When to visit Victoria Falls

When is the best time to visit Victoria Falls? This month-by-month travel guide helps you choose the ideal season based on water levels, weather, activities, and wildlife experiences. Need expert advice? Chat with one of our safari specialists for tailor-made itineraries and exclusive Victoria Falls travel deals.

• Height of summer and rainy season
• Hot and humid weather, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C during the day
• Dramatic thunderstorms in the afternoons, particularly on hot days
• The Zambezi River is low in December but steadily swells as rainwater arrives from upstream, creating a spectacular display of cascading water
• White-water rafting usually closes around February due to high water levels
• Livingstone Island and Devil's Pool often close in January and February due to high water levels

Visiting Victoria Falls from December to March offers a unique and enriching experience. During this period, the region is lush and vibrant. The dramatic thunderstorms that occur, especially in the afternoons, add to the area's raw beauty. This is also the low season for tourism, meaning fewer crowds and more personalised experiences.

• White-Water Rafting: December is the last month for excellent white-water rafting, as the Zambezi River's water levels are ideal for this thrilling activity.
• Lunar Rainbow Viewing: From March to May, during the full moon, the mist from the falls can create a lunar rainbow, or "moonbow," a rare and mesmerizing sight.
• Zambezi River Cruises: Enjoy a tranquil sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, where you can spot wildlife such as hippos and crocodiles, and witness stunning sunsets.
• Cultural Experiences: Engage with local communities through cultural tours, offering insights into the traditions and lifestyles of the people living near the falls.
• Wildlife Viewing: While the dense vegetation during the rainy season can make wildlife spotting more challenging, the lush environment is ideal for birdwatching, with many migratory species present.

Embracing the rainy season allows you to experience Victoria Falls in its full, vibrant glory, with the added benefit of fewer tourists and a more intimate connection with this natural wonder.

• Zambezi River at Full Flood: During this season, the Zambezi River is in flood, making Victoria Falls even more magnificent with a powerful, roaring display of water.
• Impressive Water Flow: The Falls are at their most spectacular, with abundant spray and mist creating dramatic views.
• Limited Visibility: Due to the heavy mist, visibility from some lookouts may be reduced, so be prepared for a misty experience.
• Rafting Season Closed: White-water rafting is typically closed during this time due to high water levels, making it a calmer time to enjoy the area.
• Livingstone Island & Devil's Pool Closed: These popular activities are closed as high water levels make the area unsafe.
• Pleasant Temperatures: Expect warm and pleasant weather, with daytime temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F).
• Best Views from Both Sides: Take in spectacular views of the Falls from both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides.
• Get Ready to Get Wet: You're bound to get wet from the spray, so be prepared for a refreshing experience!
• Rainbows Galore: The mist often creates beautiful rainbows, adding a magical touch to your visit.
• Ideal for Helicopter Flights: This is the best time for a helicopter flight over the Falls, offering a breathtaking bird's-eye view of Mosi-oa-Tunya, or 'The Smoke That Thunders.'

Experience the full force of Victoria Falls—a truly awe-inspiring sight! The sheer volume of water cascading over the cliffs creates an overwhelming roar that can be heard from miles away, while the mist rising from the falls forms a dramatic cloud visible for miles. Standing at the edge, you'll witness the immense power of nature, with water thundering down into the gorge below, leaving visitors speechless.

• Peak Season at Victoria Falls: The best time for clear views of the falls.
• Lower Water Levels: Provides excellent visibility with less spray, perfect for photography.
• Livingstone Island & Rafting: Both open when water levels drop to a safe level, offering thrilling experiences.
• Warm & Sunny Winter Days: Average temperatures range from 20-28°C, making for a comfortable visit.
• Stunning Rainbows: There's still enough mist to create beautiful rainbows, adding magic to your experience.
• Great Game Viewing: Nearby Chobe National Park, Hwange, and other reserves offer some of the best safari experiences in the dry season.
• Both Sides of the Falls: Visit either the Zambian or Zimbabwean side for unforgettable views.

