If you’re hoping to catch Livingstone at its best, you’ll want to plan your trip with the weather in mind. Most folks find June through September the most comfortable months—clear skies, barely any rain, and warm days that don’t feel oppressive.
These months really open up the possibilities for outdoor adventures, whether you’re exploring Victoria Falls or heading out on safari.
Once the dry season ends, things change pretty fast. The wet months bring sticky humidity, regular rain, and less reliable weather, which makes planning a bit of a headache.
If you know when these weather patterns hit, you can dodge the muggiest, trickiest times of year.
Understanding Livingstone’s climate lets you plan around the seasons that match your comfort zone. Some folks want cool nights, others chase sunny afternoons, and nobody likes getting rained out of their plans.
Overview of Livingstone’s Climate
Livingstone gets a mix of warm to hot weather, a pretty clear dry season, and a rainy season that shapes how people live. You’ll notice seasonal shifts in temperature, rainfall, and humidity, all of which play a big part in planning outdoor fun.
Köppen Climate Classification
Livingstone sits in the BSh (semi-arid steppe) zone on the Köppen chart. So, it’s generally hot, with not much seasonal rainfall.
The climate splits into two main periods: a dry season from May to September, and a wet season from November to March. April and October act as the in-between months—April dries out after the rains, and October heats up before the next wet spell.
Since Livingstone sits in southern Zambia near the Zambezi River, it doesn’t get as humid as places farther north. That makes the dry months a lot more comfortable for outdoor adventures, even when it’s hot.
Annual Temperature Patterns
During the day, highs in Livingstone usually run between 25°C (77°F) and 35°C (95°F), depending on the time of year. September and October are the hottest, with average highs above 33°C (91°F).
June and July bring the coolest weather, with highs near 25°C (77°F). Nights can drop to 11°C (52°F), so if you’re out after dark, you’ll want a sweater.
Livingstone doesn’t really get those crazy tropical spikes above 38°C (100°F). The steady warmth means you can visit any time, but the changes in temperature and humidity definitely affect how comfy you’ll feel.
Rainfall and Humidity Trends
Rainfall in Livingstone happens on a pretty strict schedule. Nearly all of it falls between November and March. January and February see the heaviest rains, often topping 100 mm a month.
From June to September, it barely rains at all. Humidity drops too, sometimes down to 24% in September, so even when it’s hot, the air feels lighter.
Humidity peaks in the wet season, hitting 70–77% in January and February. The mix of rain and moisture makes the air feel heavy and not so great for outdoor plans. In contrast, the dry months bring crisp air, lots of sun, and almost no clouds.
Best Time to Visit Livingstone for Ideal Weather
Livingstone’s weather has clear wet and dry phases, and the most pleasant time falls in the cooler, drier months. You’ll get mild temps, low humidity, and almost no rain, making it easy to enjoy the town and Victoria Falls.
Dry Season Highlights (June to September)
Most people agree the dry season is the best time to visit Livingstone. Hardly any rain falls, especially in June, July, and August. That means blue skies and reliable weather for whatever you’ve got planned.
Daytime highs usually hit 26°C to 29°C (79°F–84°F), with nights cooling to 11°C–15°C (52°F–59°F). The air feels crisp and the low humidity keeps things comfortable.
Tourism really picks up now because the weather’s perfect for sightseeing and wildlife watching. National parks like Mosi-oa-Tunya get busy, and animals gather near water, making safaris more exciting. You’ll see more tourists around, so booking a place to stay early is smart.
Temperature and Comfort Levels
Livingstone stays warm all year, but comfort depends on the month. From April to September, highs average 23°C–30°C (73°F–86°F), offering warmth without the brutal heat of October and November.
Humidity drops fast in the dry months. September, for example, averages only 17% relative humidity, compared to over 60% in January. The dry air is great for walking tours and long days outside.
Nights can get chilly in June and July, so pack a light jacket. By September, things heat up again, with highs over 33°C (91°F), but the dry air helps keep it manageable.
Outdoor Activities and Sightseeing
The dry season’s stable weather makes it easy to spend full days outside. You can visit Victoria Falls, cruise the Zambezi, or hop on a helicopter ride without worrying about the weather.
Safaris are especially good now. With less greenery and fewer water holes, animals are easier to spot. Birdwatching gets interesting too, as migratory birds start to show up.
Adventure seekers will find white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and hiking more reliable when rain isn’t an issue. Fewer clouds mean great light for photos, especially around the falls and river.
