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Contents
- The climate of Lusaka
- The best time to visit Lusaka
- The worst time to visit Lusaka
- Spring weather in Lusaka
- Summer weather in Lusaka
- Autumn weather in Lusaka
- Winter weather in Lusaka
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
Beautiful lion cubs on the banks of a lake in Lusaka, Zambia
The climate of Lusaka
Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, features a Koppen climate classification of Cwa, indicative of a humid subtropical climate with winters being relatively dry. The geographical position of Lusaka in the tropical latitudinal range, influences significant climatic fluctuations throughout the year. An examination of the climatic averages reveals a considerable variation in temperature, rainfall, and humidity levels across the months.
High temperatures throughout the year vary from a moderate 22.4°C (72.3°F) in the cooler July to a sweltering 32.6°C (90.7°F) in the hotter October. Minimum temperatures follow a similar pattern, descending down to 10.5°C (50.9°F) in July and soaring up to 19.3°C (66.7°F) in November. A noticeable plunge in the humidity index from 87% in February to 35% in September manifests the transition from wet to dry phases. Conversely, rainfall parameters change drastically with peak accumulation of 176mm (6.93") in January and February to virtually negligible precipitation in August and September.
Exceptionally high amounts of sunshine characterize Lusaka's climate, with a substantial increase from 7.4 hours per day in February to 12.1 hours per day in October. The windy conditions reach their zenith in September with an average speed of 13.8km/h (8.6mph). Certain months represent unique weather patterns such as October with the highest temperature and September with the lowest humidity and rainfall but the strongest winds.
High temperatures throughout the year vary from a moderate 22.4°C (72.3°F) in the cooler July to a sweltering 32.6°C (90.7°F) in the hotter October. Minimum temperatures follow a similar pattern, descending down to 10.5°C (50.9°F) in July and soaring up to 19.3°C (66.7°F) in November. A noticeable plunge in the humidity index from 87% in February to 35% in September manifests the transition from wet to dry phases. Conversely, rainfall parameters change drastically with peak accumulation of 176mm (6.93") in January and February to virtually negligible precipitation in August and September.
Exceptionally high amounts of sunshine characterize Lusaka's climate, with a substantial increase from 7.4 hours per day in February to 12.1 hours per day in October. The windy conditions reach their zenith in September with an average speed of 13.8km/h (8.6mph). Certain months represent unique weather patterns such as October with the highest temperature and September with the lowest humidity and rainfall but the strongest winds.
The best time to visit Lusaka
The ideal period to visit Lusaka is between June and August. During these months, moderate temperatures ranging from 22.7°C (72.9°F) to 26.5°C (79.7°F) coupled with low chances of rainfall and an excellent visibility of up to 10km (6.2mi), contribute towards favourable weather conditions. Moreover, the sunshine hours hover around a favourable 7.6 hours per day in August and the humidity levels are quite bearable, oscillating between 46% in August and 69% in June.
The worst time to visit Lusaka
The least desirable time for a visit to Lusaka spans from December to February. These months are marked by highest rainfall, with downpours reaching 176mm (6.93") in January and a high of 27.1 days of rain in the same month. Moreover, the humidity during these months is also at its peak, reaching 85% in December and 87% in February, and visibility drops to 7km (4.3mi) in February due to increased moisture in the air.
Spring weather in Lusaka
Despite the reduction in rainfall from 73mm (2.87") in March to just 2mm (0.08") in May, spring in Lusaka is characterized by moderate temperatures ranging from 24.8°C (76.6°F) to 24.3°C (75.7°F). This comfortable climate is further accentuated by an increase in daylight hours. The relative humidity decreases from 84% in March to 69% in May, thereby decreasing the levels of discomfort generally associated with high humidity.
Summer weather in Lusaka
Summers in Lusaka from December to February are typified by heavy rainfall, high humidity levels and reduced visibility. The temperatures during these months range from a high of 25.6°C (78.1°F) to a low of 18.3°C (64.9°F). The high humidity level, reaching up to 87% in February with reduced daylight hours, can make outdoor activities uncomfortable.
Autumn weather in Lusaka
Autumn, spanning March to May, marks a transition to pleasant weather in Lusaka as the temperature starts to moderate. Despite a slight decline in daylight hours from 12.2 hours to 11.4 hours, it is compensated by comfortable temperatures ranging from 24.8°C (76.6°F) to 22.7°C (72.9°F).
Winter weather in Lusaka
Lusaka experiences winter during June and August. These months are characterized by a slight dip in temperatures from 11°C (51.8°F) to 10.5°C (50.9°F) along with negligible rainfall. The pleasant winter months receive an ample amount of sunshine and comfortable humidity levels, making it one of the best times to explore the city for travellers.