• Adventure Activities: The calmer waters and improved visibility make it ideal for activities like helicopter flights, zip-lining, and bungee jumping.
• Safari Extension: This is the dry season in nearby game reserves, such as Chobe National Park and Hwange. The scarcity of water forces animals to gather around watering holes, making this the best time for wildlife viewing. Expect to see herds of elephants, lions, buffalo, and other game in action, as they congregate at the few remaining water sources, ensuring incredible safari experiences.

• End of the Dry Season: The falls reach their lowest water levels, creating a unique, more subdued view of the Zambezi River.
• Excellent Visibility from Zimbabwe: With reduced spray, the Zimbabwe side offers clearer, more distinct views of the falls.
• Zambian Side Drying Up: On the Zambian side, Victoria Falls may dry up almost entirely, leaving just a dry rock wall.
• Peak White-Water Rafting: The lower water levels create the ideal conditions for thrilling white-water rafting along the Zambezi River.
• Livingstone Island & Devil's Pool Open: On the Zambian side, both Livingstone Island and Devil's Pool are open, offering a thrilling, edge-of-the-falls experience.
• Very Hot Weather: Expect scorching temperatures, averaging 30-35°C, with peaks surpassing 40°C—perfect for hot weather activities.
• Fantastic Safari Viewing: Before the rains arrive, game viewing along the Chobe River and in surrounding reserves is exceptional, as animals gather around remaining water sources.
• Arrival of the Rains: Late October and November bring the first rains, transforming the dry, dusty landscapes into lush, vibrant greenery, perfect for photographers and nature lovers.

This is the best time for thrill-seekers, with peak white-water rafting and the chance to take on Livingstone Island and Devil's Pool, offering a heart-pumping experience at the edge of the falls. The low crowds allow for a more intimate, less crowded experience, making it easier to appreciate the breathtaking views and take part in adventure activities. Additionally, game viewing is at its peak as animals congregate around the dwindling water sources in nearby reserves, including Chobe National Park, offering incredible opportunities for wildlife sightings. As the first rains approach, the landscape transforms, making it a great time for both nature enthusiasts and those seeking adventure.

Victoria Falls pairs perfectly with:

Experience the ultimate combination of dramatic landscapes and wildlife. After visiting the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, head to Chobe National Park, known for its large elephant herds and exceptional game viewing, especially along the Chobe River. The Okavango Delta provides a stunning contrast with its lush, waterlogged ecosystems, offering unique safari experiences by mokoro (canoe) and boat, making it one of Africa's premier safari destinations.

Extend your Victoria Falls adventure to Zimbabwe's top wildlife areas. Hwange National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and diverse species, offers excellent game viewing year-round. Combine it with Mana Pools, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its stunning wilderness and walking safaris. Lake Kariba is perfect for a relaxing boat cruise, fishing, and wildlife sightings, offering an ideal mix of adventure and tranquillity.

For a diverse and well-rounded safari experience, pair Victoria Falls with Cape Town's vibrant city life and natural beauty, including Table Mountain, the Cape Winelands, and the iconic penguins at Boulders Beach. After exploring Cape Town, continue to Kruger National Park, one of Africa's largest game reserves, for world-class wildlife sightings and a chance to see the Big Five in their natural habitat. This combination offers the perfect balance of culture, adventure, and wildlife.

Victoria Falls is a year-round destination, but nature is always unpredictable. Water levels fluctuate depending on seasonal rainfall, and the timing of the rains can vary from year to year. Some activities, such as white-water rafting and Devil's Pool, may open or close earlier or later than expected. Whether you're chasing peak-flow waterfalls, thrilling adventure activities, or prime game viewing, we can help you plan the perfect trip based on current conditions.

• See our recommended tours to Victoria Falls for expert-crafted itineraries.
• Find us on TripAdvisor! Read reviews from past guests and see why we're a top-rated safari operator.

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