Things to Do in Lusaka in December

December Weather in Lusaka

27°C (81°F) High Temp

17°C (63°F) Low Temp

178 mm (7.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Rainy season transforms Lusaka into a green oasis - jacaranda trees bloom purple across the city, making December the most photogenic month with dramatic storm clouds and clear blue skies
Lowest accommodation prices of the year - luxury hotels drop rates by 30-40% compared to dry season, and you'll have pools and restaurants largely to yourself
Prime time for birdwatching at nearby wetlands - over 200 migrant species arrive, including carmine bee-eaters and woodland kingfishers that locals celebrate with December birding festivals
Fresh produce season means incredible local markets - mangoes, avocados, and sweet corn are at peak ripeness, while traditional December foods like nshima with fresh greens dominate street food scenes

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms are intense and frequent - expect 2-3 hour deluges that can flood streets and shut down outdoor activities between 2-5pm most days
Humidity makes 27°C (81°F) feel like 35°C (95°F) - walking outdoors becomes exhausting quickly, especially for visitors from dry climates
Some rural attractions become inaccessible - dirt roads to waterfalls and game parks can be impassable after heavy rains, limiting day trip options

Best Activities in December

Munda Wanga Environmental Park Wildlife Encounters

December's rains bring the park to life - animals are most active in cooler morning temperatures before 11am, and the botanical gardens showcase peak flowering season. The 10°C (18°F) temperature drop after afternoon storms creates perfect evening viewing conditions. Fewer crowds mean better photography opportunities and more intimate animal encounters.

Booking Tip: Visit mornings between 7-11am before heat peaks. Entry fees typically range from K50-100 ($2-4). Book accommodation packages through local tour operators for transport included (see current options in booking section below). Allow 4-5 hours including travel time from city center.

Kabwata Cultural Village Craft Workshops

December is perfect for indoor cultural activities during afternoon storms. Local artisans run extended workshops in traditional copper work, wood carving, and textile weaving. The Christmas season brings special workshops in traditional Zambian holiday crafts. Humidity actually helps with clay work and certain traditional techniques.

Booking Tip: Workshop fees range K100-300 ($4-12) depending on craft type. Book 3-4 days ahead through cultural centers. Morning sessions (9am-12pm) are cooler and more comfortable. Materials typically included in workshop price.

Lusaka National Museum and Heritage Trail

Air-conditioned museums become essential during December's heat and humidity. The National Museum showcases Zambian independence history, while December features special exhibitions on traditional rain ceremonies. Perfect activity during daily 2-5pm storm periods when outdoor sightseeing becomes impossible.

Booking Tip: Museum entry K20-40 ($1-2). Open 9am-5pm daily. Combine with nearby Railway Museum and Zintu Community Museum for full day indoor itinerary. Allow 2-3 hours per museum location.

Chongwe River Canoeing Adventures

December river levels are ideal for gentle canoeing - not too high from rains but flowing well. Early morning trips (6-9am) avoid afternoon storms and catch incredible wildlife activity. River temperatures around 24°C (75°F) make accidental dips pleasant. Post-storm clarity creates excellent visibility for spotting hippos and crocodiles.

Booking Tip: Full-day trips typically K400-800 ($15-30) including transport and meals. Book through established operators with proper safety equipment. Morning departures essential - afternoon trips often cancelled due to storms. Located 30 km (18.6 miles) from Lusaka city center.

Local Market Food Tours

December brings peak harvest season - Soweto Market and City Market overflow with fresh mangoes, sweet corn, and traditional December foods. Morning market tours (7-10am) avoid midday heat and catch vendors at their most active. Rain season specialties like fresh groundnuts and seasonal vegetables are only available now.

Booking Tip: Guided market tours K150-250 ($6-10) including tastings. Independent exploration costs K50-100 ($2-4) for food sampling. Visit mornings before 11am when produce is freshest and temperatures manageable. Friday and Saturday mornings have largest selections.

Golf Course Experiences

December transforms Lusaka's golf courses into lush green landscapes impossible during dry season. Early morning rounds (6:30-10am) offer perfect temperatures around 17-22°C (63-72°F) before humidity builds. Afternoon storms refresh courses daily, creating consistently excellent playing conditions.

Booking Tip: Green fees K200-600 ($8-25) at various courses around city. Book tee times for sunrise starts to avoid weather. Equipment rental available K100-200 ($4-8). Lusaka Golf Club and Chainama Hills offer best December conditions with proper drainage.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Lusaka December Festival

Annual celebration combining Zambian independence themes with Christmas traditions. Features traditional music performances, craft markets, and local food competitions. Perfect indoor/outdoor hybrid event that adapts to December's unpredictable weather with covered venues and flexible scheduling.

Early December

Agricultural and Commercial Show December Preview

Pre-show exhibitions highlighting December harvest season. Local farmers display seasonal produce, and there are demonstrations of traditional rain ceremony dances. Smaller crowds than the main July show but more focus on seasonal agricultural traditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - not umbrella. December storms include heavy winds that destroy umbrellas. Jacket doubles as air conditioning protection in malls and restaurants

Quick-dry pants and shirts in natural fabrics - avoid cotton which stays wet for hours in 70% humidity. Synthetic hiking fabrics or linen work best

Closed-toe shoes with good grip - Lusaka's streets flood quickly during storms, creating slippery surfaces. Sandals are impractical despite heat

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 combined with reflection off wet surfaces intensifies sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours during outdoor activities

Portable battery pack - frequent power outages during storms mean your devices need backup power for navigation and communication

Anti-malaria medication - December rains increase mosquito activity significantly. Consult travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure

Moisture-wicking undergarments - essential in 70% humidity. Regular cotton underwear becomes uncomfortable within hours

Plastic bags for electronics - protect phones, cameras, and documents during sudden downpours. Ziploc bags work better than local plastic options

Lightweight long sleeves for evenings - temperatures drop 10°C (18°F) after storms, plus long sleeves reduce mosquito exposure

Electrolyte supplements - easy to become dehydrated in high humidity without realizing it. Local pharmacies stock limited international brands

Insider Knowledge

Schedule important activities between 7-11am daily - this is the only consistently clear, comfortable weather window. Locals know afternoon storms start precisely around 2pm most days

December accommodation deals are exceptional but book by October - while rates drop 30-40%, the few remaining operating hotels fill with regional business travelers avoiding airline disruptions

Carry exact change in small bills - December flooding frequently disrupts banking systems and ATM networks. K20 and K50 notes are most useful for daily transactions

Learn basic Bemba greetings - December cultural events are peak times for language exchange with locals who appreciate visitors making effort to connect with traditional culture

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities after 1pm - tourists consistently underestimate the intensity and timing of December afternoon storms. Everything shuts down from 2-5pm most days

Bringing only summer clothes - the 10°C (18°F) evening temperature drop after storms catches visitors off guard. You'll need layers for comfort

Assuming attractions follow posted hours - many outdoor attractions close early or don't open at all on heavy rain days. Always call ahead or have indoor backup plans