Victoria Falls Travel Calendar

December to March

The height of summer and the rainy season at Victoria Falls. On hot days, there will often be dramatic thunderstorms in the afternoons. The Zambezi River is low in December, but is steadily swells and the falls become more spectacular as the rain water arrives from further upstream. The weather is hot and humid, well over 30 degrees C in daytime. White water rafting season often closes sometime in February due to high water levels. Livingstone Island and Devil's Pool also closes for the public, usually sometime in January or February when the water level gets too high.

April to June

This is high water season, when the river is in flood and the falls are at their most powerful. Visibility from some vantage points is limited due to the spray and mist. The rafting season is normally closed because the water level is too high. Trips to Livingstone Island on the edge of the falls are not possible. Temperatures are warm and pleasant, averaging 25-32 degrees C during the day. The falls are a spectacular sight from both the Zambian and Zimbabwean side, as the water roars over the edge. Try a helicopter flight over the falls for a breathtaking bird's eye view.

July and August

This is  peak season for Victoria Falls. The water level drops and the reduced spray gives you excellent visibility of the falls. Livingstone Island as well as the rafting season open as soon as the water drops to a safe level. It is winter time, but winter feels like summer here so you can expect sunny and dry weather. Daytime temperatures are usually between 20-30 degrees C. Both sides of the falls are great to visit, and game viewing in the nearby Chobe National Park and other game reserves is at its best.

September to November

This is the end of the dry season and the falls are at their lowest level. This means excellent visibility from the Zimbabwe side, but on the Zambian side the falls may dry up altogether during this time, or limited to a trickle, which can be rather disappointing if you are only visiting the Zambian side. Low water is peak rafting season, and great for visiting Livingstone Island and the freaky Devil's Pool, a natural rock pool where you can swim on the edge of the falls. Temperatures are hotter again, averaging 30-35 degrees C during the day, often peaking over 40 degrees. The months of September and October offer fantastic game viewing along the Chobe River and in other nearby game reserves. The rains normally arrive in November.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is the most spectacular sight you will see anywhere in Africa. One of the seven wonders of the natural world, this huge curtain waterfall is situated between Zimbabwe and Zambia, where the mighty Zambezi river plunges 108m down into a narrow gorge, creating a waterfall that is a mile wide.

A visit to Southern Africa is not complete without having seen the Victoria Falls. The falls can be visited from the Zambian side or from the Zimbabwe side. The town on the Zambia side is called Livingstone, and the town on the Zimbabwe side is called Victoria Falls. Both locations are safe, popular tourist destinations with good infrastructure and a variety of accommodation options.

Read more on the Victoria Falls travel guide page.