When is the best time to visit Victoria Falls?
Victoria Falls, one of the world’s seven natural wonders, is a whole year-round holiday destination for many on their bucket list. However, Victoria Falls is not only about the falls themselves. There are so many opportunities and activities you can do here.
Victoria Falls, like other countries, has different seasons, and not all activities can be done whole year round. For example, water activities and the famous Devil’s Pool are closed during the high water season.
On the other hand, during the dry season, you will not see the falls at their full power. Therefore the best time to visit Victoria Falls depends on what activities you would like to do.
In this blog post, I will tell you about Victoria Falls’ seasons, weather patterns, and various factors that influence the ideal time to embark on this unforgettable journey.
Whether you seek the spectacle of cascading water, the thrill of adventure activities, or simply wish to bask in the region’s natural beauty. I will explain when is the best time to visit Victoria Falls and make the most of your unforgettable expedition.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Victoria Falls?
High water season
High water season is when the water power is at its strongest, which is between February-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 and so you will not have clear visibility of the Falls. Also, be ready for slippery roads during this time.
However, it’s important to note that during the high water season, certain water activities such as white water rafting and canoeing are not available for safety reasons. Additionally, the renowned Devil’s Pool remains closed due to the elevated water levels.
It’s worth considering that this period is also less ideal for safaris as wildlife sightings are limited, and the accessibility of roads may be compromised, especially at the beginning of the season when rainfall is still prevalent.
Therefore, if your itinerary includes any of these activities, it would be wise to plan your visit during a different time of the year for a more fulfilling experience.
When it comes to weather, the days are still hot and nights warm, but not too hot like during September-November. You can also expect occasional thunder. From Mid August until the end of April is summer in Victoria Falls.
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, 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 for you when your main reason is to see the Falls. The water is still strong and in some places, you get some spray from the water, but you will not see the full power. Moreover, some parts are completely dry, so there is only a rocky wall. Mostly the Zambian side is completely dry.
On the other hand, this is the best time for water activities lovers. If you want to do any of the water activities like white water rafting, canoeing, high-speed jet boat, and mostly Devil’s Pools, this is the right time for you. These activities can be done only during the low water season due to safety.
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. However 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.
We visited Victoria Falls during this season in October and we had an amazing experience here. We saw the Falls and it was spectacular and power was still strong even not the strongest.
We sat in the Devil’s pool, took the Zambezi river cruise, went for a rhino walk, and for a safari in Zambezi National Park (we didn’t see many animals there). You can read about our trip here.
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, so the water starting to rise. The Falls have stronger power, but you need to be ready for some rain and clouds.
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 and average low between 7 to 10 degrees Celsius.
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.
Conclusion-When is the best time to visit Victoria Falls?
In conclusion, determining the best time to visit Victoria Falls depends on your personal preferences and the experiences you seek. Each season offers its own unique charm and opportunities, allowing you to tailor your visit to match your desires.
If you want to witness the sheer power and magnificence of the falls, the high water season, from February to May, is the ideal time. While some activities may be restricted, the spectacle of Victoria Falls in full flow is a sight to behold.
On the other hand, if you wish to engage in adventure activities, the low water season, from September to November, is a better choice.
During this time, the water level is at its lowest, exposing more of the rocky gorge and creating opportunities for activities like white water rafting, canoeing, and swimming in the Devil’s Pool.
For those seeking a balance between the two extremes, the medium-high water season from December to January and June to August provides a favorable compromise.
The water levels are moderate, offering a captivating view of the falls, while still allowing for adventure activities and wildlife sightings.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Victoria Falls depends on what you prioritize most during your journey. No matter which season you choose, there is no wrong time to visit Victoria Falls.
