Fall in Livingstone, Zambia, brings a real change in weather that shapes the landscape and daily routines. You’ll probably notice warm days, often above 30°C (86°F), but nights cool down and give you a break from the heat.
This season signals the slow return of rain after months of dryness, so it’s a time of transition that’s hard to ignore.
September usually feels like the hottest part of fall, with highs pushing into the mid-30s°C (mid-90s°F). By October and November, those first showers finally show up, ending the dry spell and nudging up the humidity.
These shifts affect outdoor plans and how comfortable you’ll feel when you’re out exploring.
If you get a handle on fall weather in Livingstone, you can plan better—whether you want to catch Victoria Falls at its lowest or get ready for the first wet days.
As you read on, you’ll see how temperatures, rainfall, and seasonal changes mix together to define this unique stretch of the year.
Overview of Fall Weather in Livingstone
Fall in Livingstone means cooler temps, drier air, and clearer skies compared to the sticky summer months.
Rainfall drops off quickly, humidity goes down, and days get shorter as winter approaches.
What Months Are Considered Fall in Zambia?
In Zambia, fall runs from March through May, marking the shift from the rainy summer to the dry winter.
Locals often call it the post-rainy season since heavy rains fade fast after February.
March still brings a bit of humidity and the odd shower, but April and May dry out a lot. By the end of May, rain becomes rare, and the skies usually stay clear.
If you’re planning outdoor stuff, this change matters. March gives you lush green views, while May is great for safaris and sightseeing because of the clear air.
The Zambezi River’s flow changes too, which affects what Victoria Falls looks and sounds like during this stretch.
Typical Daily Temperatures
In fall, daily high temperatures in Livingstone gradually drop from around 85°F (29°C) in early March to about 79°F (26°C) by late May.
Lows fall faster, from about 67°F (19°C) down to near 51°F (11°C).
So, you’ll get warm afternoons but mornings and evenings that feel much cooler as the season goes on.
Nights in May can actually feel chilly, especially if you’re sleeping outdoors or in open-air lodges.
For reference:
- March: 69°F–93°F typical range
- May: 51°F–79°F typical range
Pack light clothes for the daytime, but definitely bring a sweater or jacket for the evenings. The cooling trend makes fall one of the most comfortable times to get out and explore.
Weather Patterns and Trends
Fall weather in Livingstone changes quickly.
Cloud cover drops from about 58% in March to just 7% by May, so you’ll see much clearer skies.
Rain chances fall too, from about 42% of days in March to almost none by the end of May.
Humidity drops right alongside. In early March, about half the days feel muggy, but by late May, it’s almost always dry—way better for being outside.
Winds stay steady, around 7–8 mph, mostly coming from the east.
Daylight shortens from about 12 hours 26 minutes in March to 11 hours 8 minutes in May, so evenings sneak up quicker as the season moves along.
You’ll notice a reliable pattern: wetter and warmer at the start, cooler and drier by the end.
That consistency is a big reason people tend to pick April and May for trips to Livingstone and the nearby sights.
Average Fall Temperatures
Temperatures in Livingstone during fall cool off steadily as the wet season fades and the dry season takes over.
You’ll get warm afternoons, cooler nights, and a drop in humidity that just makes the air feel nicer.
Daytime Highs and Nighttime Lows
During fall, daytime highs in Livingstone slide from about 85°F (29°C) in early March to around 79°F (26°C) by late May.
You rarely see highs above 93°F (34°C) or below 74°F (23°C).
At night, the change is more obvious. Average lows fall from 67°F (19°C) to 51°F (10°C).
By late May, evenings can feel pretty cool, especially compared to those warmer March nights.
So, expect warm afternoons that fade into crisp evenings.
A light jacket or sweater really comes in handy after sunset, especially later in the season.
Temperature Fluctuations Throughout Fall
The daily temperature swing gets bigger as fall goes on.
Early March doesn’t have as much of a difference between day and night because of higher humidity and leftover rains.
By May, drier air means cooler nights and more comfortable days.
For example, a March day might go from 67°F (19°C) at night up to 85°F (29°C) in the afternoon.
In May, lows might drop to 51°F (10°C), with highs near 79°F (26°C).
These swings mean mornings and evenings feel a lot cooler than the middle of the day.
If you’re planning to be outside, early afternoons usually hit the sweet spot for warmth and dryness.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Fall in Livingstone feels cooler and drier than summer, but it’s warmer than the winter months coming up.
Summer can get into the 90s°F (32–34°C) with high humidity and lots of rain.
