Zambia is warm all year round, but has three distinct seasons. Between December and April the weather is hot and wet; from May to August it is cooler and dry; between September and November conditions are hot and dry. The rains come earlier and last longer the further north in Zambia one ventures, and the east generally receives more rainfall than the western lowlands. The Zambian summer, between November and March, can get swelteringly hot, with the average temperatures ranging between 77°F and 95°F (25°C and 35°C), while in winter, between May and August, the temperature range becomes far greater with temperatures measuring anywhere between 43°F and 75°F (6°C and 24°C). Autumn and spring are short in Zambia; there aren't really four distinct seasons. During the rainy season, roads often become impassable due to mud and potholes, and many attractions are unreachable; as a result, many camps close during this time and it is not an easy time to visit. The best time to visit Zambia is between June and September, when the nights are cold but the days are usually sunny and pleasant, and game viewing is at its best.
