Summer in Livingstone means warm days, cool nights, and barely a drop of rain. Daytime highs usually sit between 25°C and 29°C, while nights drop to around 11°C to 14°C. This stretch of the year feels especially comfortable.
Dry air and clear skies make outdoor activities easy to plan. You won’t have to worry much about sudden storms ruining your day.
The sunshine just keeps coming, with long, bright days and hardly any clouds. Low humidity means that even when the sun feels strong, the air doesn’t feel heavy or sticky.
This blend of warmth, dryness, and light gives you ideal weather for exploring Victoria Falls, heading out on a safari, or just soaking in the open landscapes.
You’ll also notice moderate winds and a UV index that stays high enough to make sun protection a must. With all this in mind, summer in Livingstone offers a nice mix of fun and practicality for travelers.
Overview of Livingstone’s Summer Climate
In Livingstone, summer brings hot days, warm nights, and plenty of rain showers. Humidity rises fast, and the weather flips between clear skies and heavy clouds depending on the month.
Typical Weather Patterns
During summer, temperatures often hit the upper 80s°F to low 90s°F (30–34°C) during the day. Nights stay mild, usually between 65–70°F (18–21°C).
The wet season overlaps with summer, so you’ll get regular rainfall from November through March. January tends to be the wettest, with nearly 4–5 inches (100–120 mm) of rain.
Showers come on quick and hard, and thunderstorms pop up in the afternoons. Humidity jumps up during this stretch, especially in January.
Most days in January feel muggy, and the air stays damp even at night. Still, you’ll catch several hours of sunshine daily, though the sky is often partly cloudy or overcast.
Winds usually stay moderate, but storms can kick up some gusts. If you’re planning outdoor adventures, mornings are usually clearer, while afternoons often bring heavier showers.
Seasonal Climate Classification
The Köppen-Geiger system puts Livingstone in the humid subtropical climate with dry winters (Cwa) category. So, summers are hot and humid with lots of rain, while winters turn cooler and much drier.
Livingstone sits at about 1,280 meters (4,200 feet) above sea level, which keeps things a bit cooler than other tropical spots. Even in October, the hottest month, nights still cool down enough to give you a break from the heat.
Rainfall shows a clear split between seasons. Nearly all of the annual average of 750–800 mm falls during summer. From May through September, rain is almost nonexistent, which makes the contrast between seasons pretty striking.
This climate setup explains why you get both steamy days and sudden storms in summer. The mix of tropical moisture and higher elevation shapes the weather into hot days, humid nights, and frequent rain.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Compared to winter, summer in Livingstone feels much more humid and unpredictable. In July, daily highs average about 77°F (25°C) with almost no rain. By January, highs climb to 85°F (29°C) or more, and downpours happen often.
Cloud cover changes a lot too. In June, skies are clear about 90% of the time. January flips that, with overcast skies for nearly three-quarters of the month.
Daylight hours don’t shift much, but December brings the longest days, with more than 13 hours of light. When you add high humidity, afternoons can feel hotter than the thermometer says.
Winter offers cooler, drier air, while summer brings more heat stress because of the humidity. If you’re traveling, summer is when you’ll see the landscape at its greenest and Victoria Falls at its wildest, while winter is better for comfortable outdoor trips.
Average Summer Temperatures
Livingstone, Zambia gets warm to hot summer weather, with clear differences between day and night. The hottest stretch comes right before the peak of the rains, and even the coolest summer nights feel mild compared to winter.
Daytime Highs and Nighttime Lows
In summer, daytime highs hover around 29–34 °C (84–93 °F). Sometimes, temps briefly spike to 35 °C (95 °F), but that’s rare.
The heat sticks around through the day, and there’s not much relief at midday. Nighttime lows are softer, usually landing between 19–22 °C (66–72 °F).
Evenings stay warm enough for just a t-shirt, and it hardly ever drops below 17 °C (63 °F). Humidity at night can make it feel warmer, but outdoor activities after dark are still pleasant.
The gap between daytime and nighttime temps shrinks in summer. Humid air during the rainy season traps heat after sunset, so nights don’t cool off much.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Time of Day | Average °C | Average °F |
|---|---|---|
| Day High | 29–34 °C | 84–93 °F |
| Night Low | 19–22 °C | 66–72 °F |
Temperature Fluctuations in June, July, and August
By June, July, and August, you move into the cooler dry season. These months fall outside the peak summer rains, so temperatures change noticeably.
