory is from March to May, after the rainy season when the water levels are at their peak.
However, during the dry season from September to November, the water levels decrease, allowing for clearer views and the possibility of activities like swimming in the Devil’s Pool.
We visited the falls during September and if your sole reason for visiting Zambia is to witness these majestic falls at full force then we do not recommend this time!
Ultimately, choosing between the dry and green seasons depends on whether you prioritize wildlife safaris or prefer lush scenery and birdwatching, with each period offering its unique charms across Zambia.
Now that you know when to go, check out the post below to find out everything else you need to know for your Zambia holiday.
What Packing Essentials Do I Need For My Zambia Holiday?
This is the same list we recommend for the majority of African travels (and travel in general).
- Head torch – In the case of any electrical outage. Although, we didn’t experience any.
- Dry bag – For the protection of everyday items especially if venturing to Victoria Falls, white-water rafting, etc!!
- Multi Travel Adapter – so you are prepared for any plug type!
- Battery pack – For any long bus journeys, or simply to charge your phone from all the photos you will be taking.
- Download apps such as Google Translate, Google Maps, and Booking.com.
- Utilize budget apps such as TravelSpend to keep track of your spending.
- A sense of adventure and a smile!
You can find the full list of our travel tips here.
Zambia Weather Summary
To sum up:
If your main focus is on wildlife viewing, the best time to visit Zambia is during the dry season from May to October.
For birdwatching, lush landscapes, and fewer tourists, the green season from November to April might be your best time to visit Zambia.
To experience Victoria Falls at its most impressive (unlike what we witnessed!), the best time to visit Zambia is during the peak flow months from March to May.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Zambia depends on your preferences and the specific experiences you seek.
Enjoy Your Zambia Holiday!
We are positive that whenever you choose to visit you will have an absolutely amazing time, as we did.
Yes, you will witness some awe-inspiring natural wonders but what you will also take away with you is the unforgettable warmth and generosity of the Zambian people. This is what truly made our trip extra special.
Why not let us know if you are planning a Zambia holiday or if you have been, how did you get on?
We would love to hear from you! Please leave a comment below or contact us on our socials.
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