The climate of Livingstone
Livingstone, located in the southern part of
Zambia, falls under the BSh - Subtropical steppe category according to the Köppen climate classification. The subtropical steppe climate is characterized by high temperatures, moderate to sporadic rainfall, and significant seasonal variation in terms of weather conditions.
Throughout the year, temperatures in Livingstone fluctuate widely.
January shows a high of 29.4°C (84.9°F) while
June and
July experience a lower high at 25.3°C (77.5°F) and 25.6°C (78.1°F) respectively. Alongside temperature, rainfall patterns too experience uneven distribution, ranging from maximum rainfall of 125mm (4.92") in January to nil rainfall from June to
September.
Notable shift can be observed in wind speeds, annually oscillating between 8.2km/h (5.1mph) in
December and 12.1km/h (7.5mph) in
October and
November. The daylight varies subtly from 11.1 hours in June and July to 13.2 hours in December. Humidity levels sometimes reach 77% in
February and plummet to a minimum of 24% in September.
The UV Index maintains a consistent level above 5 throughout the year, peaking at 8 in October. Sunshine hours fluctuate between 7.7 hours in
May and June to a sunny 12.1 hours in October.
The best time to visit Livingstone
The optimal period to plan a visit to
Livingstone is between
June and
September. These months witness lesser rainfall, near to nil, promising fewer disruptions in outdoor activities and explorations. Despite a high UV index of 6 to 7 during this period, the lower humidity levels, usually ranging around 24% to 50%, help keep the surrounding conditions comfortable.
These months also register a high average temperature between 25.3°C (77.5°F) to 29.5°C (85.1°F), making it ideal for sightseeing. Meanwhile, the low night-time temperatures, hovering around 11.1°C (52°F) to 14.1°C (57.4°F), provide a pleasant contrast to the day's heat.
The worst time to visit Livingstone
Visitors may want to avoid planning a trip to
Livingstone between
January and
February. During these months, the city experiences heavy rainfall, averaging between 107mm (4.21") and 125mm (4.92"), along with a significantly higher number of rainy days.
The humidity levels are relatively high around this time averaging around 73% to 77%, which in conjunction with the rainfall, can turn the weather inconveniently sticky. Also, the UV Index stands at 6, suggesting a higher than average potential for skin damage from the sun's rays.
Spring weather in Livingstone
The months of
March,
April, and
May in
Livingstone mark the onset of spring. During this season, the average high temperature ranges from 27.7°C (81.9°F) to 29°C (84.2°F) and the low fluctuates from 13.8°C (56.8°F) to 18.2°C (64.8°F).
The region experiences a steep drop in rainfall from 66mm (2.6") in March to 1mm (0.04") in May. Humidity starts to decline from March's 73% to May's 50%. The wind speed increases slightly during the spring months, with an average of 9km/h (5.6mph) in March to 9.3km/h (5.8mph) in April.
Summer weather in Livingstone
Summer in
Livingstone stretches from
June to
August. This period is characterized by a dip in the maximum temperature to around 25.3°C (77.5°F) to 29.5°C (85.1°F). At night, the temperature drops to a considerable 11.1°C (52°F) to 14.1°C (57.4°F).
Rainfall is almost nonexistent in these months, making it an incredibly dry period. The UV Index ranges from 5 to 6 during these dry months, indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.
Autumn weather in Livingstone
The months of
September to
November constitute the autumn season in
Livingstone. The region experiences a rise in temperature with a high ranging from 33.6°C (92.5°F) to 35.7°C (96.3°F) and a low from 18.3°C (64.9°F) to 22.4°C (72.3°F).
While the rainfall in September is almost null, it gradually picks up to 6mm (0.24") in
October and then to a substantial 39mm (1.54") in November. The UV Index climbs from moderate in September (7) to high in October (8), underscoring the need for protective measures against the sun.
Winter weather in Livingstone
Winter sets in
Livingstone from
December to
February. The maximum temperature during the winter varies from 28.8°C (83.8°F) to 31°C (87.8°F), while the low temperature remains between 19.1°C (66.4°F) to 21.5°C (70.7°F).
This season marks the return of significant rainfall with the city witnessing 101mm (3.98") to 125mm (4.92") of precipitation. The winds during winter months maintain a modest speed of 8.2km/h (5.1mph) to 8.3km/h (5.2mph). The UV index stays at 6, denoting a moderate risk.
Weather in January
January in
Livingstone,
Zambia, signals the start of the year with a mix of warm temperatures and high humidity levels. This month experiences warm temperatures with an average high reaching 29.4°C (84.9°F) and a low around 20°C (68°F).
Weather in January » Weather in February
The weather in
February shows a slight drop in temperature and receives less rainfall compared to
January. Transitions happen slowly as it experiences an average high temperature of 28.8°C (83.8°F) and sees a decline in rainfall to 107mm (4.21").
Weather in February »Weather in March
The arrival of
March in
Livingstone witnesses a further drop in temperature and rainfall, indicating an approaching transition from summer to autumn. Rainfall sees another decrease, settling at 66mm (2.6") for the month. The notable drop in humidity to 73% coupled with less rain results in more clear days.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Livingstone brings more noticeable changes as temperatures continue to slide and rainfall dips significantly. It isolates itself as one of the driest months with a rainfall measuring a meager 12mm (0.47"), down from 66mm (2.6") in
March.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The month of
May heralds the arrival of dryer, cooler weather in
Livingstone,
Zambia. The tipping point arrives as it records 1mm (0.04") rainfall, making May the second driest month. The chilliness of evenings signifies the beginning of winter, although the days remain warm with an ample amount of sunshine.
Weather in May »Weather in June
Winter arrives in full swing in
June in
Livingstone as signaled by dryer conditions and cooler temperatures. It becomes the driest month of the year with virtually no rainfall. Therefore, the weather is characterized by stable conditions with bright sunny days and cool nights.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Livingstone continues the winter trend with cool temperature and virtually no rainfall. The city experiences an average high of 25.3°C (77.5°F), making this month one of the coolest in the year. Evenings feel chillier, prompting locals and tourists to dress appropriately.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Livingstone,
Zambia, in
August, sees a slight increase in temperature marking the end of the winter season. Moderate temperatures accompanied by virtually no rainfall signal the onset of spring. August tends to retain low humidity levels, translating into clear skyscape.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Livingstone witnesses a significant shift in weather patterns as temperatures begin to rise, indicating the arrival of summer. This month stands out by recording the highest temperature of the year at 33.6°C (92.5°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October is the hottest month in
Livingstone with daytime temperatures reaching an average high of 35.7°C (96.3°F). The temperatures continue to climb, signifying peak summer conditions. Despite the heat, October remains a mostly dry month with a mere 6mm (0.24") of rainfall recorded.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Livingstone starts exhibiting signs of a changing weather pattern as temperatures begin to decline, however, this month retains the high-temperature trend. A slight increase in rainfall, up to 39mm (1.54") from the preceding months, marks the beginning of the wet season.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings a significant change in
Livingstone's landscape with an increase in rainfall and a drop in temperature, indicating a full-fledged wet season. Rainfall peaks, reaching a whopping 101mm (3.98"), and the daily temperature cools down to 31°C (87.8°F) high.
Weather in December »