The spectacular Victoria Falls is the largest sheet of falling water in the world, one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As it forms part of the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls can be visited from both countries, each providing a unique viewpoint, and offering best quality safari-style accommodation, dining and activities that will ensure an African adventure your guests will never forget.
Victoria Falls is spectacular to see no matter what the season. We love that every month of the year, the landscape and scenery changes so dramatically. It offers plenty of adventure all year round for every type of traveler.
So, when is the best time to go to Victoria Falls?
December to March
This is the height of summer, but also the rainy season. Expect dramatic thunderstorms in the afternoons, especially on those hot humid days, with average daytime temperatures well over 30°C. The Zambezi River water level is low in December, but rises steadily and becomes more spectacular as the rain arrives.
February to May
Directly after the summer rains, the Falls are in full flood. You will see the world’s largest curtain of falling water crashing down into the gorge. The force of the water drives a column of spray up into the air, drenching one in a fine mist. Hence the name, Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning ‘The Smoke That Thunders’.
Rainbows are very common, especially during Full Moon. Catching a glimpse of a moonbow is a very special sighting.
Some activities like swimming in the Devil’s Pool and certain sections of the white-water rafting rapids, are too dangerous. These activities close when the water levels become too high. Other activities such as helicopter flights are at its best and popular during this time. They offer a bird’s-eye view of this Natural World Wonder.
June to August
The dry winter period when the water flow starts to slow down. Less misty spray which gives you excellent visibility of the Falls and surrounds. Although its wintertime, you can still expect warm days between 20-25°C. July and August are also Peak season at Victoria Falls, with both Zambia and Zimbabwe side excellent to visit.
This is also an ideal time to combine a safari at the nearby Chobe National Park in Botswana. It’s the their peak safari season for game viewing. Little to no rain, warm days and cool nights.
September
The season shifts into Spring, waiting for the rain to arrive. Days becoming hotter and nights warmer. Water levels lower and best viewed from Zimbabwean side.
October to November
During the end of the dry period, the water levels are at its lowest and weather very hot and humid. No misty spray from the falls. Instead, you have beautiful panoramic views and can see all the way down to the bottom of the gorge. This is when you really experience the grandeur of the Falls.
The Zambian side, taking up only about one quarter of the Falls’ width, is completely dried up. All you see is the dry rock wall along the Eastern Cataract, still incredible though. On the Zimbabwean side, you have water flowing at Devil’s Cataract and a little over the Main Falls area. This is also Peak season for white-water rafting. A great time to explore Livingstone Island and swim in Devil’s Pool on the edge of the Falls.
In October, the hottest month of the year, one can expect average 30-35°C. Sometimes even up to 40°C.
The rains arrive arrive in November, but they could come late.
As we move towards December, it gets more humid as the rainy season build up after the hot spell. This is an excellent time for game viewing as the wildlife congregates around water sources.
Sounds good? Contact us for advice and start planning your visit to Victoria Falls.
