It is important to understand the weather in Victoria Falls. The temperate climate and the different seasons will determine when you visit.
The Weather In Victoria Falls
The Victoria Falls weather, including most of the Zimbabwe region, is a temperate one. This ensures warm, sunny weather that is not too hot – most of the time.
The temperate Victoria Falls climate excludes extreme ranges of temperature making the changes between summer and winter very mild and comfortable.
The National Parks of Hwange and Zambezi National Park are warmer than most, and these areas enjoy warm to hot weather in the wet season. In the dry season, it is still very pleasant during the day, but nighttime and early mornings will be cold.
This area falls into the summer rainfall region. The winter months are largely dry with the bush showcasing Africa’s famous colors – brown, ochre, grey, and khaki.
When Is The Best Time of Year To Visit Victoria Falls?
The Falls are at their most spectacular from February to May, directly after the region’s summer rains, when the water is flowing at its greatest volume. The mist and spray are at their most spectacular but can obscure the view of the waterfall. The density of the spray is because of the huge volume of water entering the gorge.
This spray creates and sustains the lush, dense undergrowth and large trees of the rainforest found along the edge of the gorge opposite the cascading water. In stark contrast, away from the waterfall and the wetting spray, the countryside is generally dry and supports savanna grasslands.
One of the conspicuous trees in this dry region is the African baobab tree. These very large trees look almost prehistoric with their mostly bare branches and expansive tree trunks.
If you want to take in the Botswana experience, one of Africa’s Big 5 safari destinations, the best time for your holiday combined with a Chobe river safari, is the dry winter period from June to August.
You will experience great game viewing, warm days, and cool nights with little to no rain and plenty of water flowing over the falls.
The Victoria Falls water level is at its most spectacular at this time of year.
How The Weather Will Influence Your Visit
Apart from the time of year influencing the waterfall over the seasons, the seasons will also impact the activities you are able to do, and affect the sights you will experience during your stay.
Therefore it is important to learn what the weather in Victoria Falls is like at certain times of year.
Plan your trip according to the following points – you are then guaranteed to get the holiday you always wanted.
- March/April – The huge volume of spray makes viewing the waterfall difficult.
- November December – Low water levels means parts of the Falls dry up.
- Rafting season closes over April/May – due to very high water levels in the gorge.
- Best Rafting – August through to December.
- Bungee jumping closes due to heavy rain.
- The Devils pool closes in January and re-opens in August.
- The Livingstone Island tour closes in April and reopens late June.
- Game viewing is best in the winter months of August to November.
- The Zambezi National Park can close from December through to March due to heavy rains.
- Migrating birds start arriving in September.
The Different Seasons
There weather in Victoria Falls has 2 very distinct seasons with 2 very short “shoulder” seasons in-between. These shoulder seasons are brief and see the one season in and the other out.
- Green Season – January, February, March and April
- Shoulder Season – May and June
- Dry Season – July, August, September and October
- Shoulder Season – November and December
The Green Season
This time of year is called the Green Season as the bushveld is lush and green after the rains.
Unfortunately, this inhibits the game viewing as the bush is very thick and it is difficult to see very far into the veld to spot the wildlife. With the bounty of water lying in pools, the wildlife does not need to come to the watering holes, which makes viewing animals even more difficult.
You may experience some dramatic African storms in January and February as well as lighter showers, with the rainy season tailing off by March.
With the rains upstream, the water swells in the Zambezi River and increases the volume of water flowing over the waterfall. This results in a heavy mist and spray which can obscure the view of the falls, but seeing and hearing the sheer power of the waterfall is a humbling experience.
The average mean temperature during the day is 30°C and 18°C at night.
Shoulder Season
This is the beginning of winter and the period just before the upcoming dry season.
The Victoria Falls temperature now starts dropping to 25°C during the day and the chilly nights can reach 6°C. The night chill quickly disappears during the day with clear, sunny days that are very pleasant.
So bring a selection of warmer and summer clothing to cope with the fluctuation of the weather at this time of year.
The Dry Season
The Victoria Falls dry season experiences the greatest changes in temperature. The daily maximum of 26°C and minimum night readings of 6°C of July and August climbing to a summery 34°C and 18°C respectively.
September is an excellent time for a safari as the bush has dried up leaving very little vegetation to obstruct the view of the game. The water has disappeared in the small pools, so the wildlife congregates at the river or watering holes to drink in the late afternoon or early morning.
This is the best time to go if you are looking to add some game viewing to your itinerary.
Towards October, the temperatures maintain their average, although the humidity tends to rise before the rains break. This can become uncomfortable.
October is commonly known as “suicide month” because of this, as temperatures can reach up to 40°C. As soon as the rains arrive, these temperatures quickly dissipate, though.
There is no telling when the rains will arrive, so the humidity could arrive late in November although day temperatures will remain high.
Shoulder Season
November through to early December can be the most uncomfortable months of the year, with soaring temperatures and humidity.
This is the start of the rainy season with light to heavy showers arriving. With the rains, the temperatures do drop as the moisture cools the dry bushveld and leaves pools of water lying around.
The average of 34°C for this period can reach the high 30’s and sometimes even up to 40°C.
It is not recommended to visit the falls at the end of the dry winter period, October through November, as the water level is at its lowest.
Low water levels guarantee you’ll have panoramic views on both sides of the falls, as there is no mist or spray to obscure the view. However, the water flow is quite low showcasing the basalt cliffs.
The water flow on the Zimbabwean side is permanent, although it fluctuates dramatically, but the Zambian side of the waterfall may have dried up completely.
Be aware of the time of year you choose to holiday to this dramatic spot. The weather in Victoria Falls can impact your visit dramatically.
FAQ’S
What is the best month to visit Victoria Falls?
The best time to visit the Victoria Falls waterfall is between February and May. This is right after the summer rains and the Zambezi River is at its highest volume of the year. During these months you will experience, in full, the world’s largest sheet of falling water cascading off a cliff edge into the gorge below.
What should I wear to Victoria Falls?
Light, cotton clothing in neutral colors
Pack a long-sleeved shirt and trousers
Take a lightweight waterproof jacket
A good pair of comfortable trainers
A wide-brimmed hat
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
What is the altitude of Victoria Falls?
Victoria Falls stands at an altitude of approximately 915 m (or 3001.97 feet) above mean sea level (a.m.s.l.)
Is there malaria at Victoria Falls?
There is a high risk of malaria at Victoria Falls and the Zambezi Valley area. You will need antimalarials all year round – so make sure you start the course 1 or 2 days before your trip, take them every day you’re in a risk area, and continue for 7 days after your return. Some medications you only take once a week, but still need to be taken before and after your trip to make them effective.
The dosage does depend on which malaria tablets you are taking – read the instructions or consult your doctor for advice.
Which country has the best view of Victoria Falls?
Zimbabwe has the best view of Victoria Falls. Most of the waterfall can be seen from Zimbabwe with the far right end of the waterfall, which is in Zambia, being the smaller section of the waterfall. The Zambian section is also the first to dry up in the drier months before the rainy season.