Weather in Lower Zambezi National Park

Stay informed about meteorological conditions when heading to Lower Zambezi National Park. In this section, you will find up-to-date forecasts and detailed charts to help you prepare for your journey.

Lower Zambezi National Park features a typical tropical climate with a distinct division into dry and wet seasons. The weather here is generally warm, making the park an attractive destination for wildlife enthusiasts; however, travellers should consider seasonal specifics when planning a safari.

The year can be roughly divided into two periods. From May to October, the region experiences the dry season: rain is very rare during this time, and the sky is almost always cloudless. The middle of this period (June and July) is characterized by the coolest nights, when the temperature can drop to 13°C, but by October, the air warms up significantly, ushering in the hottest time of the year with daytime temperatures above 30°C.

The wet season begins in November and lasts until roughly April. During these months, especially in January and February, the bulk of the rainfall occurs, transforming the park's landscapes into a green oasis. Despite frequent rains, the weather remains hot and humid, creating a classic tropical summer atmosphere.

The temperature regime in Lower Zambezi National Park varies significantly depending on the season, offering travellers different conditions for safaris. The hottest months are October and November, when the average air temperature rises to 26.5°C. During this period, preceding the rainy season, the daytime heat can be quite intense: thermometer readings regularly exceed the 31–32°C mark. September is also notable for high temperatures, reaching 30°C during the day, making spring in the Southern Hemisphere a truly hot time.

The winter period, which lasts here from May to August, brings welcome coolness and is considered one of the most comfortable times to visit, although it requires warm clothing for the evenings. June and July are the coldest months of the year with an average temperature of around 18°C. Daily fluctuations are especially noticeable at this time: while during the day the air warms up to a pleasant 23°C, at night the temperature can drop to 12–13°C. Such a difference is characteristic of the dry season and creates an invigorating atmosphere for early morning nature drives.

From January to April, mild and warm weather sets in. Averages hover in the 22–24°C range, while daytime highs stabilize at 26–27°C. During these months, there is no exhausting heat characteristic of October, and nights become significantly warmer than in winter, rarely cooling below 20°C. This is a time of steady warmth, when temperature fluctuations are minimal, allowing you to feel comfortable throughout the day.

The climate in which Lower Zambezi National Park is situated is distinguished by pronounced seasonal precipitation. The year is clearly divided into wet and dry periods, which directly influences safari planning and the accessibility of certain routes. Travellers should note that weather patterns change drastically depending on the time of year.

The rainy season usually falls between November and March. The wettest month in terms of rainfall frequency is January, when statistics record up to 26 rainy days. In December and February, precipitation also occurs regularly (more than 20 days per month), filling water bodies and revitalizing the vegetation. At this time, nature in Zambia becomes lush and green, although roads may be washed out.

With the arrival of May, the long dry season begins, lasting right through to October. During this time, the probability of getting caught in the rain is minimal: in June, July, and August, an average of only one rainy day is recorded, and September often passes without any precipitation at all. This is a period of clear skies and excellent visibility, when nothing hinders wildlife observation.

A trip to Lower Zambezi National Park requires careful wardrobe selection, as the weather here changes noticeably depending on the season. Since this is a popular safari destination, opt for clothing in neutral natural shades (khaki, beige, green) to blend in with the landscape. The main principle for your outfit is layering: even if it is hot during the day, morning and evening nature drives can be quite crisp.

If you are planning a trip during the dry and cool season (May to August), be sure to bring warm items—a fleece jacket or windbreaker—as night temperatures can drop to +13°C. For the hot months (September and October), when the air warms up above +30°C, light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics is ideal. During the rainy season, which lasts from November to March, a high-quality raincoat and waterproof shoes are essential in your suitcase.

Regardless of the time of year, you will need comfortable and durable closed-toe shoes for walking on uneven terrain. Do not forget sun protection: a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high SPF cream are necessary even in cloudy weather. It is also highly recommended to carry effective insect repellents, which will be useful both during the wet season and for evening walks by the river.