Weather in January
Initiating the weather cycle, January in Lusaka, Zambia is quite humid with a relative humidity of 85%. It may be experienced as the soggiest month, given its high volume of precipitation with 176mm (6.93") of rainfall spread across 27.1 days. Weather in January »
Weather in February
Moving into February, Lusaka follows a similar pattern to January, though there is a noticeable drop in rainfall to 129mm (5.08"). Temperatures remain relatively stable with slight reductions across the board, maintaining the feel of the summer season. Weather in February »
Weather in March
March is characterized by a shift towards drier conditions as rainfall volumes drop significantly to 73mm (2.87"). This trend accompanies a reduction in average low temperature to 17.1°C (62.8°F), though the daytime highs remain in a similar range to February. Weather in March »
Weather in April
April heralds a more pronounced departure from summer as the average low temperature drops to 15.3°C (59.5°F). This is the driest month of the year with a rainfall of only 25mm (0.98"), a stark contrast to the heavy showers of the initial months. Weather in April »
Weather in May
May brings distinctive change with a sharp decrease in humidity to 69%, clearly distinguishing it from the preceding months. The cooling trend enhances, with nighttime temperatures falling to 12.9°C (55.2°F). Despite this, daytime highs remain in quite a warm range, preserving a balance in thermal conditions. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June consultations clearly place the city in the winter territory with an average low-temperature dipping to 10.8°C (51.4°F). It also sees a further drop in humidity to 65%. Rainfall is nearly absent, featuring only 2mm (0.08") throughout the month. Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the heart of winter, presenting the lowest average temperature for the year at 10.5°C (50.9°F). Despite this, it retains a largely dry character, with a minimal 1mm (0.04") of rainfall. The winter sun spends 7.4 hours per day shining on Lusaka. Weather in July »
Weather in August
Moving into August, Lusaka experiences a slight rise in the average low-temperature to 12.7°C (54.9°F), indicating the near end of the winter season. Another characteristic of this month is no rainfall, further enhancing the dry winter environment. Weather in August »
Weather in September
September is the turning point where winter blends into summer, presenting extended sunshine hours and a pleasant hike in temperature to an average 15.9°C (60.6°F) on the lower end. Still carrying the dry trend of winter, this month sees no rainfall, extending the dry spell for outdoor enthusiasts. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October marks the onset of summer with temperatures reaching a warm 30.5°C (86.9°F), presenting quite a contrast with the lower limit of 18.5°C (65.3°F). Rainfall occurs on an average of 2.5 days. It is the time of year for long sunny days with an average of 12.1 sunshine hours per day. Weather in October »
Weather in November
November continues with the summer spirit, presenting temperatures peaking at 30.1°C (86.2°F). However, with the onset of the rain season, there is a significant increase in rainfall to 83mm (3.27"). The days are long and sun-filled, ensuring a continuous stream of natural light. Weather in November »
Weather in December
The last month of the calendar year, December, comes with a continued trend of summer temperatures, settling to a warm 27.4°C (81.3°F). With increased rainfall reaching 145mm (5.71"), it embodies the ambiance of monsoons. The winter sun shines brightly, offering 9.7 hours of sunlight per day. Weather in December »
[Resources]Frequently asked questions
What is the wettest month in Lusaka?
January is the month with the most rainfall in Lusaka, Zambia. Rain falls for 27.1 days and accumulates 176mm (6.93") of precipitation.
How many days does it rain in Lusaka?
In Lusaka, Zambia, during the entire year, the rain falls for 141.1 days and collects up to 642mm (25.28") of precipitation.
What is the month with the lowest UV index in Lusaka?
The months with the lowest UV index in Lusaka are January, April through July, with an average maximum UV index of 5.
What is the most humid month in Lusaka?
With an average relative humidity of 87%, February is the most humid month.
What is the month with the shortest days in Lusaka?
With an average of 11h and 12min of daylight, June has the shortest days of the year in Lusaka, Zambia.
What is the month with the least sunshine in Lusaka?
The month with the least sunshine in Lusaka is June, with an average of 7.3h of sunshine.
What part of the year is the coldest in Lusaka?
The coldest period in Lusaka, Zambia, is July, when temperatures fluctuate between an average high of 22.4°C (72.3°F) and a low of 10.5°C (50.9°F).
What is the driest month in Lusaka?
August and September are months without rainfall in Lusaka, Zambia.
What is the least humid month in Lusaka?
September is the least humid month in Lusaka, with an average relative humidity of 35%.
What month is the hottest in Lusaka?
Temperature records mark October as the warmest month, with highs averaging 32.6°C (90.7°F) and lows at 18.5°C (65.3°F).
When does it rain in Lusaka?
Months with rainfall in Lusaka are January through July, October through December.
