Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

Weather & Climate

18 Mosi-oa-Tunya Safaris

Expert

By Philip Briggs

Philip is our Zambia expert and author of more than 20 guidebooks to Africa.

Climate Chart Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park – 710-994m / 2,329-3,261ft

The climate in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is hot, and the park experiences a Wet and Dry season. Being in the tropical zone, average temperatures tend to be rather uniform throughout the year. There is, however, an increase in the temperature during October, before the rains begin. It can get cold at night from May to August.

Dry Season –May to October

There is very little rain in the Dry season. The bush gets drier as the season advances. It is hot in the daytime, but cool at night.

May – This marks the commencement of the Dry season. The bush is still lush, and there is a lot of water around, but rainfall has become minimal.
June & July – The rain has stopped. June and July are the coolest months in the year – daytime temperatures are around 25°C/77°F. It is cold at night with average temperatures of about 9°C/48°F. Warm clothing for early morning drives is essential.
August & September – The bush is very dry as there is no rain. It is getting warmer as well. September’s daytime temperature is about 32°C/90°F. Mornings are getting warmer too.
October – Temperatures keep escalating and average 34°C/93°F. They can get much higher though, becoming unbearable in the daytime. The best time of day is in the morning, with temperatures around 21°C/70°F. The first rain usually falls at the end of this month causing temperatures to decrease.

Wet Season –November to April

This season maintains the heat and brings the rains. Afternoon showers are common, and so are impressive thunderstorms. Skies are clear, and the landscape is many shades of green.

November – If the rains haven’t already begun in late October, they should start in November. It comes as a relief because the bush is so dry. The average daytime temperature is 34°C/93°F, making conditions very hot. Rain mostly comes in afternoon thunderstorms.
December, January, February & March – These are the wettest months. It rains most days, but rarely all day. Daytime temperatures average 33°C/91°F, and at nighttime and in the early morning expect 17°C/63°F.
April – A great month for travel as the rain is winding down, but the land is lush and green.