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Luambe National Park

Weather & Climate

Expert

By Philip Briggs

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

Climate Chart Luambe National Park – 553-670m / 1,814-2,198ft

The climate in Luambe National Park tends to be hot, and there is a distinct Wet and Dry season. Due to its tropical location, the temperature doesn’t change much throughout the year. Nights are notably cooler in the Dry season though, and there is a spike in daytime temperatures in October in the buildup to the rains.

Dry Season –May to October

There is almost no rain at all in the Dry season. This is the best time for wildlife viewing. It is hot during the day, but cool at night. The only lodge in the park is open from June to October only.

May – The bush is still thick, and there is plenty of water around at the beginning of the Dry season. This is not a good time to visit the park as roads are still waterlogged.
June & July – The rains have come to an end, and the park is drying out. The coolest months of the year are experienced – daytime temperatures climb to 28°C/82°F. Nighttime gets chilly with temperatures of 12°C/54°F. Warm clothing for morning game drives is essential.
August & September – The dry conditions mean the bush is starting to look scorched from the heat. It is getting hotter – September has an average daytime temperature of 32°C/90°F. Mornings are milder.
October – Peak temperatures can be unrelenting during the day. Average temperatures are about 34°C/93°F. Mornings are cooler at around 20°C/68°F. Temperatures drop after the first rains, which usually fall at the end of this month.

Wet Season –November to April

This is the hot Wet season. The only lodge in the park is closed during this period. The roads are black cotton soil and become impassable after the first rains. Access during the Wet season is very difficult and not recommended.

November – The rain starts in October or November and is a relief because the bush is extremely dry. The average daytime temperature is 34°C/93°F. Rain mostly comes in afternoon thunderstorms, but not every day.
December, January, February & March – The wettest period brings rain most days, although it doesn’t usually last all day. Temperatures average 33°C/91°F in the daytime, while at night and in the early morning it’s around 20°C/68°F.
April – Rain is diminishing, but the landscape is lush and green. Road conditions are very bad.