Christmas in Livingstone lands smack in the middle of the rainy season. Expect warm days with bursts of heavy showers.
Average daytime temperatures reach about 31°C (88°F), while nights cool to around 21°C (70°F), creating a hot and humid holiday atmosphere. The weather feels lively and unpredictable, with sunshine often breaking through between storms.
December brings higher humidity and frequent rain, with about 15 wet days in the month. Still, the skies don’t stay gray forever. You’ll find plenty of sunshine for outdoor activities when the rain lets up.
If you’re planning Christmas here, pack for both bright, sunny outings and sudden downpours. This weather mix means it’s smart to know what you’re in for so you can enjoy your time without too many surprises.
Overview of Livingstone Weather in December
December in Livingstone brings hot days, humid air, and frequent rainfall. Sunshine pops out between storms, and the weather shifts fast from clear skies to heavy showers.
General Climate Characteristics
In December, expect daytime highs near 30–31°C (86–88°F) and nighttime lows around 20–21°C (68–70°F). The heat feels stronger with high humidity, which averages about 70%.
Rainfall is significant, with totals between 160–185 mm for the month. Rain comes in short, heavy bursts rather than lasting all day. On average, you’ll get 14–16 rainy days.
Even with all that rain, the sun still shines for about 7 hours per day. These wet and sunny spells really define the climate this time of year.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
December sits in the rainy season down in southern Zambia. Moist air from the tropics fuels thunderstorms and showers. These storms often roll in quickly, usually in the afternoon or evening.
Winds usually stay light to moderate, though storms can kick up brief gusts. The rains turn the landscape green and lush, and the Zambezi River starts to rise.
You’ll need to prepare for both heat and rainfall. Light clothing works for the warm days, but waterproof gear is a must for those downpours. December feels a lot more humid and less predictable than the dry winter months.
Weather Trends Leading to Christmas
As Christmas gets closer, the pattern of hot days and wet afternoons settles in. Temperatures stay steady, rarely dropping below 20°C at night or climbing above 32°C during the day.
Rainfall increases over November, and you’ll see higher chances of showers around mid to late December. There’s about a 50% chance of rain on any given day during this stretch.
Despite the wet, you’ll still get long stretches of bright skies. Sunshine hours stay high enough for outdoor fun, though you’ll want to plan around the likelihood of sudden storms.
Typical Temperatures Around Christmas
Around Christmas, Livingstone feels hot and humid, with warm days and mild nights. Higher daytime temperatures pair with noticeable evening cooling, but the air often feels heavy thanks to the seasonal rains.
Daytime Highs and Nighttime Lows
During late December, the average daytime high in Livingstone hits about 30–32°C (86–90°F). The heat is pretty consistent, and direct sun can feel even stronger, especially with the humidity.
At night, temperatures usually drop to around 20–22°C (68–72°F). It’s cooler than the day, but rarely chilly enough for heavy clothes. A light layer does the trick if you’re outside in the evening.
Christmas lands in one of the hotter and wetter stretches of the year. Hot afternoons and warm nights mean you’ll want to prep for heat during the day, but evenings are usually comfortable.
Temperature Fluctuations During the Holiday Period
Daily temperature swings in Livingstone around Christmas are moderate. The difference between day and night averages runs about 8–12°C (14–22°F), which gives you a bit of relief from the daytime heat once the sun goes down.
Clouds and rain can knock down highs a bit on some days. A rainy afternoon might keep things closer to 28°C (82°F), while a clear one can push up to 33°C (91°F).
Humidity makes things feel warmer, especially in the afternoon. Even if the thermometer isn’t too scary, the air can feel thick and heavy. That’s just how the wet season goes in southern Zambia.
Plan for both hot sunshine and humid, cloudy spells during the holidays.
Rainfall and Humidity Near Christmas
In Livingstone, late December sits right in the rainy season. Frequent showers, higher humidity, and warm temperatures shape the holiday weather.
Average Precipitation Levels
December is one of Livingstone’s wetter months. Usually, rainfall totals about 180–200 mm for the month. That’s just behind January, which takes the crown for wettest.
Rain usually falls in short but heavy bursts, not as all-day downpours. Showers often hit in the afternoon or evening, leaving mornings clearer.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Avg Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Season Status |
|---|---|---|
| November | ~110 mm | Start of rains |
| December | 180–200 mm | Peak rains begin |
| January | ~200+ mm | Wettest month |
So, you’ll want to plan for wet weather but also expect some sunny breaks.
Chance of Rainy Days
You’ll probably see rain on 12–15 days in December. That doesn’t mean half the month is soaked—showers are usually scattered and often last just a few hours.
The chance of rain on any given day is moderate to high, especially in the afternoon. Early mornings often stay dry, which is handy for planning outdoor stuff.
Thunderstorms pop up sometimes, but they usually pass quickly. Roads and trails can get muddy, so it’s smart to keep your plans flexible.
Locals often call December weather “unpredictable but manageable,” and that’s a pretty good way to put it.
Humidity Trends in December
Humidity jumps up once the rains arrive. In December, average relative humidity hovers around 65–75%. This makes the air feel warmer than the numbers suggest, with temperatures usually ranging from 20°C at night to 30°C during the day.
Mornings might feel more comfortable, but afternoons get sticky when heat and humidity mix. Light clothes and plenty of water help you cope.
Indoor spaces without fans or air conditioning can feel stuffy, especially after a storm. Outside, the high humidity feeds lush plants, giving the area a vibrant green look for the holidays.
