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Weather in Zambia in January – is it worth traveling to?

Is the weather good for travel in January? Find out what the weather is like in Zambia to plan your trip accordingly.
Check flight prices to Zambia on Avionero:
January

Is the weather good in Zambia in January 2025?

OK Weather
Warm
🌧️
Rainy

For the past few decades, the average daily temperatures in Zambia during January have been around +79°F.

In Zambia the temperature rarely varies more than seven degrees between the different parts with the highest temperature +79°F in Lusaka to +79°F in Lusaka. So you should be able to pack for similar conditions wherever you go in the country.

Temperature, wind and humidity in January

Average
Lusaka
☀️
+79°F
Avg. max. temperature
+59°F
Min.
+95°F
Max.
249 mm
Total precipitation
84%
Avg. humidity
1 m/s
Avg. wind
0 ☀️
Sunny Days
1 ⛅️
Cloudy
19 🌦
Rainy
Our opinion: Zambia has OK weather in January.
Zambia in January – what city is the…
  • rainiest? Lusaka, with an average of 8 mm of rain and humidity of 84%;
  • warmest? Lusaka, with daytime temperatures averaging +79°F;
  • windiest? Lusaka, with an average of 1 m/s;
  • coolest? Lusaka, with daytime temperatures averaging +79°F;

How good is the weather in Zambia in January?

During January, the Zambia is characterized by variable weather with air pressure around 1016 HPa and therefore elements of sun, rain, and wind – with a little extra emphasis on the latter two. The humidity in January ranges between 84% in Lusaka and 84% in Lusaka.

How warm is it in Zambia during January?

Variable weather with sun, rain and wind: +79°F in average daily temperature.

This is how hot it usually is in January

The average daily temperatures above don't tell you everything about how hot it can be in Zambia. For example, cold nights can make a big difference for those staying in tents or unheated houses. Extra hot days, on the other hand, can make a big difference for those who plan to engage in demanding physical training or competition. So here are some more temperatures for January:
Average
Lusaka
  • Average maximum temperature for the month: +79°F;
  • Average minimum temperature for the month: +64°F;
  • Highest monthly temperature: +81°F;
  • Lowest monthly temperature: +64°F;

Monthly temperatures:

Average
Lusaka
  • Warmest: October with an average +88°F during the day;
  • Coldest: July with an average +72°F of the day;
  • Hottest month in hottest city: October in Lusaka;
  • Coldest month in coolest city: July in Lusaka;

Winds in Zambia during January

Wind speed in Zambia in January based on historical data:
Average
Lusaka

January tends to offer light winds averaging 1 m/s. However, coastal cities may experience breezes during the mornings and afternoons.

Comparison between cities in January:

  • Highest average wind speed: Lusaka with 2 m/s;
  • Lowest average wind speed: Lusaka with 2 m/s;
  • Windiest day of the month: Lusaka with 2 m/s;
  • The least windy day of the month: Lusaka with 1 m/s;

Humidity and precipitation in Zambia in January

Amount of rainfall in mm during January in Zambia based on historical data:
Average
Lusaka
January tends to be a humid month with 66% humidity and 77 mm rainfall

Comparison between cities in January:

Average
Lusaka
  • Highest average rainfall: Lusaka with 249 mm;
  • Lowest average rainfall: Lusaka with 249 mm;
  • Most number of rainy days: Lusaka with 19 rainy days;
  • Least number of rainy days: Lusaka with 19 rainy days;
  • Highest risk of rain during the day: Lusaka with 61%;
  • Least risk of rain during the day: Lusaka with 61%;
  • Highest average humidity: Lusaka with 84%;
  • Lowest average humidity: Lusaka with 84%;

Tips for traveling to Zambia in January

Looking for some tips for traveling to the sun, snow, or whatever you're aiming for Zambia? Activities, weather, and clothing are closely linked. In addition, it's important to pack only what you really need so you don't have to worry about heavy packing or paying extra baggage fees.

Here is some advice on what to pack and what kind of activities you can do in the Zambia based on the weather that January is expected to bring. The advice applies to the country as a whole – local weather and possible activities may differ somewhat.

rainy, warm weather with light winds and high humidity in January
Avionero

Pack right for January

The weather makes a difference when it comes to packing - especially which items should go in your suitcase. The tips below are designed to help you pack light and right without carrying more than necessary.
  • For light showers, an umbrella or a thin and light rain cape is usually sufficient, while more rain may require rainwear and rain boots.
  • Warm - neither hot nor cool, are probably the most comfortable when you think of sunbathing. Shorts, shorter skirts or dresses, tank tops and t-shirts are the basics here. If you're going to a seaside resort, don't forget your swimwear and maybe even a snorkel, mask and flippers.
  • Light winds are probably most comfortable in hot weather but is cooling in cool and cold weather. If it is hot (when the air temperature is about 30 degrees), the wind can have a warming effect. A thin, windproof jacket and long trousers help to counteract these effects.
  • High humidity means that the air conducts heat to and from the skin more easily. For example, if the air is hot (above skin temperature), it will be harder to stay cool. On the other hand, if the air is cool or cold, it is more difficult to stay warm. In high humidity, the choice of clothing makes less of a difference. However, your physical activity plays a bigger role.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the weather in Zambia in January:

What can you do outside when it's warm in Zambia?

Bathing and sunbathing can be suitable. Warm (but not hot) days are also good for activities that are not so physically demanding: sightseeing on foot, by boat, on a scooter, camel riding. You can also exercise easily as long as you make sure to cool down and quench thirst.

Is January a good time to visit Zambia?

It’s always a good time to visit Zambia, but the weather is changeable in January, so plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities and exploring, and pack for every eventuality.

Monthly weather in Zambia

Source of the data

For this page, we’ve looked at the typical weather in Zambia, based on historical hourly weather data from January 1, 1979, to December 31, 2023.

For past dates, we show actual recorded data at the location at that time. Forecasts are based on recorded weather during that day of the year, averaged over the total years for which we have records (unless stated otherwise). The daily temperature is the highest recorded temperature in the shadow during that day.