Weather in Lusaka

Planning a trip to Lusaka? Check the up-to-date weather forecast to plan your days effectively. In this section, we have gathered the latest data and useful charts for you.

Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, welcomes guests with a predominantly warm and pleasant climate throughout most of the year. The weather here is characterized by a noticeable change of seasons, mainly related to rainfall, which allows you to plan your trip depending on your preferred conditions – be it the lush greenery of the rainy season or the sunny days of the dry period.

Two main seasons stand out clearly in Lusaka. The rainy season usually lasts from November to March-April. During this time, the temperature remains warm, averaging around 22-25°C, and the bulk of the annual rainfall occurs. Although January and December see up to 20-25 rainy days, the rainfall amount can be moderate. Then comes the dry season, which covers the period roughly from May to October. These months are characterized by minimal rainfall (practically none from June to September) and a large number of sunny days. Temperatures in the dry season are somewhat lower, especially in June and July, when averages drop to 17°C, and nights can be quite cool.

Transitional periods also have their own features. For instance, September and October are the hottest and driest months, when daytime temperatures can rise above 30°C, heralding the imminent start of the rains. Overall, Lusaka's climate can be described as comfortable for visiting, especially if you prefer warm weather, but it is worth considering seasonal differences in rainfall when planning activities.

The climate of Lusaka is characterized by distinct temperature fluctuations throughout the year, offering a variety of sensations for travellers. The hottest month is usually October, when the average temperature reaches 25.6°C, and daytime highs often rise to 31.5°C, creating a feeling of true African heat. Conversely, the coolest period is considered to be July, with an average temperature of around 17.0°C. At this time, nights can be quite fresh, with minimum temperatures dropping to 11.1°C, which requires having light warm clothing for evening walks.

During the period that can be conditionally called "summer" and coincides with the rainy season (roughly from November to March), consistently warm weather settles in Lusaka. Monthly average temperatures in these months range from 22.1°C in January to 25.0°C in November. Daytime peaks often reach 26-30°C, while nighttime temperatures remain comfortable, usually not dropping below 18-20°C. Humidity is elevated during this period, and daily temperature fluctuations are generally less pronounced compared to the dry season, amounting to about 7-10°C.

"Winter" months, falling during the dry season (especially June and July), gift Lusaka with pleasant coolness. During the day, the temperature holds at comfortable marks around 22-23°C, which is ideal for excursions and active recreation. However, with sunset, it becomes noticeably cooler, and minimum temperatures can drop to 11-12°C. In the dry season, especially in transitional months such as May, August, and September, significant daily temperature drops are observed, sometimes exceeding 10-12°C. September and October, preceding the rainy season, are distinguished by increasing heat, when daytime temperatures again rush towards marks above 30°C.

In Lusaka, there is a pronounced seasonality of precipitation, which defines the presence of a clear rainy season and a prolonged dry season. Understanding these climatic cycles will help you optimally plan your trip to the capital of Zambia, especially if your plans include a lot of time in the fresh air.

The rainy season in Lusaka usually lasts from November to March, sometimes extending into early April. The peak of rainfall occurs in January, which is the wettest month: on average, about 9 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days reaches 25. December and February are also quite rainy, with figures around 6 mm of precipitation and approximately 20 rainy days in each. By March, the intensity of rains decreases (3 mm of precipitation, 16 rainy days), and in April the amount of precipitation becomes minimal (1 mm, 8 rainy days), foreshadowing the onset of the dry period.

The dry season in Lusaka settles in roughly from May to October. At this time, precipitation becomes a great rarity. The driest months are from June to September inclusive, when on average not a single millimetre of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days is zero. May and October can be considered transitional months: in May, just one rainy day is possible, and in October – about three, while the total amount of precipitation in these months is practically absent (0 mm). If you prefer sunny weather without rain, the period from June to September will be the ideal time for a visit to Lusaka.

When planning a trip to Lusaka, it is important to consider two clearly defined seasons: rainy and dry, as this will directly affect your wardrobe. Regardless of the time of year, your suitcase must include comfortable shoes for walking, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for protection against the active African sun. The principle of layering in clothing will be your best friend, especially in the dry season, when day and night temperatures can differ noticeably.

If your journey falls during the rainy season (roughly from November to March-April), be prepared for warm weather (average temperature 22-25°C) and frequent rainfall – in January, for example, there are up to 25 rainy days. During this period, you will need light, breathable, and quick-drying clothing. Do not forget a waterproof jacket or poncho, as well as a reliable umbrella. Closed shoes capable of withstanding moisture and mud will be very handy. It is also recommended to take insect repellent with you, as their activity increases during the wet period.

A trip in the dry season (from May to October) is characterized by sunny weather with minimal rainfall. However, there are nuances here too. In the cooler months, such as June and July (average temperature around 17°C, with nightly lows up to 11°C), be sure to take warm things with you: a fleece top, a sweater, or a light jacket for cool evenings and morning hours. In the hot and dry months, especially in September and October, when the temperature can rise above 30°C, preference should be given to light summer clothing made from natural fabrics. Even during this period, a light cover-up may be useful for evening coolness or protection from the sun during the day.