Sunshine, Daylight, and Cloud Cover
Around Christmas, Livingstone gets long daylight hours, moderate sunshine, and plenty of cloud cover. Expect a mix of bright skies and overcast spells, with rain often deciding how much sun you’ll see.
Hours of Sunshine During Christmas
In December, Livingstone averages about 6 hours of direct sunshine per day. So, less than half the daylight hours are clear and bright. Clouds and rain blot out the sun the rest of the time.
Sunshine comes in bursts, not all day long. Mornings usually start clearer, while afternoons bring thicker clouds and showers.
This mix of sun and rain creates a humid but warm environment. If you’re planning outdoor activities, it’s best to get out earlier in the day for a better shot at sunshine.
Quick facts:
- Average sunshine: ~6 hours/day
- Percentage of daylight with sun: about 47%
Daylight Duration
Livingstone sits close to the Tropic of Capricorn, so daylight hours don’t change much. Around Christmas, you get just over 13 hours of daylight.
The shortest day is about 13 hours 6 minutes, and the longest is about 13 hours 11 minutes. Not much difference, really, so you can count on long days in late December.
Sunrise comes early, giving you lots of time to explore before the afternoon rains. Sunset is early evening, so there’s enough light for evening plans before dark.
| Date Range | Daylight Length |
|---|---|
| Mid-December | ~13h 09m |
| Late December | ~13h 10m |
Those long days are handy if you want to visit Victoria Falls or join outdoor tours without rushing.
Cloud Cover Patterns
Clouds are a big part of December’s weather, especially in the rainy season. On average, about 53% of daylight hours are cloudy. So, you’ll probably see mixed skies more often than clear blue ones.
Clouds build up during the day, often leading to afternoon showers or storms. Mornings are more likely to be clear.
You’ll want to stay ready for changing conditions. Even if it’s sunny in the morning, clouds can roll in fast. Carrying light rain gear makes sense, especially if you’ll be outside for a while.
Despite all the clouds, there are still breaks for bright sunshine. This back-and-forth between sun and cloud is just classic December weather in Livingstone.
Winds and UV Index in December
In December, Livingstone gets a mix of light to moderate winds and a strong sun presence. These conditions shape how comfortable you’ll feel outside, especially with all the humidity and rain.
Average Wind Speeds
Winds in Livingstone during December are usually light, mostly between 6 to 12 km/h (4–8 mph). They typically blow from the east or southeast, following the usual weather patterns. These breezes give a bit of relief from the heat and humidity, but they aren’t strong enough to mess up your plans.
Wind conditions stay pretty steady all month. Unlike coastal areas, Livingstone doesn’t get strong gusts or sudden wind shifts in December. That makes outdoor travel and sightseeing a little more predictable.
With all the rain, light winds help break up the clouds and bring short bursts of sunshine between showers. They also keep the air from getting too stagnant and muggy, so the climate sometimes feels a bit cooler than the thermometer says.
Overall, December winds are mild and steady—good for outdoor plans. Just be ready for sudden showers, not wind problems.
UV Index and Sun Protection
The UV index in December averages around 6, which is considered high. You can burn quickly if you spend too long in direct sun, even when it’s cloudy or rainy. Wet season clouds don’t block UV rays very well.
To protect yourself, try these:
- Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
- Wear sunglasses with UV protection
- Pick lightweight clothing that covers your skin
- Limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV levels peak
Even quick trips outdoors—like walking to the market or checking out Victoria Falls—can expose you to strong UV. Find shade when you can, and reapply sunscreen after sweating or rain.
If you combine sun protection and hydration, you’ll enjoy Livingstone’s December weather without the hassle of sunburn or heat stress.
Travel Tips for Visiting Livingstone at Christmas
December in Livingstone brings hot days, warm nights, and frequent rainfall. You’ll want to prep for both sunshine and sudden showers, and find ways to stay comfortable in the heat and humidity.
Clothing and Packing Advice
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing—I usually go for cotton or linen. Daytime temperatures often hit around 31°C (88°F), and honestly, the humidity can feel pretty intense.
At night, things cool off to about 20°C (68°F). You probably just need a light sweater or a long-sleeve shirt.
Bring comfortable walking shoes that can handle some wet ground. Afternoon rains show up often, so toss in a compact umbrella or a light rain jacket to stay dry.
A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses really help with that strong sun. Don’t forget sunscreen with high SPF—the UV index gets extreme here.
Since mosquitoes love the wet season, you should pack insect repellent. I’d also recommend long sleeves and pants for evenings.
Quick-dry fabrics work well, since clothes can get damp in all that humidity.
A reusable water bottle keeps you hydrated when the heat kicks in.
Outdoor Activities and Weather Considerations
Livingstone has a lot to offer if you love the outdoors, but December’s weather can make things tricky. You’ll probably see about 15 rainy days this month, and showers usually roll in during the afternoon.
Mornings tend to stay clearer, so that’s honestly the best time for things like Victoria Falls visits, river cruises, or safaris.
The Zambezi River rises high during this season, which means water-based activities such as rafting get a lot more intense. It’s a good idea to check with operators about current conditions before you book anything.
Trails around the falls can get pretty slippery, so grab shoes with solid grip.
You can still count on about 7 hours of sunshine per day, so sightseeing isn’t out of the question. Try to plan outdoor adventures earlier, and maybe keep some indoor options—like museums or cultural tours—in your back pocket for when rain shows up.
Don’t forget to carry water and sun protection, even if the sky looks cloudy.