Change Location

Select your country below for local telephone numbers and guide prices

Book with confidence. Find out more

Zambia in January

January

Peak of Zambia’s wet season, January features heavy showers, gorgeous green scenery, whole flocks of migratory birds, and calving season for many herbivores.

What's the weather going to be like in Zambia in January?

  • It’s very rainy, with most of the rain falling in the afternoon and overnight
  • January is the peak of the wet season and the wettest month of the year
  • Average daily temperatures are around 22°C
  • Don’t forget to pack your waterproofs!
  • There will be some incredible thunderstorms.

What are the highlights of visiting Zambia in January?

  • At the few camps that are still open, low rates apply (excluding the New Year)
  • There are hardly any other travellers about, making for intimate safari experiences
  • The camps that are open year round offer boating safaris and amazing value for money
  • This time of year is often referred to as the green or emerald season, because of the beautiful verdant scenery
  • It’s calving season, with many herbivores giving birth to their young
  • There are lots of insects around, attracting flocks of migratory birds
  • Many birds are sporting their breeding plumage, and water birds are gathering on pools and lagoons
  • The colourful scenery, dramatic skies, and turbulent rivers of the rainy season result in an exciting time for photographers.

Any lowlights?

  • Many camps are closed at this time of year, as roads are flooded
  • The vegetation is thicker, so animals are harder to spot
  • The weather is hot and humid
  • High humidity brings out the bugs and mosquitoes
  • There’s continuous rainfall throughout the whole month
  • There is limited game viewing potential during this time of year making some areas inaccessible
  • Full days of rain are rare, however there does tend to be 2-3 hours of heavy rain storms
  • After the New Year it can be difficult to find a bush camp experience as camps tend to close because of the heavy rains.

Why Trust Yellow Zebra with your African Safari?

"Yellow Zebra are genuine specialists; they know the African bush like the back of their hand."

Brian Jackman, safari expert for The Sunday Times, The Telegraph, Condé Nast, and the BBC

'Europe's Leading Safari Tour Operator' at the World Travel Awards

9 years in a row, since 2015

Receive news & offers from Yellow Zebra