Weather in Livingstone

Stay informed about weather conditions in Livingstone before starting your journey. Below are current data, charts, and forecasts to help you plan your day wisely.

The climate in Livingstone can be described as humid subtropical, with distinct seasons. In general, the weather here is warm and favourable for travel, although conditions depend heavily on the time of year. Tourists should expect plenty of sun and high temperatures, but it is important to take into account the clearly defined rainy season and dry period.

The most comfortable time for many travellers is the dry season, which lasts from May to August. During these months, rainfall is practically absent, days are sunny with pleasant temperatures around +18...+25°C, though nights can be quite cool (down to +10°C). From September to October comes the hot period before the rains, when the air heats up to +34°C and higher.

The wet season usually begins in November and continues until March. January and February are the rainiest months, when the number of rainy days can reach 22 per month. Despite frequent downpours, the temperature remains high, creating warm and humid conditions under which Zambia's nature becomes incredibly green and picturesque.

Livingstone is characterised by a warm climate throughout the year, however, the temperature regime has distinct seasonality. The hottest period is traditionally considered the months before the start of the rainy season: September, October, and November. At this time, the air heats up significantly, reaching peak values in October, when the average daily maximum is about +34.6°C. This is a time of dry heat, which from December to March gives way to more humid and moderate heat with daytime temperatures around +28°C... +30°C.

The period from May to August in Zambia is considered the nominal "winter", although for tourists from northern latitudes, such weather will seem like a very comfortable summer. In these months, especially in June and July, the daytime temperature holds at a pleasant mark around +24°C... +25°C, which is ideal for excursions and safaris. This is the driest and coolest time of year, when the sky remains clear and the exhausting heat recedes.

An important feature of Livingstone's climate is the significant temperature difference between day and night, especially noticeable in the dry season. For example, in July, the difference between daytime warmth and nighttime cool can be about 14 degrees: after a comfortable day, the temperature at night drops to +10.6°C. Travellers should be prepared for such contrasts and definitely bring warm clothes for evening walks or early morning trips to nature.

Precipitation in Livingstone has a distinct seasonal character, clearly dividing the year into wet and dry periods. The rainy season usually begins in November and lasts until April. The peak of humidity falls on the middle of the Southern Hemisphere summer: the rainiest month by frequency of precipitation is January, when about 22 days with precipitation are recorded. December and February are also distinguished by a high probability of rain — 18 and 16 days respectively.

From May to September, a dry season sets in the region. According to statistics, rains cease almost completely during these months: the number of days with precipitation tends towards zero. This time of year is characterised by clear skies and the absence of rain, making it a popular period for wildlife viewing, as animals gather at waterholes.

Transitional periods, such as October, usually remain predominantly dry, with rare instances of precipitation (about 2 days), heralding the imminent start of the rainy season. Since the temperature in Livingstone even in the coldest months (June-July) does not drop to freezing, precipitation falls exclusively as rain; snow is not found here.

A trip to Livingstone requires a careful approach to packing, as the weather here changes noticeably depending on the season. In the hot months, especially in October, when the temperature can rise above 34°C, and in the wet season from November to March, give preference to clothes made of light natural fabrics, such as cotton or linen. Be sure to bring high-quality sunscreen with a high protection factor, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, as the sun in Zambia can be very active even on cloudy days.

If your trip is planned for the "dry" winter period from May to August, be prepared for contrasts: it is warm during the day, but nights and mornings can be quite cool, with temperatures around 10–11°C. The principle of layering works perfectly here: pack a fleece jacket, a warm sweater, and a light jacket or windbreaker in your luggage, which can be easily removed when the air warms up. In the rainy season, especially in January and February, when the number of rainy days is high, you cannot do without a compact raincoat or umbrella.

Regardless of the time of year, for long walks you will need comfortable, broken-in shoes with non-slip soles, suitable for walking on rough terrain. It is also recommended to have a waterproof case for documents and electronics, which is especially relevant in conditions of high humidity or spray from waterfalls. Do not forget swimwear to freshen up in the hotel pool after a busy day of sightseeing.