Daytime highs usually reach 25–28 °C (77–82 °F), which feels warm but not hot. Nighttime lows drop much further, often falling to 8–12 °C (46–54 °F).
July is the coolest month, with some mornings dipping below 10 °C (50 °F). If you’re outside early or late, you’ll want a jacket or sweater.
Dry air in these months allows for bigger swings between day and night. The difference can be more than 15 °C (27 °F) in a single day.
Travelers often say these months are more comfortable for daytime outings, but evenings can feel surprisingly chilly after the muggy summer nights.
Rainfall and Rainy Days During Summer
In Livingstone, summer is the wettest stretch of the year. Rain comes down hard but usually doesn’t last long, and you’ll see more rainy days than any other season.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall peaks between December and February, often hitting 150–280 mm per month. January tends to bring the most rain, averaging around 200 mm or more.
Rains don’t spread out evenly. You might get intense downpours in one afternoon, then clear skies right after.
By March, rainfall drops to about 100 mm. April brings a sharp decrease, with just 30 mm or so, signaling the dry season is on the way.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| December | ~160 |
| January | ~200+ |
| February | ~180–280 |
| March | ~100 |
| April | ~30 |
Most of the year’s rain falls in just a few months—that’s pretty dramatic.
Frequency of Rainy Days
During summer, rain falls on lots of days, though it rarely lasts all day. January and February see 18–22 rainy days on average, so more than half the month gets some rain.
December numbers are a bit lower, around 15–18 days. By March, rainy days drop to about 14, and April usually only brings 4–5 days of rain.
Rain usually hits in the afternoon or evening, so mornings are best for outdoor plans. Even when it rains, you’ll still catch several hours of sunshine.
This pattern of frequent showers and sunny breaks really defines Livingstone’s summer weather, so you’ll want to plan around it if you’re visiting.
Humidity and Sunshine Levels
Summer in Livingstone brings real shifts in air moisture and daylight. You’ll notice how humidity affects comfort, and sunshine hours decide how much time you’ll want to spend outside.
Average Humidity Throughout Summer
Humidity rises during the summer rainy season, especially from December to February. Relative humidity levels usually run between 65–77%, with February often being the stickiest month.
This extra moisture makes the heat feel even stronger. A 30°C day can feel hotter when humidity climbs above 70%.
Nights stay humid too, though a bit less than during the day. By March, humidity starts to drop, falling closer to 50–60%. That feels a lot more comfortable and hints that drier months are coming.
If you’re planning to be outside, mornings and evenings often feel less sticky than midday. Light, breathable clothes help, and don’t forget to drink plenty of water.
Daily Hours of Sunshine
Livingstone’s summer offers a mix of sunny and cloudy days. On average, you’ll get 6.5 to 8 hours of sunshine per day during the wettest months.
February usually sees the least sunshine, while December and March offer a bit more. Heavy rain brings more clouds, cutting down on direct sunlight, but there’s still enough daylight for sightseeing and outdoor fun.
By late summer, skies clear up more often. Sunshine hours climb, reaching 9–10 hours daily as the dry season approaches.
You’ll want to be ready for both bright sun and overcast skies. A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are handy even when it’s partly cloudy, since UV levels stay high.
Wind Speed and Conditions in Summer
During summer in Livingstone, winds pick up, especially as you head into October and November. Speeds rise compared to the cooler months, and the breeze can change how you feel about being outdoors.
Monthly Average Wind Speeds
Wind in Livingstone follows a seasonal pattern. The windier period runs from mid-August through mid-November, overlapping with summer.
Average wind speeds during this time often top 8–9 miles per hour (14–15 km/h). September brings steady breezes, and October and early November are the windiest.
October can feel especially gusty, with stronger afternoon winds. By December, average wind speed drops a bit as the rainy season settles in. More clouds and rain calm the daily breezes.
| Month | Avg. Wind Speed |
|---|---|
| September | ~8.5 mph |
| October | ~9.0 mph |
| November | ~9.1 mph |
| December | ~7.5 mph |
So, while winds aren’t extreme, you’ll definitely notice the air moving during much of the summer.
