Zambia Travel Information

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When to Go to Zambia

To get the most out of your next adventure it makes sense to consider some of the very local factors that combine to make up what you feel is the best time to travel to a destination. Many of these factors are very personal - some people prefer to travel when the weather is not too hot, or sites too crowded - others prefer to travel when a traditional local event is taking place. Taking into account the dates of public holidays can also make sense as these may have an impact on opening times of attractions, shops and restaurants, or might affect public transport or other services. Conversely public holidays can be a time of great local festivities and celebrations providing a feast of local expressionism and culture.

Climate

Zambia is hottest from September to November, just before the rains, when temperatures rise. Day time heat soars into the 80s and 90s Fahrenheit (28-37C), and dictate light dresses and short-sleeved shirts. November to March is the rainy season. Short thunderstorms or showers relieve the high temperatures just before they become oppresive. Rains usually last for a few hours at most and towns and countryside emerge fresh and green again in the sunlight. By mid-March or early April the rains diminish, and leaves begin to fall from the trees. This is perhaps the best time of year. The heat has abated, but the winter chill has not set in, and the countryside is still brilliant green.

Seasonality

Zambia’s three distinctive seasons provide visitors with different perspectives depending on the time of year. The Luangwa Valley for example is best for game viewing during the dry season from June to October, but the rainy season, with its spectacular profusion of greens and reds changes the landscape dramatically and the bird populations increase with the arrival of migrants from the north.

The Victoria Falls are at their most spectacular between April and May after the rainy season but often the spray is so thick it is difficult to see the full width of the falls. To appreciate the magnificent rock formations and gorges, it is just as interesting to come when the water is low at the end of the dry season from October to December.

Kafue National Park is best from May to October as is the Lower Zambezi. Ideal road travelling months are April to September as the heat is at it’s most bearable.

National Holidays

Date	Description
25 Dec 07	Christmas day
08 Mar 08	Womens' Day
12 Mar 08	Youth Day
21 Mar 08	Good Friday
22 Mar 08	Holy Saturday
24 Mar 08	Easter Monday
01 May 08	Labour Day
25 May 08	Africa Day
26 May 08	Africa Day (day in lieu)
02 Jul 08	Hero's Day
08 Jul 08	Unity Day
04 Aug 08	Farmers Day
24 Oct 08	Independence Day
01 Jan 09	New Year's Day

National Events

Event	Occurs	Description
N'Cwala	February	New harvest celebrations in Mutenguleni
Kuomboka	February or March	Celebrations with a flotilla of canoes arriving at Limulunga.
Likumbi Lya Mize	July	Visit Mize, the official palace of Senior Chief Ndungu
Livingstone Cultural and Arts Festival	August/September	Displays of local music and dance