Temperature
The elevation of the great plateau on which Zambia is located, typically between 1,000 and 1,300 metres (3,281 and 4,265 ft), modifies temperatures, which are lower than for coastal areas at the same latitude, and pleasant for much of the year. On the plateau (covering about 80% of the country) temperature ranges, depending on location are:
| Months | Season | Mean Daily Maximum °C (°F) | Mean Daily Minimum °C (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| May-August | Cool and Dry | 21-26 (70-79) | 6-12 (43-54) |
| September-October | Hot and Dry | 28-35 (82-95) | 17-22 (63-72) |
| November-April | Rainy | 25-30 (77-86) | 14-19 (57-66) |
Most of the country is frost-free but in some years ground frost occurs. This is restricted to the highest exposed hills, or more widely in the lower humidity areas of the southernmost parts of the country.
Temperatures are higher at lower elevations, such as the Luapula-Mweru and Mweru Wantipa/Tanganyika valleys in the north, and highest in the lower Luangwa and Zambezi valleys in the south, typically experiencing 40 °C (104 °F) in October, with rising humidity making for uncomfortable conditions.
During the rainy season months of November to April or May some days may be humid, but daily maximum temperatures are usually a little lower than in the hot dry season. The rain can be cooling, unlike in the humid tropics.
Read more about this topic: Climate Of Zambia
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