Impact on Outdoor Activities
The summer winds in Livingstone shape your outdoor experiences. At Victoria Falls, breezes can carry mist farther, sometimes soaking lookout points. This happens more often in late summer when rain picks up.
If you’re heading out for a safari drive or river cruise, winds can bring cooler air in the mornings and evenings. That makes things more comfortable, even when it’s hot.
Dust can rise in drier areas during September and October, especially before the rains kick in. For adventure sports like microlight flights or helicopter tours, operators keep a close eye on wind speeds.
Moderate winds are usually fine, but stronger gusts in October and November might mean short delays or rescheduling.
When you’re walking in open spaces, steady breezes help take the edge off the heat. That makes exploring outdoors a bit easier, even on the hottest days.
UV Index and Sun Safety
Livingstone’s summer months mean long, sunny days and pretty intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The sun really shapes how you plan outdoor activities, especially in the driest, hottest stretch of the year.
Typical UV Index Values
In summer, Livingstone’s UV Index usually sits between 5 and 8. When it’s around 5, you’re looking at moderate risk, but 7 or 8? That’s high to very high.
You’ll see the highest UV levels in October and November. Clear skies and long daylight hours combine with the sun’s strength to push the numbers up.
From June through August, the UV Index drops a bit, but it’s still strong enough that you need to watch out.
Here’s a quick guide for the summer months:
| Month | Average UV Index | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| June | 5–6 | Moderate–High |
| July | 5–6 | Moderate–High |
| August | 6–7 | High |
| September | 7 | High |
| October | 8 | Very High |
| November | 7–8 | High–Very High |
Even if it feels cool or there’s a breeze, UV exposure stays strong. Clouds don’t block all the radiation, so don’t count on overcast skies to keep you safe.
Recommended Precautions
When the UV Index hits 6 or higher, you should take extra care outside. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or more) and remember to reapply it every couple of hours, especially if you’re sweating or hanging out near water.
Wearing lightweight clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses goes a long way in cutting down your exposure to the sun’s rays. Shade is pretty scarce in a lot of open spots around Livingstone, so bringing an umbrella or planning for indoor breaks can really help.
Try to stay out of direct sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. That’s when the radiation really peaks. If you’re heading to Victoria Falls or planning a safari, maybe go early in the morning or wait until late afternoon.
Kids and folks with fair or sensitive skin should be extra careful, since they burn faster. And don’t forget to drink plenty of water—staying hydrated helps your body handle heat and sun better.
Travel Tips for Visiting Livingstone in Summer
Summer in Livingstone means hot days, warm nights, and the humidity creeps up, especially before the rains show up. There’s lots to enjoy outdoors, but you’ll want to be ready for both heat and sudden storms.
Best Activities and Attractions
The Zambezi River is at the heart of summer adventures. Sunset cruises are a great way to cool off in the evening, and you might spot elephants or hippos along the banks.
If the water levels are safe, you can try white-water rafting or even a swim at Devil’s Pool, though it depends on how the river’s flowing.
Victoria Falls really shows off in early summer, when rains upstream boost the water levels. The mist sometimes blocks your view from the ground, so helicopter or microlight flights give you a better look.
Wildlife viewing gets easier as the bush thins out later in the season. Safaris in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park let you see giraffes, zebras, and sometimes even rhinos.
Shorter tours in the morning or late afternoon help you avoid the worst of the heat.
Packing Recommendations
Daytime highs usually hit 28–34°C (82–93°F), and the nights don’t really cool down much. I always reach for light, breathable clothes—cotton or linen work best.
Grab a wide-brimmed hat and some sunglasses if you can, since the sun gets pretty intense. Oh, and don’t forget sunscreen—trust me, you’ll need it.
Bring a light rain jacket or a poncho, because those afternoon storms show up often. I’d also recommend sturdy sandals or lightweight hiking shoes, especially if you plan to wander the trails or explore near the river.
Mosquitoes get worse during the rainy season, so toss in some repellent. Long sleeves in the evenings help too, even if it feels a bit warm.
A reusable water bottle makes it way easier to stay hydrated throughout the day. I like having a small daypack to keep all my stuff together during tours or river trips.