May to August. The coolest, dryest time of the year, with temperatures 24-28°C during the day, dropping as low as 7°C at night. Probably the best time of year to visit Zambia: come early in the dry season for birdwatching or to see Vic Falls at their biggest, or later when the bush has dried up for good game-spotting on safari.

September to November. Hottest time of the year. Temperatures during the day can reach 38-42°C and it can get pretty dusty. However, this is the best time of year for game viewing as wildlife concentrates around available water.

December to April.  Temperatures cool down to 32°C or so and the rains set in in earnest.  Some areas become completely inaccessible so many camps close completely.  If you are keen to be the only one here and see the flush of lush vegetation, migratory birds and new life, you need to be prepared for the odd downpour or days of rain...you just never know.