Lusaka is the capital and largest city of Zambia, a green plateau city of about three million people at 1,280 m. It is a practical base for markets, wildlife nurseries and onward travel to national parks.
Lusaka sits at about 1,280 m with a subtropical highland climate: warm and wet November-April, cool and dry May-August, hot and dry September-October.
Best time to visit
Best: May-August
Peak Season: June-August
Avoid: January-February (heavy rain)
Notes: Dry season gives the best wildlife viewing.
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
27/17 C (high/low)
Wet and warm
February
27/17 C (high/low)
Wet and warm
March
27/16 C (high/low)
Rains easing
April
27/14 C (high/low)
Dry and green
May
25/10 C (high/low)
Dry and cool
June
23/7 C (high/low)
Cool and dry
July
23/7 C (high/low)
Cool and dry
August
26/10 C (high/low)
Dry and warming
September
30/14 C (high/low)
Hot and dry
October
32/17 C (high/low)
Hottest month
November
30/18 C (high/low)
First rains
December
28/17 C (high/low)
Wet
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring
Months: Sep-Nov
Hot, 28-33 C highs with first rains in November.
Summer
Months: Dec-Feb
Warm and wet, 25-28 C highs.
Fall
Months: Mar-May
Green and warming dry, 24-28 C highs.
Winter
Months: Jun-Aug
Cool and dry, 23-25 C highs with 6-10 C nights.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- Overview
- Lusaka is rarely crowded; accommodation fills around the August Agricultural Show.
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Independence Day
National holiday.
Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show
At the Lusaka Showgrounds.