Lusaka Weather in December

December: wet-season days

December feels warm, humid and often overcast. Rain falls on many days, sometimes in heavy afternoon showers, so outdoor plans can be interrupted. The ground gets muddy, and journeys across Lusaka may take longer when roads are wet.

You can still visit the Lusaka National Museum or browse the covered stalls at Kabwata Cultural Village between showers. Keep a flexible plan for walks around the city. Long outings to Lusaka National Park are less reliable, as rain can make tracks muddy and wildlife harder to spot. December isn't the best month for a dry, sunny city break.

Christmas in Lusaka

Christmas Day and Boxing Day are public holidays in Zambia. Many people spend the time with family, and some shops or services may close or keep shorter hours. Lusaka's malls and churches can feel busier in the run-up to Christmas, but the city isn't a major beach resort with a huge tourist rush.

If you hate crowds, visit popular shopping areas before Christmas week and expect a quieter city on the holidays themselves. Flights and rooms can cost more around the festive period than in quieter months, though Lusaka is generally less of a seasonal destination than Zambia's national parks.

Make a rainy day work

The rain doesn't mean you have to stay indoors all day. Try a visit to the Sunday Craft Market at Arcades if it's running, or settle in for a meal of nshima, Zambia's maize staple, at a local restaurant. Keep an eye on the sky before heading out; showers can change your plans quickly.

Travelling with kids? Use the dry spells for a short visit to the Lusaka National Museum, then keep a covered stop nearby for when rain returns. December is a poor fit for long outdoor days, but it can suit you if you're happy to slow down and build in indoor breaks.