Seasonal Weather Breakdown
Livingstone’s seasons are pretty distinct. The wet months bring heavy rain and high humidity. The dry months offer cool nights, sunny days, and great weather for being outside. Temperatures stay warm all year, but it’s the rain that really shapes when to visit.
Summer (December to February)
This is peak rainy season in Livingstone. Expect regular downpours, usually in the afternoon or evening, with January often getting over 200 mm of rain. Humidity stays high, usually above 70%, so the air feels heavy.
Daytime temps usually run 28°C to 32°C, and nights stay mild at 18°C to 20°C. Cloud cover cuts down on sunshine, so you get about 6 or 7 hours of sun a day.
Traveling now can be tough—muddy roads, less visibility, and the occasional travel hiccup. Still, Victoria Falls looks its most dramatic, thanks to the swollen Zambezi. If you’re coming during this season, bring light clothes, a rain jacket, and waterproof shoes.
Autumn (March to May)
Rain starts dropping off fast in these months. By May, skies are mostly clear and rainfall sinks below 30 mm. Humidity drops too, making it way more comfortable to be outside.
Daytime highs average 26°C to 30°C, with nights cooling to about 14°C to 18°C. You’ll get 8 or 9 hours of sunshine, perfect for sightseeing.
This stretch is a favorite for many travelers. Roads dry out, and the air feels fresher. Victoria Falls still puts on a show in March and April, but by May, the spray drops and you can see more of the falls. A light jacket comes in handy for the evenings.
Winter (June to August)
These months are the driest and coolest in Livingstone. Rain is pretty much gone, with many days at 0 mm. Humidity hits its lowest, sometimes around 35%, giving you crisp, clear days.
Daytime temps sit at 24°C to 27°C, and nights can dip to 8°C to 12°C, especially in July. The sun is out for about 10 hours a day.
This is prime time for walking tours, safaris, and river trips. Cool nights mean you’ll want a sweater, but days stay warm and comfortable. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals gather at the last water sources.
Spring (September to November)
Things heat up fast now, leading into the rainy season. October gets the hottest, with highs of 34°C to 36°C. Nights are warmer than winter, averaging 18°C to 21°C.
Rain starts to return in November, but it’s still lighter than summer. Humidity also goes up, making afternoons feel hotter. Sunshine is strong, with 9 or 10 hours of daylight.
If you like it hot and dry, this is your window. It’s a great time for adventure sports like white-water rafting, but you’ll want to stay hydrated and use plenty of sunblock. Early mornings and evenings feel best for exploring.
Monthly Weather Guide
Livingstone’s climate shifts are easy to spot—wet and dry seasons really define your experience, whether you want lush scenery or endless sun.
January to March
This is the heart of the rainy season. Expect frequent showers—January and February bring the most rain, often over 100 mm. Humidity stays high, so afternoons can feel sticky.
Daytime highs hit 28–30°C (82–86°F), with warm nights at 19–21°C (66–70°F). Clouds are common, so you get less sun but the UV isn’t as harsh.
Traveling now means muddy roads and possible changes to your plans. On the upside, the landscape turns green and Victoria Falls is at its most powerful. Wildlife can be tougher to spot since animals have plenty of water to spread out.
April to June
Rain drops off sharply. By May and June, it’s almost dry, and the skies are usually clear. Humidity falls, making it much more pleasant outside.
Daytime highs run 25–28°C (77–82°F), and nights cool to 11–15°C (52–59°F). Sleeping’s easier, but you might want a jacket at night.
April can still bring some rain, but by May, the dry season has arrived. More sunshine and better visibility make sightseeing a treat. Victoria Falls is still running strong from earlier rain, but the spray isn’t as thick, so you get better views.
July to September
These are the core dry months. Rain almost never falls, and skies stay clear. Humidity drops to the lowest levels, sometimes below 25%, so the air feels crisp.
Daytime highs stick around 25–30°C (77–86°F), but nights can get chilly, down to 9–13°C (48–55°F). Pack warm clothes for early mornings, especially for safaris or river cruises.
Wildlife viewing gets even better as animals gather at the Zambezi and waterholes. There’s plenty of sun—up to 11 or 12 hours a day—so don’t forget sun protection.
October to December
October brings a sharp jump in temperatures, often hitting 34–36°C (93–97°F). Nights are warm, averaging 18–22°C (64–72°F). This is the hottest stretch, and the dry conditions can be pretty intense.
Rain returns in November, with more showers by December. Humidity goes up, but it’s not as bad as January. December usually brings about 100 mm of rain, marking the start of the wet season.