Fall, by comparison, brings less rain and lower dew points, so the heat’s easier to handle.
Winter is colder. July, the coldest month, has average lows near 48°F (9°C) and highs around 76°F (24°C), which are cooler than what you’ll get in fall.
October is the hottest month, with highs reaching about 93°F (34°C).
So, fall sits comfortably between the extremes, giving you a balanced climate for travel and outdoor plans.
Rainfall and Humidity During Fall
During fall in Livingstone, you’ll notice a shift in the weather.
Rainfall starts to pick up after months of dry skies, and humidity creeps up too, changing how the air feels during the day.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall in Livingstone during fall climbs steadily as the area moves away from the dry season.
September barely brings any rain, usually under 2 mm.
October sees a small bump, averaging around 20–30 mm.
By November, rainfall jumps, often going over 80–100 mm.
If you’re planning to be outdoors, this matters. September stays dry and predictable, but November can bring afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
Rain doesn’t fall evenly, so you’ll probably get sudden bursts instead of gentle, all-day rain.
| Month | Avg Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~0–2 | 0–1 |
| October | ~20–30 | 2–4 |
| November | ~80–100 | 7–10 |
Transition From Dry to Rainy Season
The fall months bridge the gap between the long dry stretch and the start of the rainy season.
September still feels dry, with clear skies and little to no rain.
By late October, short showers start popping up, hinting at the coming change.
November is when the real rainy season kicks in.
Afternoon storms show up more often, usually after hot mornings.
This shift matters for farming—it signals planting time.
Travelers need to pack some light rain gear, just in case.
The landscape changes too. September’s dustiness gives way to fresher air and greener plants by November, so the scenery gets a lot more lively.
Humidity Levels and Comfort
Humidity rises as fall goes on and the rain picks up.
In September, humidity stays low, around 30–35%, so the air feels dry and comfortable.
By October, it climbs into the 40–50% range, especially in the evenings after a quick rain.
In November, humidity can hit 60–70% during the day, making the air feel heavier.
Mornings might still be pleasant, but afternoons can get muggy, especially when storms are brewing.
You’ll want to stay hydrated and wear light, breathable clothes.
If humidity bugs you, November might feel less comfortable than earlier in fall.
A lot of travelers prefer the early fall, while late fall brings that more tropical, sticky vibe.
Seasonal Changes and Weather Patterns
During fall in Livingstone, temperatures climb to some of their highest points, while rain slowly returns after a long dry spell.
The season brings a real shift in humidity, sunshine, and wind, so it feels pretty different from both winter and summer.
End of Dry Season
September and October finish off the dry season.
You’ll get very hot days, with highs reaching 33–36°C (92–97°F).
Nights stay warm, often above 18°C (64°F), so the heat doesn’t let up much even after dark.
Rainfall is almost nonexistent in September and stays very low in October, usually less than 10 mm.
The air feels dry, and humidity drops to around 24–30%, which can make things dusty in and around the city.
This stretch is the hottest and sunniest of the year.
If you’re planning to be outside, you’ll need to watch out for strong sun and limited shade.
The dry landscape means less greenery, but you’ll get great visibility for spotting wildlife.
Beginning of Rainy Season
By November, the rainy season starts to take over.
Temperatures stay high, with daytime averages around 31–34°C (88–93°F).
Nights cool a bit but usually stay above 20°C (68°F), so evenings feel humid rather than refreshing.
Rainfall jumps compared to earlier months.
November often gets 30–40 mm of rain, with short, heavy showers.
The ground, after months of dryness, soaks up the first rains fast, and plants start to bounce back.
Humidity rises into the 50–60% range, which makes the heat feel even more intense.
You might notice more clouds in the afternoon, and storms can show up suddenly.
Still, mornings often stay clear and bright, giving you good chances for outdoor plans.
Wind, Clouds, and Sunshine
Wind patterns shift a bit during fall.
In September and October, breezes pick up, averaging 10–12 km/h (6–7 mph), which helps with the heat.
By November, wind slows down as storms bring more moisture.
Cloud cover changes too.
Early fall skies are mostly clear, but by late fall, clouds show up more often, especially in the afternoons.
That’s a sign the wet season is almost here.
Sunshine hours change as well.
September and October have the longest days, with 11.5–12 hours of daylight and over 10 hours of sun.
In November, sunshine drops a bit as rain increases, but you’ll still get plenty of bright hours, especially earlier in the day.
Regional Comparisons and Influences
Livingstone’s fall weather doesn’t happen in a vacuum.
The city’s climate reflects its elevation, closeness to the Zambezi River, and location near Victoria Falls.
