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Mbala, Zambia
Northern Province · Zambia
Mbala is a mid-size city in Northern Province, Zambia with a population of 42,424. Elevation: 5,322 ft (1,622 m). Average temperature: 68°F (20°C).
Data updated June 2026
Discover Mbala, Zambia
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About Mbala
Mbala is Zambia's most northerly large town and seat of Mbala District in Northern Province, occupying a strategic location close to the border with Tanzania and controlling the southern approaches to Lake Tanganyika, 40 km by road to the north-west, where the port of Mpulungu is located. It had a population of about 20,000 in 2006. Under the name Abercorn, Mbala was a key outpost in British colonial control of this part of south-central Africa.
People
Climate
| Population | 42,424 |
| Population Density | 26 / sq mi |
| Elevation | 5,322 ft (1,622 m) |
| Coordinates | -8.8402°, 31.3659° |
| Timezone | Africa/Lusaka |
| Country | 🇿🇲 Zambia |
| State / Province | Northern Province |
| Average Temperature | 68°F (20°C) |
| January Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| July Average | 64°F (18°C) |
| Annual Precipitation | 44.4 inches (1,128 mm) |
| Annual Snowfall | 0.0 inches (0 cm) |
About Mbala
Mbala is a mid-size city in Zambia (Northern Province) with a population of 42,424. The city sits at an elevation of 5,322 feet (1,622 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 68°F (20°C). Temperatures range from 68°F in January to 64°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 44.4 inches. The timezone is Africa/Lusaka.
Climate in Mbala
Mbala has an average annual temperature of 19.1°C (66°F). The hottest month is Oct (22.5°C), the coldest is Jul (15.3°C). Average annual precipitation is 1649 mm.
Temperature
| Annual Average | 67.6°F |
| 25% above Zambia avg | |
| January Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| July Average | 64°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 255 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,322 ft (1,622 m) |
| Area | 1,639.8 sq mi (4,247.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 26/sq mi |
| Coordinates | -8.8402°N, 31.3659°W |
| Timezone | Africa/Lusaka |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 68°F (20°C) | 8.8 in | Wettest |
| February | 68°F (20°C) | 7.8 in | |
| March | 68°F (20°C) | 8.1 in | |
| April | 68°F (20°C) | 4.4 in | |
| May | 66°F (19°C) | 0.7 in | |
| June | 64°F (18°C) | 0.0 in | |
| July | 64°F (18°C) | 0.0 in | Coldest, Driest |
| August | 66°F (19°C) | 0.0 in | |
| September | 69°F (21°C) | 0.2 in | |
| October | 71°F (22°C) | 1.1 in | Warmest |
| November | 70°F (21°C) | 4.6 in | |
| December | 68°F (20°C) | 8.7 in |
Mbala has a seasonal temperature swing of 7°F / from 64°F in July to 71°F in October. Total annual precipitation is 44.4 inches, with January being the wettest month (8.8") and July the driest (0.0").
Schools in Mbala
2 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).
| School | Level | Enrollment | Teachers | Student/Teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chila Primary School | - | - | - | - |
| Mbala Seconday School | - | - | - | - |
Museums in Mbala
| Name | Type | Address | Phone | Annual Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moto Moto Museum |
Hotels in Mbala
2 hotels within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Restaurants in Mbala
1 restaurants within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Bus Stations in Mbala
1 bus stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Gas Stations in Mbala
2 gas stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Banks in Mbala
2 banks within city radius - OpenStreetMap data
Airports Near Mbala
4 airports within the area.
| Airport | IATA | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Kapenta Airport | - | Small Airport |
| Kasaba Bay Airport | ZKB | Small Airport |
| Mbala Airport | MMQ | Small Airport |
| Rosa Airport | - | Small Airport |
Churches & Religious Organizations in Mbala
1 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Catholic Church |
Quick Facts
🇿🇲 About Zambia
Frequently Asked Questions About Mbala
What is the population of Mbala?
Mbala has a population of 42,424 residents and is located in Zambia. The population density is 26 people per square mile, spread across 1,639.8 square miles.
What is the weather like in Mbala?
Mbala enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 68°F in January, while summers reach an average of 64°F in July. The area receives 255 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.4 inches.