Travel and Leisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!
Named three years running in Travel+Leisure World's Best, including No.1 in 2024
When to go

Best time to visit Zambia

Zambia has two distinct seasons. From May to October you can expect dreamy weather (but be warned that from August onwards, the temperature sky rockets!) and it’s also the best time for game viewing as the animals congregate around the remaining water sources. The tiny bush camps that Zambia is renowned for are all open so the choice of accommodation is excellent. The rains begin in the November and last until April. This is the time for dramatic skies, lush green plains and newborns and the rain shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the activities but the caveat is that some of the smaller, more remote camps are closed. Down at Vic Falls, the water is in full flow from April to June and the views are spectacular, but the best time for white-water rafting is from August to December when the water level is slightly lower.

For the best game viewing and walking safaris, aim for July to September when the weather is ideal. Zambia is renowned for its incredible guides, and with the perfect conditions for game drives, walking safaris, and boating or fishing, it’s one of the most beautiful and unforgettable safari destinations."
Jenna

Jenna Coiley

Travel Specialist

Read about me
Excellent
Good
Mixed

Zambia in January

Wet Season — a quieter time to visit

  • Temperatures are hot but comfortable, humidity varies throughout the month and there is a 1 in 2 chance of rain, which usually falls at night.

  • Animal densities in both the Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa drop at this time of year, with species spreading out and giving birth, providing a buzz of activity amongst the predators.

  • Foliage is dense, green and in bloom drawing in droves of colourful butterflies.

  • Birding is at its peak with migrant species present and in their breeding plumage.

  • It is important to note that some camps are closed during this month, leading to a more intimate safari.

  • The Zambezi River's water levels begin to increase, improving the Victoria Falls spectacle.

Zambia in February

Wet Season — a quieter time to visit

  • Temperatures are hot but comfortable, humidity is unpredictable and rain falls regularly but usually at night.

  • Wildlife numbers have dropped, animals are spread over a larger area, enjoying a time of plenty.

  • The recent birthing season experienced in South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi, has left plenty of young animals for the predators to chase.

  • Vegetation is lush, green and in bloom, alive with the sounds of migratory birds in their breeding plumage.

  • Take advantage of the Victoria Falls spectacle with an arial view from either a light aircraft, helicopter or a micro light.

Zambia in March

Wet Season — a quieter time to visit

  • Temperatures are hot but comfortable, humidity has dropped and rain is falling only a couple of afternoons a week.

  • The birthing season is now over, with the large number of young antelope still causing a stir amongst the predators.

  • Vegetation is lush and in bloom, alive with the presence of migratory birds strengthening their wings for the impending journey.

  • This is considered to be the best time of year to view the rarely seen wild dog of South Luangwa National Park.

  • The Zambezi River water levels are nearing or at their peak, providing views of Victoria Falls at its most impressive.

Zambia in April

Wet Season — a good time to visit

  • Temperatures are high but comfortable, with little to no humidity and only a handful of rainy days across the month.

  • In the Lower Zambezi National Park, animals are in their peak physical condition but more difficult to spot with the lush vegetation at its thickest.

  • Considered to be the best time of year to view the rarely seen wild dog of South Luangwa National Park.

  • Birds migrate during this month, leaving the dry season behind them.

  • The water level of the Zambezi should be at its peak, showcasing Victoria Falls in all her glory.

Zambia in May

Dry Season — one of the best times to visit

  • Day temperatures begin to cool with the onset of the dry season, rain is unlikely.

  • Game viewing in the Lower Zambezi National Park and the South Luangwa National Park begins to improve as vegetation thins and waterholes begin to dry up, forcing the various species into closer proximity.

  • A great month for photography, with high sunshine hours, pristine wildlife and vegetation lush and green.

  • A good time to visit Zambia's National Parks, the weather is good and low price are enjoyed before the peak safari season.

  • Considered to be the best time of year to view the rarely seen wild dog of South Luangwa National Park.

  • The Zambezi River is near its peak but starting to recede, providing breathtaking views of Victoria Falls.

Zambia in June

Dry Season — one of the best times to visit

  • Day temperatures are hot but comfortable with little to no chance of rain.

  • Game viewing is at its best in the South Luangwa National Park, vegetation is thinning and wildlife assembles around the remaining water source.

  • The ideal time of year for canoe safari in the Lower Zambezi National Park, with moderate weather and game starting to congregate along the river.

  • Take advantage of the pristine walking conditions and experience the famed, South Luangwa on foot.

  • Water levels dependent, visit 'The Angels Armchair', a pool on the edge of Victoria Falls providing high excitement for those looking to get a little closer to the drop off.

  • Be sure to pack a warm winter jacket for the chill of early morning game drive.