It’s also different from other parts of Zambia, like Lusaka.
These factors shape temperature, rainfall, and humidity in noticeable ways.
Weather Differences Between Livingstone and Lusaka
Lusaka, Zambia’s capital, sits at a higher elevation than Livingstone.
Livingstone is about 1,279 meters, which is lower than Lusaka’s 1,279–1,300+ meter plateau.
This difference makes Lusaka cooler overall, especially at night.
In fall, Lusaka usually records highs around 26–28°C, while Livingstone can hit 30–35°C in September and October.
Nights in Lusaka cool off more, sometimes dropping below 12°C, compared to Livingstone’s 18–22°C lows.
Rainfall patterns differ too.
Lusaka tends to get a few more early-season storms in November, while Livingstone stays drier until later in the month.
That means Livingstone’s fall feels hotter and drier for longer stretches.
| City | Avg High (Sep–Nov) | Avg Low (Sep–Nov) | Rainfall Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Livingstone | 30–35°C | 18–22°C | Late start |
| Lusaka | 26–28°C | 12–16°C | Earlier onset |
Impact of Altitude and Geography
Altitude really shapes fall weather in this region. Higher elevations, like central Zambia, tend to cool off quickly at night, and the days don’t get as hot.
Livingstone sits a bit lower and farther south, right by the Zambezi River basin. That location keeps things warmer overall.
The landscape makes a difference too. Livingstone lies closer to semi-arid zones, so humidity levels in September and October can dip as low as 25%.
Lusaka’s plateau holds onto more moisture, so the air there feels a bit less dry.
Wind acts up differently as well. The open plains around Livingstone let late dry season breezes pick up speed.
Meanwhile, Lusaka’s higher, more built-up setting brings steadier but gentler winds.
Victoria Falls Climate
Victoria Falls sits just outside Livingstone and has its own microclimate, thanks to the massive spray from the falls and the Zambezi River.
Even though the region stays dry in September and October, spots near the falls often feel cooler and more humid.
In fall, you’ll probably notice extra mist adding moisture to the air, even when there’s barely any rain.
It’s a funny contrast: the town center feels dry and hot, but if you wander near the gorge, it’s shaded and damp.
Temperatures at Victoria Falls usually match Livingstone’s, but the spray can make the heat feel less intense during the hottest months.
Most visitors say it’s more comfortable near the falls, even though the rest of the area bakes in the dry season.
Travel Tips for Visiting Livingstone in Fall
Fall in Livingstone brings warm days, cool nights, and almost no rain. You can really enjoy outdoor activities, though you’ll still want to plan for sun exposure and temperature swings.
Best Activities for Fall Weather
During fall, Livingstone’s days sit between 26–30°C (79–87°F), while nights drop to 11–16°C (52–60°F).
The clear skies and dry air make sightseeing pretty great.
You can check out Victoria Falls—water still flows strong in April, but by late May, it starts to recede. That makes it easier to see the rocks and there’s less mist blocking your view.
Safari drives in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park work well in dry weather. Animals are easier to spot as the grass thins and they gather near the river.
Other solid options: sunset cruises, walking tours of Livingstone, and cultural visits to local villages. The weather makes it easy to stay outside for hours without worrying about heavy rain.
Packing Recommendations
Pack light, breathable clothes for the hot afternoons, but don’t forget a sweater or jacket for chilly evenings and mornings. Nights can get surprisingly cold, especially in June and July.
A wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective sunglasses, and sunscreen are must-haves. The sun stays strong, even when it’s not too hot.
Comfortable walking shoes help whether you’re exploring the city or heading into the park.
Since rain rarely falls in autumn, you can skip heavy waterproof gear. Instead, bring layered outfits so you can adjust as temperatures change.
A small backpack for water, snacks, and your stuff keeps you ready for anything.
If you’re going on safari or a boat ride, toss in binoculars and a camera with a dust cover.
Health and Safety Considerations
Even during the dry season, you really need to stay hydrated. Just bring bottled water, since tap water often isn’t safe for visitors.
Insect activity drops in fall, but mosquitoes still hang around, especially if you’re close to the river. Go for repellent, and maybe talk to your doctor about malaria meds before you head out.
Dry air can irritate your skin and throat. Just pack a basic moisturizer and some lip balm. If you deal with allergies, don’t forget your meds—dust tends to kick up during the dry months.
Stay safe by skipping solo walks at night in quieter parts of Livingstone. Grab a licensed taxi or have your lodge arrange a ride. Keep your valuables tucked away, and only bring what you’ll actually need for the day.