​Weather & Climate – Nsumbu NP

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip has traveled through Zambia several times and is the author of more than 20 guidebooks to various African destinations.

Philip is the Zambia expert for SafariBookings and author of more than 20 guidebooks to Africa.

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

Climate Chart Nsumbu National Park

Climate Chart Nsumbu National Park – 767-1,481m / 2,516-4,859ft

* Averages based on 50 years of monthly climate data, taken from 1km² (0.39mi²) interpolated climate surfaces.
© chart & park data: SafariBookings. © climate grid data: WorldClim project. All rights reserved.

As with other parks in Zambia, Nsumbu National Park has a hot climate with a Wet and Dry season. The average temperature varies little from month to month; however, a notable increase occurs in October before the rains. From May to August, nights can be rather chilly.

Dry Season May to October

The bush gets drier and drier as the season progresses and rainfall diminishes. It is warm during the day, but cold at night and in the early morning. Warm clothing is recommended for early morning game drives.

  • May – This is the beginning of the Dry season. The park is still thick with vegetation, and there is a great deal of water around, but little or no rain.
  • June & July – The bush is drying out and rain has ceased. These are the coolest months. Daytime temperatures hover around 29°C/84°F in June. At night the temperature falls to an average of 16°C/61°F.
  • August & September – The bush is starting to look very dry. It is becoming warmer, and September has an average daytime temperature of 29°C/84°F. Mornings are very mild with average temperatures of 19°C/66°F.
  • October – The exact timing is unpredictable, but the first rain usually falls at the end of this month. It is hot and humid with temperatures averaging 31°C/88°F. The heat can become oppressive in the middle of the day. Mornings are lovely with temperatures around 20°C/68°F.

Wet Season November to April

It often rains during the warm Wet season and thunderstorms can light up the sky. Otherwise, conditions are clear and the bush is lush.

  • November – The rains begin to fall in late October or November. The average daytime temperature is 30°C/86°F. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
  • December, January, February & March – These are the wettest months and it often showers, but there is usually some sunshine during the day. Daytime temperatures hover around 31°C/88°F, while nights average a very pleasant 18°C/64°F.
  • April – This is a lovely month as the rain starts to dwindle, but everything is still lush and green.

Want To Visit Nsumbu NP?

Nsumbu Operators

Nsumbu National Park