Zambia in May

May is considered a shoulder season month, as the rains fade away to pave the way for the dry season beginning in June. During a Zambia safari at this time of the year, you’ll witness the magical transition between the emerald season and the peak safari season.

As the weather becomes drier, vegetation loses its lustre, making wildlife easier to spot through the bush. Water sources also dry up, causing animals to be less dispersed.

The air is crisp and cooler thanks to lower humidity levels, making walking safaris and game drives far more comfortable.

Weather in May

Red Lechwe jumping over water on Busanga Plains in Kafue National Park, Zambia | Photo credit: Getty Images, Canva

By May, the rains have cleared, leaving behind bright, sunny days and a landscape that is beginning to dry. This transition significantly improves wildlife viewing as animals begin to congregate around more permanent water sources.

While daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm and ideal for long game drives, the early mornings carry a crisp, refreshing chill; we recommend layering up with warm clothing to stay comfortable during those first few hours on the game vehicle.

Average Weather in May

Temperature	Celsius	Fahrenheit	Rainfall
Min	11℃	52℉	0.04 inches
Max	26℃	79℉	0.35 inches

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National Parks to Visit in Zambia During May

Sioma Ngwezi National Park

A remote safari destination within Zambia, Sioma Ngwezi National Park is known for the impressive Ngonye Falls. This park is part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, an initiative between countries that allows for the free movement of animals across borders.

Safari-goers in this off-the-beaten-track destination can see vast herds of elephants, giraffes, and a variety of antelope species. Predator numbers are growing, so there are opportunities to see lions, hyenas, and wild dogs.

Liuwa Plain National Park

May to June is one of the best times of the year to visit Liuwa Plain National Park. The region dries up after the rainy season – the park is located in the floodplains of the upper Zambezi Basin – and sunny conditions create fantastic safari opportunities.

Lions and wild dogs have been reintroduced to the park, so you have the opportunity to spot these predators prowling around the herbivores found here. Vast herds of zebras and wildebeest can be seen across the grasslands.