Livingstone

Zambia Weather in October

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in Zambia in October.

Considering a trip to Zambia this October and wondering about the expected weather conditions? Find all the crucial information you need right here, addressing your question:

What to Expect in Zambia in October

October in Zambia generally has temperatures that range from very warm to very hot, with precipitation levels ranging from low to moderate.

Temperatures

The average maximum daytime temperatures vary from very warm in Mpika at 31°C (88°F) to very hot in Chikomba at 37°C (99°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 24°C (75°F) in Chikomba and 18°C (64°F) in Mpika. In Zambia, October typically stands out as the hottest month of the year. If you're planning a visit during this time, it would be wise to come prepared. Packing light and breathable summer cloths will ensure you stay comfortable throughout your stay.

To learn more about the conditions in specific areas of Zambia, check out the map below.

Precipitation

In October, precipitation varies across different areas. From low rainfall in Chirundu with an average of 7.2 mm (0.3 in) to moderate rainfall in Mwinilunga with 68 mm (2.7 in).

Average sunshine

Many locations offer abundant sunshine during this month. For instance, Livingstone enjoys approximately 280 hours of sunlight, ideal for those seeking sunny weather.

Explore Zambia by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Zambia - and find the best time to visit. (based on Livingstone)

Best Places to Visit in Zambia in October

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across Zambia.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in Zambia

What is the weather like in October for some of the most popular destinations in Zambia?

Temperature range in Zambia (October)

Precipitation variation in Zambia (October)

Livingstone

In October Livingstone generally has extremely high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 36°C (97°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 21°C (70°F) and low monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are mixed that month.

September
October
November
Max temperature
34°C (93°F)
36°C (97°F)
33°C (91°F)
Min temperature
18°C (64°F)
21°C (70°F)
21°C (70°F)
Monthly sun hours
300 hours
280 hours
230 hours
Monthly rainfall
2.8 mm (0.1 in)
12 mm (0.5 in)
89 mm (3.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
0 days
4 days
10 days
Weather conditions

Lusaka

In October Lusaka generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 33°C (91°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and low monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are excellent that month.

September
October
November
Max temperature
31°C (88°F)
33°C (91°F)
31°C (88°F)
Min temperature
18°C (64°F)
20°C (68°F)
20°C (68°F)
Monthly sun hours
292 hours
276 hours
233 hours
Monthly rainfall
2.5 mm (0.1 in)
15 mm (0.6 in)
98 mm (3.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
0 days
2 days
9 days
Weather conditions

Chingola

In October Chingola generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 33°C (91°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and low monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are excellent that month.

September
October
November
Max temperature
32°C (90°F)
33°C (91°F)
30°C (86°F)
Min temperature
18°C (64°F)
20°C (68°F)
19°C (66°F)
Monthly rainfall
1.6 mm (0.1 in)
21 mm (0.8 in)
141 mm (5.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
0 days
5 days
15 days
Weather conditions

Kitwe

In October Kitwe generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 33°C (91°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and low monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are excellent that month.

September
October
November
Max temperature
32°C (90°F)
33°C (91°F)
31°C (88°F)
Min temperature
18°C (64°F)
20°C (68°F)
19°C (66°F)
Monthly rainfall
1.5 mm (0.1 in)
18 mm (0.7 in)
127 mm (5 in)
Monthly rainy days
0 days
5 days
14 days
Weather conditions

Woodlands

In October Woodlands generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 33°C (91°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and low monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are excellent that month.

September
October
November
Max temperature
31°C (88°F)
33°C (91°F)
31°C (88°F)
Min temperature
17°C (63°F)
20°C (68°F)
20°C (68°F)
Monthly sun hours
292 hours
276 hours
233 hours
Monthly rainfall
2.5 mm (0.1 in)
15 mm (0.6 in)
98 mm (3.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
0 days
2 days
9 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in Zambia.

In our records: Zambia October extremes

Notable October records observed across cities in Zambia in our climate database (1976 – 2026). Historic readings can vary in quality, so treat these as illustrative.

  • In our records, the warmest October day in Zambia reached 44°C (111°F) in Chirundu on October 26, 2011.

Popular cities in October

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Zambia in October.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Livingstone 36°C (97°F) 21°C (70°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Lusaka 33°C (91°F) 20°C (68°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Chingola 33°C (91°F) 20°C (68°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Siavonga 35°C (95°F) 25°C (77°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Chirundu 37°C (99°F) 23°C (73°F) 7.2 mm (0.3 in)
Mongu 36°C (97°F) 22°C (72°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)

Zambia weather in October: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Zambia in October?

October in Zambia brings less favorable weather. In Livingstone, daytime temperatures are typically around 36°C (97°F) and nighttime lows hover near 21°C (70°F).

What is the average temperature in Zambia in October?

In Livingstone, the average daytime high in October is 36°C (97°F), while nighttime temperatures drop to around 21°C (70°F).

Does Zambia get a lot of rain in October?

October is on the drier side in Zambia. Livingstone averages only about 12 mm (0.5 in), with most days staying dry.

Is October a Good Time to Visit Zambia?

In our view, October might not be the best time to travel to Zambia with often mixed weather in Livingstone.

Generally speaking, May, June and July provide excellent weather in Livingstone. On the other hand, the months of January, September, October and December tend to have less favorable weather conditions.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Zambia.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to Zambia? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in Zambia.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.