Zambia in July

Dry Season — one of the best times to visit

  • Day temperatures are hot but comfortable with little to no chance of rain.

  • The trees lose their leaves and the Zambezi and Luangwa River's become the last reliable water sources drawing animals in from a large area.

  • A great time to fly over Victoria Falls in either a micro light, helicopter or a light aircraft, offering a unique aerial look at this natural wonder of the world.

  • Even during peak season premier parks like South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi never feel crowded, unique for a destination of this quality.

  • Dry cooler conditions, lead to a drop in insect numbers, particularly the mosquito.

  • Pack a warm jacket for chilly morning game drives.

Zambia in August

Dry Season — one of the best times to visit

  • Day temperatures are hot but comfortable with little to no rain.

  • Game viewing approaches its peak with vegetation thinning and animals congregating around the Luangwa and Zambezi River's.

  • This is peak game viewing season, with long hours of sunshine and good air clarity for photography.

  • Even during peak season, premier parks like South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi never feel crowded, unique for a destination of this quality.

  • Take advantage of the Victoria Falls spectacle with an aerial view from either a light aircraft, helicopter or a micro light.

  • Don't forget to pack a warm jacket, morning game drives can get chilly.

Zambia in September

Dry Season — one of the best times to visit

  • Temperatures are high with relative humidity, there is little chance of rain.

  • The trees have lost their leaves, waterholes have dried up leaving the Zambezi and Luangwa Rivers as the last remaining water sources, drawing animals in from far and wide.

  • This is peak game viewing season, with long hours of sunshine and good air clarity for photographers.

  • Water levels dependent, visit 'Devil's pool', a rock pool on the edge of Victoria Falls providing high excitement for those looking to get a thrill closer to the drop off.

  • At Victoria Falls, partake in the numerous adventure activities like bungee jumping, jet-boating, quad biking or zip lining.

  • Even during peak season premier parks like South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi never feel crowded, unique for a destination of this quality.

Zambia in October

Dry Season — a good time to visit

  • Temperatures are at their hottest, with humidity reaching an all year high before the fall of the first rains, usually towards the end of the month.

  • In the South Luangwa National Park, game viewing is at is pinnacle for most of October, deteriorating somewhat towards the end of the month, should the first rains of the season fall.

  • Warthogs give birth in the South Luangwa National Park, leading to high predator activities and exceptional game viewing until the rains break towards the end of the month.

  • If you don't mind the heat, a great time to visit with tourist numbers dropping and often interesting sightings.

  • Zambezi River rafting is at its best, with exciting rapids and drop-offs, be sure to book early and beat the crowds.

  • Tiger fishing reaches its peak in the Zambezi River, providing endless hours of angling excitement.

Zambia in November

Wet Season — a good time to visit

  • Temperatures are hot and humid for the first half of November, becoming less intense with the increase of rain throughout the month.

  • The impala's give birth, providing high excitement amongst the predators, however wildlife densities drop as water sources are replenished elsewhere.

  • Zambezi River rafting is at its best, with exciting rapids and drop-offs, increasing the thrill factor.

  • The arrival of the first rains, trigger a burst of green as the vegetation is rejuvenated.

  • For all those birders, the Carmine bee eaters are nesting and best viewed at this time.

  • An increase in the number of insects can be experienced in late November, so have your repellent handy.

Zambia in December

Wet Season — a quieter time to visit

  • Temperatures are hot with unpredictable humidity levels and high evening rainfall is to be expected.

  • Grasses begin to lengthen, foliage thickens and animals are a little more spread out, making game viewing tricky in both the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi National Parks.

  • Vegetation is lush, green and in bloom, alive with the sounds of migratory birds in their breeding plumage.

  • Water level dependent, visit 'Devil's pool', a rock pool on the edge of Victoria Falls providing high excitement for those looking to get a thrill closer to the drop off.

  • An ideal time for river rafting with the increased rapids and drop-offs providing a thrill.

Articles

Zambia in the blog


As Seen in

11 Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialists 2026

Condé Nast Traveler

No. 1 & No. 2 Tour Operator in Travel + Leisure's Best Awards 2024 & 2025

Travel + Leisure

Best Booking Platform in Women's Health Travel Awards 2025

Women's Health magazine

Travel Specialist voted as Latin America A-List Travel Advisor 2025

Condé Nast Traveler A-List Awards

"Timbuktu can take relatively complex and slightly amorphous travel plans and transform them into a well-organized, perfectly tailored trip."

Forbes magazine
AFAR magazine
The Daily Telegraph newspaper
Vogue magazine
Glamour magazine
BBC
Oprah Magazine
Natural Geographic