Zambia belongs to a tropical savanna climate, with the changes between the rainy season and dry season deeply affecting seasonal events throughout the year. Below, the climate characteristics and representative seasonal events and cultures are explained for each of the four seasons aligned with the Japanese calendar.
Spring (March to May)
Climate Characteristics
- Late rainy season: The real rainy season lasts until March, and rainfall gradually decreases after April.
- Temperature: 25-30°C during the day, 15-20°C at night.
- Characteristics: High humidity with frequent afternoon showers.
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description/Relationship with Climate |
| Late March |
Kuomboka Festival |
The Lozi king relocates by canoe. An important ceremony held to avoid the river's high water phase. |
| April |
Good Friday and Easter |
A Christian event. Worship and ceremonies take place amidst the rich nature of the late rainy season. |
| May 1 |
Labour Day |
Public holiday. Outdoor recreation is active to celebrate the end of the rainy season. |
| May |
Harvest Festival |
A thanksgiving festival for local agricultural products. Crops benefited by the rainy season are mainly featured. |
Summer (June to August)
Climate Characteristics
- Full dry season: Very little rain falls, and humidity is low.
- Temperature: 20-25°C during the day, 10-15°C at night (even lower in inland areas).
- Characteristics: Dry air with many clear blue sky days.
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description/Relationship with Climate |
| June |
Chibuku Victoria Launch |
A launch event held in Lusaka. Outdoor activities taking advantage of the dry season's fine weather. |
| July |
Mukuni Cultural Festival |
Celebrates the traditional culture of the Tonga people. Large gatherings are possible in the cool dry season climate. |
| First Monday of August |
Heroes' Day |
A commemoration of the heroes who supported the nation. Outdoor parades and worship are held. |
| First Tuesday of August |
Unity Day |
Celebrates national solidarity, with sports competitions and activities held in the dry climate. |
Autumn (September to November)
Climate Characteristics
- Late dry season: September remains dry, and the rainy season front begins to draw closer in October.
- Temperature: 28-33°C during the day, 15-20°C at night.
- Characteristics: Rising temperatures and stronger sunlight.
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description/Relationship with Climate |
| September |
National Farmers' Day |
Celebrates the achievements of early dry season harvests. Exhibits and awards for harvested goods are held. |
| October 24 |
Independence Day |
A national festival celebrating independence in 1964. Ceremonies take place in the comfortable climate of the late dry season. |
| November |
Traditional Music and Dance Festival |
Held in the final phase of the dry season in the calendar's first half. Performances and live music on outdoor stages. |
Winter (December to February)
Climate Characteristics
- Start of the rainy season: Rainfall increases sharply in December, peaking in February.
- Temperature: 30-35°C during the day, 18-22°C at night.
- Characteristics: Hot and humid with a higher risk of thunderstorms and flooding.
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description/Relationship with Climate |
| December 25 |
Christmas |
A Christian event. Mass and family gatherings in the lush environment of the early rainy season. |
| December 31 |
New Year’s Eve |
Celebrates the New Year. Fireworks and outdoor parties are planned for breaks in the rainy season. |
| January |
Shimaboko Festival (Simanza Festival) |
A ceremony praying for the abundance of the rainy season. Scheduled during relatively calm days before heavy rains. |
| February |
Youth Day |
Celebrates the achievements of young people. Events take place in schools and communities between peaks of the rainy season. |
Summary of Seasonal Events and Climate
| Season |
Climate Characteristics |
Example Main Events |
| Spring |
Late rainy season, high humidity |
Kuomboka Festival, Labour Day, Harvest Festival |
| Summer |
Dry season, cool during the day, cold at night |
Mukuni Cultural Festival, Heroes' Day, Unity Day |
| Autumn |
Late dry season, rising temperatures |
National Farmers' Day, Independence Day, Traditional Music and Dance Festival |
| Winter |
Start of the rainy season, hot and humid |
Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Simanza Festival, Youth Day |
Additional Notes
- Many events are based on the agricultural calendar, and the cycle of rainy and dry seasons shapes cultural rituals.
- Participation in events during the dry season (June to October) is recommended for tourists.
- Adjusting schedules is important due to the possibility of river flooding and road inundation during the rainy season.
- As a multi-ethnic nation, there are rich traditions and festivals that vary by region.
Zambia's seasonal events are deeply connected to the rhythm of the climate, evolving in response to agricultural, traditional, and religious practices with the changes in nature.
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