Weather in Ndola

To ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible, please familiarise yourself with the current weather situation in the city of Ndola. In this section, we have gathered up-to-date data, charts, and forecasts for the near future for you.

The climate of Ndola can be described as humid subtropical, with a distinct division into dry and rainy periods. Thanks to its location at a high elevation, the weather here remains predominantly mild and comfortable for travellers throughout the year, avoiding the extremely high temperatures common in many other tropical regions.

Three main seasons are clearly traceable throughout the year. From May to August is the cool and dry period: during this time, rain is extremely rare, days are sunny, but nights can be quite cool with temperatures dropping to 11-12°C. September and October bring the heat, preparing the region for a change in weather, while from November to April comes the warm wet season, when the number of rainy days increases sharply.

A distinctive feature of the local weather is its stability, especially during the dry season. Travellers choosing to visit in the middle of the year can safely leave their umbrellas at home and enjoy cloudless skies. At the same time, the rainy season, despite frequent precipitation, transforms the city and its surroundings into a picturesque green oasis, which gives Zambia a special charm.

The temperature regime in Ndola can be characterised as moderately warm and comfortable for travel for most of the year. The hottest period is traditionally the months preceding the start of the rainy season — September and October. In October, the average temperature reaches its peak of 25.4°C, and daytime maximums can exceed 31°C, creating conditions of true African heat. With the arrival of rains in November, the heat subsides slightly, giving way to milder but more humid weather.

The coolest months fall in the middle of the dry season — June and July. At this time of year, which locals call winter, the average temperature drops to 18°C. Days remain sunny and pleasantly warm (around 24.5°C), however, nights become noticeably cold. In July, the minimum temperature can drop to 11.7°C, so tourists will definitely need warm clothing for evening walks.

An important feature of Ndola's climate is the diurnal temperature variation, which is most noticeable in the dry season. The difference between daytime warmth and nighttime coolness can be more than 12 degrees. In the rainy season (from November to March), this contrast smooths out: cloud cover and humidity retain heat, and nighttime temperatures rarely drop below 17°C, while during the day the air consistently warms up to 25–26°C.

The climate in the city of Ndola is characterised by a clear division of the year into wet and dry periods. The rainy season here begins in November and lasts until the end of March. The "wettest" months are January, February, and December: during this time, precipitation occurs very frequently, and the number of rainy days can reach 24–28 per month, so travellers should be prepared for regular heavy showers.

From May to September, a pronounced dry season sets in across the region. During these months, the probability of precipitation is reduced to a minimum: in June, July, August, and September, rain is practically non-existent, and the sky remains clear. This time is considered the most stable in terms of weather for planning outdoor excursions.

Transitional periods occur in April and October. In April, the intensity of rains decreases noticeably (about 10 days with precipitation), gradually giving way to the dry season. October marks the imminent return of the wet season: although rains are still rare (on average 4 rainy days), humidity begins to rise gradually before the November downpours.

Preparing luggage for a trip to Ndola largely depends on the time of year, as the climate here has distinct seasonality. In general, Zambia welcomes guests with warm weather, so the basis of your wardrobe should consist of light clothing. However, considering the temperature fluctuations, especially in the dry season, it is wise to adhere to the principle of layering to feel comfortable throughout the day.

If you are planning a visit from November to April, be prepared for frequent precipitation: a high-quality raincoat, an umbrella, and waterproof shoes will become your main allies. In the dry and cooler period, from May to August, rain is unlikely, but nighttime temperatures can drop to +12°C. For evening walks, be sure to pack a warm sweater, windbreaker, or fleece jacket in your suitcase, which are easy to remove when the air warms up to a comfortable +25°C during the day.

In the hottest months, September and October, when the thermometer exceeds +30°C, choose clothes made from natural breathable fabrics, such as cotton and linen. Regardless of the season, the sun here is active, so sunscreen with a high protection factor, a hat, and sunglasses are mandatory items on your list. Also, do not forget comfortable walking shoes to explore the city's attractions with ease.