Lochinvar National Park

Weather & Climate

Lochinvar Safaris

Expert

By Philip Briggs

Philip is our Zambia expert and author of more than 20 guidebooks to Africa.

Climate Chart Lochinvar National Park – 978-1,053m / 3,209-3,455ft

Lochinvar National Park’s climate is hot, and there’s a Wet and Dry season. Because it is in the tropics, the average temperature is quite consistent year-round, although a notable increase in temperature occurs in October, before the rains. It gets quite cold at night from May to August.

Dry Season –May to October

There is practically no rain in the Dry season. The bush gets drier as the season progresses. It is warm during the day, but cold at night. Warm clothing is essential for chilly, early mornings.

May – The start of the Dry season when the bush is still lush and there is a lot of water around. By May, rainfall has almost stopped.
June & July – The rain has finished, and the bush is drying out. These are the coolest months with daytime temperatures around 24°C/75°F. Nights are chilly, with average temperatures of 9°C/48°F.
August & September – No rainfall, so the bush is starting to look very dry. It is warming up – September has an average temperature during the day of 30°C/86°F. Mornings are temperate at 17°C/63°F on average.
October – Temperatures increase to average 32°C/90°F, although they often reach much higher and the heat can become oppressive. Mornings are far milder with temperatures around 19°C/66°F. October usually marks the start of the rains, with temperatures falling after precipitation begins.

Wet Season –November to April

Roads deteriorate in the warm Wet season. Afternoon showers are the norm and nature puts on quite a show with spectacular thunderstorms. The floodplain fills with water.

November – If the first drops of rain haven’t appeared by late October, then it will be in November. It’s very hot, and the rain comes as a relief. In the daytime, it’s around 32°C/90°F. Rain comes mostly in afternoon thunderstorms.
December, January, February & March – The wettest months bring rain most days, but it rarely lasts the whole day. Daytime temperatures average 31°C/88°F, while nighttime (and early morning) temperatures average 15°C/59°F.
April – This is a lovely month with everything lush and green. Although there isn’t much rain, the roads are still wet, and driving is difficult.