Quick facts

Best time to go: May to September (All parks)
High Season: July to October (Won’t feel crowded; only Victoria Falls gets busy)
Low Season: November to April (The parks will be very quiet, many camps close down)
Best Weather: April, May and September (Pleasant temperatures; the short afternoon rains of April rarely compromise your safari)
Worst Weather: October (Very hot in low altitude parks) and December to March (The wettest months)

May to October – Dry Season – Winter

• Game viewing is at its best because there is less vegetation. Animals gather around waterholes and rivers, making wildlife easier to spot.
• There is virtually no rain, the skies are clear and there are less mosquitoes.
• Although it is high season, most of the parks won’t be crowded, except for Victoria Falls.
• June through September is the best time to see Victoria Falls. The water is mid-to-low and the spray doesn’t block the view to the falls.
• October can get very hot in the parks with lower altitude, like South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi.
• Mornings game drives will be cold. It’s advised to pack warm winter clothing during June, July and August.

November to April – Wet Season – Summer

• The scenery is greener and it’s low season, meaning lower rates.
• You can see newborn animals.
• This is the best time for birdwatching and migratory birds are present.
• Rains are mostly short showers late in the afternoon and are seldom continuous for days.
• Some camps in South Luangwa stay open, offer boat trips and are more flexible about bringing children.
• Wildlife is more difficult to see since the vegetation is thicker and animals no longer rely on predictable water resources.
• Dirt roads become impassable, most parks and camps close down; Zambia’s premier park- South Luangwa- remains open.
• From October to December the Victoria Falls might just be a small stream on the Zambia side. The greatest flow of water is from March to May, but the spray often gets too strong and blocks the view to the falls.