Victoria Falls runs lower in October, showing off more rocks, but the rains in November and December start to refill the river. Wildlife viewing stays good until late November, when animals spread out again as water returns to the landscape.
If you’re visiting now, get ready for serious heat in October and sudden storms as December rolls in.
When to Avoid Visiting Livingstone
The toughest times in Livingstone usually come with heavy rain, high humidity, and sweltering heat. These conditions can limit outdoor fun, make Victoria Falls harder to see, and just make travel feel like a chore.
Rainy Season Challenges
Livingstone’s rainy season usually starts in November and lasts through March. You’ll notice the heaviest downpours in January and February.
Expect frequent rainstorms, muddy roads, and over 20 rainy days each month during this time. Locals and visitors both struggle to plan outdoor activities like game drives or walking tours.
The Zambezi River rises fast. Victoria Falls becomes a roaring spectacle, but mist often blocks the view and makes photography a real challenge.
Travel can get tricky. Dirt roads leading to rural spots or safari parks turn slippery or even impossible to cross. Flooding sometimes disrupts transport, and some lodges just shut down because you can’t reach them.
If you really want predictable weather and fewer hassles, maybe skip this season. All those storms and gloomy days will make it tough to enjoy Livingstone’s outdoor highlights.
Humidity and Heat Concerns
Even when the rains ease off, October hits with extreme heat. Daytime temperatures reach 34–36°C (93–96°F), and humidity climbs as the wet season gets closer.
That sticky mix of heat and moisture can feel pretty uncomfortable if you’re not used to it. High humidity saps your energy, so just walking around town or hiking near the gorges feels exhausting.
You need to drink plenty of water or you’ll risk dehydration. Many places only offer ceiling fans or basic cooling, not full air conditioning.
Nights don’t cool off much either—temperatures stay above 20°C (68°F). If you’re sensitive to heat, sleeping might be tough.
If you’re planning lots of hiking, safaris, or hours outside, this isn’t the best time. You’ll probably end up searching for shade more than exploring.
Additional Tips for Weather-Based Travel Planning
Livingstone’s weather changes a lot throughout the year, so being prepared makes a big difference. Dry months bring crisp nights and sunny days. When it gets hotter, you really have to watch your hydration and sun safety.
Wildlife activity and seasonal events shift with the weather, which affects what you’ll see and do.
Packing Recommendations
Pack light, breathable clothes for the daytime since temperatures often climb above 30°C (86°F). Cotton or linen shirts, shorts, and dresses help you stay cool.
For evenings from May to August, toss in a sweater or light jacket because nights can dip below 15°C (59°F). Closed-toe shoes work best if you want to walk near Victoria Falls or go on safari drives. Trails get uneven and slippery in the rainy season.
If you’re coming between November and March, bring a compact rain jacket or poncho—showers are frequent. The rest of the year, rain’s rare, so you can skip heavy gear.
A small daypack is handy for water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Planning a boat trip on the Zambezi? Quick-dry clothes make life easier.
Sun Protection and Health Precautions
The sun in Livingstone doesn’t mess around, even in the cooler months. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and remember to reapply it every couple of hours.
A wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses help, too. Carry a reusable water bottle and sip often, especially in September and October when highs reach 35–37°C (95–99°F).
Dehydration can sneak up fast if you’re outside for long stretches. Mosquitoes show up more during the rainy season, so use repellent with DEET or picaridin and wear long sleeves in the evening.
Some lodges recommend sleeping under a mosquito net. If you have respiratory sensitivities, dust kicks up late in the dry season. A lightweight scarf or mask helps during game drives on dusty roads.
Wildlife Viewing and Seasonal Events
If you want to spot wildlife, go during Livingstone’s dry season, which runs from May to October. Animals crowd around water sources, so you’ll probably catch great views in parks like Mosi-oa-Tunya and Chobe.
The thinner vegetation helps a lot, too, since you can actually see what’s out there instead of just guessing.
Victoria Falls puts on its most impressive show from March to May, right after the rains, when the water is thundering over the edge.
But if you visit in September or October, you’ll find lower water levels, so you can really see the rock face and maybe even swim in Devil’s Pool if you’re feeling adventurous.
Birdwatchers should definitely consider coming between November and March. That’s when migratory species show up, and the whole landscape turns lush and green after the rains.
Cultural festivals tend to follow the seasons as well. Local ceremonies usually happen during or after the harvest, so you get to enjoy both the festivities and some pretty pleasant weather.