Lusaka Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Lusaka. The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average. Now, let’s explore all the details to give you a full picture.

Generally, Lusaka experiences moderate precipitation patterns, averaging 975 mm yearly.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm)

Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wet season, January receives substantial rainfall, averaging 247 mm of precipitation, recorded across 17 rainy days.

In contrast, the drier season, August brings less rainfall, with 0.8 mm over 0 rainy days.

January, the city’s wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 28°C. During the driest month August you can expect a temperature of 27°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Lusaka Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in Zambia

The map below shows the annual precipitation across Zambia. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Lusaka’s average annual precipitation is 975 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Chicago, USA, sees an annual precipitation of 1062 mm, with rain and snow contributing to its humid climate.

Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1000 mm of annual rainfall, mostly in the summer.

In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm, making it wetter than Sydney.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, receives 1955 mm of annual rainfall, with a pronounced wet season from May to November, typical of its tropical monsoon climate.

How is Precipitation Measured?

Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.

Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.

Sea vs. Land Precipitation

The proximity of a location to a large body of water can significantly affect its rainfall patterns:

• Ocean Influence: Coastal regions typically receive more rainfall due to the presence of moisture-laden winds from the ocean. These regions tend to have more humid climates and experience more frequent precipitation, especially in winter.
• Continental Climates: Areas further from the sea, such as inland or continental regions, experience less frequent rainfall and more extreme seasonal variations in precipitation.

For more detailed information about Lusaka’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Lusaka Climate page.