When Is The Best Time To Visit Victoria Falls?
Are you wondering when is the best time to visit Victoria Falls? When is the power of waterfalls strongest and when to go for safari or experience other activities?
Victoria Falls is a whole year-round holiday destination. However, like other countries, also Victoria Falls has different seasons, and not all activities can be done all year round.
To see Victoria Falls, one of the Natural Wonders of the World, the best time is between February and May, or until August when the water power is still strong before the dry season starts.
The dry season, between September and mid. November is great for water activities and swimming in Devil’s Pool.
To know the best time to visit Victoria Falls based on seasons and activities, I prepared this detailed guide for you.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Victoria Falls?
When to visit Victoria Falls depends on the activities you would like to do. To see the waterfalls, you should not come during the dry season.
On the other hand, water activities and safaris are best during this time.
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Victoria falls during high water season
The high water season is when the water power is at its strongest, which is between February and May.
During the rainy season from November till February, the falls filled up with water and now it is the time to see the Falls at their most thrilling.
You have to be prepared with a raincoat as you will get soaking wet during the rainforest walk. It is not just a small spray of water, but a really strong shower.
The Falls can be heard 40 kilometers away. Therefore the name Mosi-Oa-Tunya, which means Smoke that Thunders.
The disadvantage of this strong power is the mist that the water is creating while falling, so you will not have clear visibility of the Falls. Also, be ready for slippery roads during this time.
While this is a great time to see the waterfalls, it is not a good time for safari and watching wildlife. There is a thick vegetation so animals are not seen.
Moreover, in February, due to heavy rains, the roads may not be accessible, so safaris are not available.
Water activities like white water rafting and canoeing are not available for safety reasons. Not only the water activities but also the famous Devil’s Pool on the Zambian side is closed during the high-water season.
When it comes to weather, the days are still hot and nights warm, but not too hot like during September-November. Summer in Victoria Falls is from mid-August until the end of April.
Victoria Falls during the low water season
The low water season is when the water power is at its lowest. This happens from September till November.
The days during this time are very hot around 30-35 degrees Celsius/86-95 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore if you are not a fan of very hot weather, this time may not be the best for you.
It is also not a good time when your main reason is to see the Falls. While you will still see the power of water on the Zimbabwe side, on the Zambian side is just a dry rocky wall.
We visited in October, and on the Zimbabwe side in the rainforest, we still got a little shower, while the Zambian side was dry. However, we really enjoyed the view of the valley. We could see Victoria Falls from both perspectives.
On the other hand, this is the best time for water activities lovers. If you want to do any water activities like white water rafting, canoeing, high-speed jet boat, and mostly Devil’s Pools, this is the right time for you.
When it comes to seeing wildlife, it is better than the high water season, due to thinner vegetation and also animals coming to drink water from the water holes.
Still, it is not the best time for safaris as on hot days, the animals are hiding in the bush, so you may see them only early in the morning or late in the evening.
Medium-high water season
If you are looking for something between these two seasons, there is a medium-high water season and it happens twice a year. From December to January and from June to August.
December till January is the rainy season in Victoria Falls. The Falls have stronger power, but you need to be ready for some rain and clouds. December is a great month for bird-watching.
June to August is winter in Victoria Falls. Don’t expect very cold or snow as the days are still hot and evenings warm, with average high temperatures ranging from 25 to 27 degrees Celsius/77-80 degrees Fahrenheit and average low between 7 to 10 degrees Celsius/44-50 degrees Fahrenheit.
You will need some warmer jumpers and long trousers for early mornings and evenings. The Falls still have a strong power but are slowly drying out towards the dry season.
This is the best time for those who would love to do some safaris and see most of the animals. You can expect great game drives due to warm days and cooler nights, and almost no or very little rain.
You can go for a safari in Zambezi National Park, Hwange National Park, which is the largest in Zimbabwe or you can combine your visit to Victoria Falls with Chobe National Park in Botswana.
June and July are the best months if you want to combine safari with seeing the waterfalls.
Summary of the seasons in Victoria Falls
| Month | Season and activity |
| February-May | Strongest power of water, time to see the falls |
| June -August | The power of water is not at its peak but still strong. The best time for a safari and see the waterfalls |
| September-November | Dry season with very hot days. Good for water activities and Devil’s Pool. |
| Mid-November-January | Rainy season. The Zambezi River starts to fill up. November and December are good months for bird watching. |
Best Time To Visit Victoria Falls: FAQs
Now you know when is the best time to visit Victoria Falls. If you have more questions, check these FAQs below.
What time of the year does Victoria Falls dry up?
Victoria Falls dry up during October and November and starts to fill up in December.
When is the rainy season in Victoria Falls?
The rainy season in Victoria Falls starts in November until February.
How many days do I need at Victoria Falls?
To see the waterfalls, 2 days will be enough. However, it is better to stay for at least 4 days to experience more of the beauty of the country and take part in other activities.
If you have the spare time and budget, one week would be the best. For more information about how many days you should spend in Victoria Falls, read my article here.
Conclusion-The Best Time To Visit Victoria Falls
The best time to visit Victoria Falls depends on the activities you are interested in.
Seeing the waterfalls at their strongest power, February till May is the time to go.
June to August is the ideal time to combine a safari in a few of the National Parks with seeing the Victoria Falls before it dries out.
September till mid-November is a great time for water activities and Devil’s Pool. December and January are rainy months, good for bird watching.