What month has the most sunshine in Lusaka?
The month with the most sunshine in Lusaka is October, with an average of 12.1h of sunshine.
What is the month with the highest UV index in Lusaka?
With an average maximum UV index of 7, October is the month with the highest UV index.
When are the longest days in Lusaka?
With an average of 13h and 0min of daylight, December has the longest days of the year.
Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Lusaka?
Lusaka does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). CAT timezone is used over the entire year.
Average temperature
Lusaka, Zambia
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is October (32.6°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is July (22.4°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is November (19.3°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is July (10.5°C).
Average pressure
Lusaka, Zambia
- Average pressure in January:
1010.5mbar - Average pressure in February:
1010.9mbar - Average pressure in March:
1012.5mbar - Average pressure in April:
1015.3mbar - Average pressure in May:
1017.6mbar - Average pressure in June:
1019.8mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1020.3mbar - Average pressure in August:
1017.7mbar - Average pressure in September:
1014.6mbar - Average pressure in October:
1011.5mbar - Average pressure in November:
1010.7mbar - Average pressure in December:
1010.8mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is July (1020.3mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is January (1010.5mbar).
Average wind speed
Lusaka, Zambia
- Average wind speed in January:
7.8km/h - Average wind speed in February:
7.8km/h - Average wind speed in March:
8.7km/h - Average wind speed in April:
10.2km/h - Average wind speed in May:
10.3km/h - Average wind speed in June:
11km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
12.2km/h - Average wind speed in August:
12.6km/h - Average wind speed in September:
13.8km/h - Average wind speed in October:
13.7km/h - Average wind speed in November:
11km/h - Average wind speed in December:
8.2km/h
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is September (13.8km/h).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are January and February (7.8km/h).
Average humidity
Lusaka, Zambia
The month with the highest relative humidity is February (87%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is September (35%).
Average rainfall
Lusaka, Zambia
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is January (176mm).
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are August and September (0mm).
Average rainfall days
Lusaka, Zambia
- Average rainfall days in January:
27.1 days - Average rainfall days in February:
25.5 days - Average rainfall days in March:
22.3 days - Average rainfall days in April:
12.2 days - Average rainfall days in May:
4.7 days - Average rainfall days in June:
3.3 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
3.4 days - Average rainfall days in August:
0.7 days - Average rainfall days in September:
0.4 days - Average rainfall days in October:
2.5 days - Average rainfall days in November:
14.7 days - Average rainfall days in December:
24.3 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is January (27.1 days).
The month with the least rainy days is September (0.4 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Lusaka, Zambia
- Average daylight in January:
12h and 5min - Average daylight in February:
12h and 4min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 1min - Average daylight in April:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in May:
11h and 2min - Average daylight in June:
11h and 1min
- Average daylight in July:
11h and 2min - Average daylight in August:
11h and 4min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in October:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in November:
12h and 5min - Average daylight in December:
13h and 0min
The month with the longest days is December (Average daylight: 13h and 0min).
The month with the shortest days is June (Average daylight: 11h and 12min).
- Average sunshine in January:
8h and 2min - Average sunshine in February:
7h and 2min - Average sunshine in March:
7h and 5min - Average sunshine in April:
7h and 2min - Average sunshine in May:
7h and 2min - Average sunshine in June:
7h and 2min
- Average sunshine in July:
7h and 2min - Average sunshine in August:
7h and 4min - Average sunshine in September:
11h and 0min - Average sunshine in October:
12h and 1min - Average sunshine in November:
11h and 2min - Average sunshine in December:
9h and 4min
The month with the most sunshine is October (Average sunshine: 12h and 6min).
The month with the least sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 7h and 18min).
Average sunshine days
Lusaka, Zambia
- Average sunshine days in January:
2.8 days - Average sunshine days in February:
2 days - Average sunshine days in March:
5.8 days - Average sunshine days in April:
13.6 days - Average sunshine days in May:
22.9 days - Average sunshine days in June:
23.8 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
25.6 days - Average sunshine days in August:
29.8 days - Average sunshine days in September:
29.2 days - Average sunshine days in October:
27.5 days - Average sunshine days in November:
12.7 days - Average sunshine days in December:
5 days
The month with the most sunshine days is August (29.8 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is February (2 days).
Average UV index
Lusaka, Zambia
The month with the highest UV index is October (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, April, May, June and July (UV index 5).
Average cloud cover
Lusaka, Zambia
The months with the most cloud cover are January and February (Cloud cover 54).
The month with the least cloud cover is September (Cloud cover 4).
Average visibility
Lusaka, Zambia
The months with the highest visibility are May, June, July, August, September, October and November (10km).
The month with the lowest visibility is February (7km).
Lusaka, Zambia
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