Lusaka, Zambia Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Lusaka
Located in Zambia, Lusaka experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Afternoon temperatures peak near 88°F (31°C) in October and dip to about 72°F (22°C) in July, with around 29.8 inches (758 mm) of precipitation falling across the year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: October - highs near 88°F (31°C)
- Coldest month: July - highs near 72°F (22°C)
- Record high: 98°F (37°C) · Record low: 45°F (7°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: January (25 rainy days) · Sunniest: September (11.7 h sun/day)
- Climate type: humid subtropical - hot, humid summers and generally mild winters
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on October. Highs average 88°F (31°C) and overnight lows stay near 67°F (20°C). The coolest month is July, with typical highs of 72°F (22°C) and lows around 53°F (12°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 98°F (37°C) and dropped as low as 45°F (7°C).
Rain, sun and snow
January is usually the wettest month. It brings about 9.3 inches (236 mm) of rain over 25 days, while August is the driest. September brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.7 hours of sun a day.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 77° | 64° | 25 | 9.3 in | 9.2 h/day | 82% |
| February | 78° | 64° | 22 | 5.9 in | 10.0 h/day | 82% |
| March | 78° | 63° | 16 | 3.7 in | 10.5 h/day | 77% |
| April | 76° | 61° | 7 | 1.3 in | 10.6 h/day | 71% |
| May | 75° | 57° | 1 | 0.1 in | 11.0 h/day | 59% |
| June | 72° | 54° | 0 | 0.0 in | 10.5 h/day | 56% |
| July | 72° | 53° | 0 | 0.0 in | 10.5 h/day | 52% |
| August | 78° | 57° | 0 | 0.0 in | 11.2 h/day | 43% |
| September | 85° | 63° | 0 | 0.0 in | 11.7 h/day | 36% |
| October | 88° | 67° | 2 | 0.4 in | 11.6 h/day | 38% |
| November | 85° | 67° | 13 | 3.1 in | 10.9 h/day | 56% |
| December | 82° | 66° | 19 | 5.8 in | 10.2 h/day | 71% |
Lusaka month by month
Lusaka weather in January
January brings highs around 77°F (25°C), lows near 64°F (18°C), about 25 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Lusaka.
Lusaka weather in February
February brings highs around 78°F (26°C), lows near 64°F (18°C), about 22 wet days.
Lusaka weather in March
March brings highs around 78°F (26°C), lows near 63°F (17°C), about 16 wet days.
Lusaka weather in April
April brings highs around 76°F (25°C), lows near 61°F (16°C), about 7 wet days.
Lusaka weather in May
May brings highs around 75°F (24°C), lows near 57°F (14°C), about 1 wet days.
Lusaka weather in June
June brings highs around 72°F (22°C), lows near 54°F (12°C), about 0 wet days.
Lusaka weather in July
July brings highs around 72°F (22°C), lows near 53°F (12°C), about 0 wet days - typically the coldest month of the year in Lusaka.
Lusaka weather in August
August brings highs around 78°F (26°C), lows near 57°F (14°C), about 0 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Lusaka.
Lusaka weather in September
September brings highs around 85°F (29°C), lows near 63°F (17°C), about 0 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Lusaka.
Lusaka weather in October
October brings highs around 88°F (31°C), lows near 67°F (20°C), about 2 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Lusaka.
Lusaka weather in November
November brings highs around 85°F (30°C), lows near 67°F (20°C), about 13 wet days.
Lusaka weather in December
December brings highs around 82°F (28°C), lows near 66°F (19°C), about 19 wet days.
Seasons in Lusaka
Spring (September through November)
Spring in Lusaka brings hot afternoons, with daytime highs averaging 86°F (30°C) and nights around 66°F (19°C); rain falls on about 14 days over the three months.
Summer (December through February)
Summer in Lusaka is pleasantly warm, with daytime highs averaging 79°F (26°C) and nights around 65°F (18°C); expect showers on roughly 66 days across the season.
Fall (March through May)
Fall in Lusaka brings comfortable warmth, with daytime highs averaging 77°F (25°C) and nights around 60°F (16°C); expect showers on roughly 23 days across the season.
Winter (June through August)
Winter in Lusaka is mild and warm, with daytime highs averaging 74°F (23°C) and nights around 55°F (13°C); precipitation is infrequent.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Lusaka?
Is Lusaka hot in summer?
Is Lusaka cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Lusaka get in a year?
Best time to visit Lusaka
The best time to visit Lusaka is generally April to August, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 75°F (24°C).
Pack for Lusaka with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - October nights average 67°F (20°C).
Lusaka temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.