The best time to visit Victoria Falls if you want to see it at its most impressive is between February and May, when the summer rains turn it into a cascading spectacle, visible and audible from far away. However, to combine it with the best safari experiences, the dry season from June to October is ideal. That said, Africa's landscapes can look vastly different throughout the year, and the world's largest sheet of falling water is no exception. Understanding the different seasons, as well as both Zimbabwe and Zambia as vantage points for the Falls, is key to planning your trip. Here we break down each season and its highlights to help guide you.
Different seasons give you a different experience of Victoria Falls, Image Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls
Zambia vs Zimbabwe: Which Side Is Better?
Every Victoria Falls itinerary starts with one important question: should you experience the Falls from Zimbabwe, Zambia, or both?
The answer largely depends on the kind of experience you're after. Zimbabwe is widely considered the best side for panoramic views of Victoria Falls, with access to around 75% of the viewpoints. Zambia, meanwhile, is best known for seasonal experiences like swimming in Devil’s Pool and visiting Livingstone Island.
That said, the two countries complement each other beautifully, and crossing between them is relatively easy, making it entirely possible to enjoy the highlights of both in one trip.
As a general rule, Zimbabwe offers the most iconic ground-level views of the Falls, while Zambia provides a more adventurous, up-close experience during the low-water season. Helicopter flights, however, offer spectacular aerial views regardless of which side you're staying on. Both Zimbabwe and Zambia also pair exceptionally well with nearby safari destinations.
When in doubt, see Victoria Falls from the skies, Image Credit: Wild Horizons
The Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls by Season
Victoria Falls is a year-round destination, with each season bringing its own unique flavour. The main seasons are broken up into high-water season, low-water season, summer, winter, and peak safari season, with some seasons overlapping.
When deciding when to visit Victoria Falls, keep in mind that some activities, like swimming in Devil's Pool, visiting Livingstone Island, and white-water rafting, are seasonal and only possible when water levels are lower. And although there's a best time for most activities, you should not discount those in-between seasons that are not as popular, as they can offer a "sweet spot" of great benefits, like better availability, lower rates, and a less crowded experience.
To help guide you, here's an overview of each season and what to expect. However, if you book your tailored luxury Victoria Falls safari with us, our Travel Experts will recommend the best time to visit for what you want to do and see.
February to July: High-Water Season
This is when "The Smoke That Thunders" truly earns its name. Victoria Falls is at its fullest and most thunderous, making this the best time to witness it in all its grandeur. From Victoria Falls National Park on the Zimbabwean side, you can take in the spectacle from 16 different viewpoints. Just expect to get soaked by the mist (rain jackets are provided), but this only adds to the experience!
With the Zambezi River in full flood, boat safaris come into their own, so we highly recommend both a sunrise and sunset cruise on the Zambezi, as each offers something distinct. Game viewing at the best reserves in Zimbabwe and Zambia is another highlight. Expect temperate weather: cool mornings that warm through the day and ease off again in the evenings.
Expect to get wet when visiting Victoria Falls during the high-water season, Image Credit: Victoria Falls River Lodge
Highlights
- Victoria Falls is at its fullest, giving you the full experience of its grandeur – you will get soaked!
- It's the best time for helicopter flights to enjoy a bird's-eye view
- Sunrise and sunset boat safaris are fantastic during this time
Ideal for
Seeing Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River in full flood.
The Trade-off
During the high-water season, the spray can be so dense that it obliterates the view from the ground, so you'd be better off taking to the skies to view it from a helicopter.
Please note: from around February, white-water rafting, as well as access to Devil's Pool and Livingstone Island on Zambia's side, are closed for the high-water season.
A river cruise on the Zambezi River is the best way to start and end your day, Image Credit: Victoria Falls River Lodge
August to January: Low-Water Season
This is the best time to see Victoria Falls from up close, as the mist is lower, so you'll still feel it but won't get drenched. You can also see the geological formations usually hidden under the gushing water.
The low-water season is also the perfect time to experience why Victoria Falls is nicknamed "Africa's Adventure Capital". This is the time to enjoy those seasonal activities – white-water rafting, swimming in Devil's Pool, and visiting Livingstone Island! White-water rafting is best from August to December, as the Zambezi River is generally at its lowest and the rapids are most exposed.
This is also a great time to enjoy bungee jumping, zip-lining, and gorge swinging (though they're year-round activities) because the weather isn't as hot. Migratory birds also start arriving in the area around November, making it a great time for birdwatching.
White-water rafting is excellent in Zimbabwe's low-water season, Image Credit: Wild Horizons
Highlights
- White-water rafting, as this activity is only possible when the water levels are lower
- Swimming in Devil’s Pool on the Zambian side (if you’re staying in Zimbabwe, you can take a day trip across)
- Visiting Livingstone Island, as it opens again due to the lower water levels
Ideal for
Adrenaline seekers looking for the most exhilarating activities.
The Trade-off
Some parts of the Falls might dry up, so you could see more bank than actual waterfall.
Submerge yourself in Devil's Pool, sitting right on the edge of Victoria Falls, Image Credit: Livingstone Island
October to April: Green Season
If you visit Victoria Falls during summer, you can expect warm, humid conditions (around 30°C during the day), as well as some afternoon thunderstorms. However, these storms help cool down the weather and result in stunning sunsets.
If you love lazing by the pool, the summer season is for you. Just be sure to pack extra sunblock! However, if you're not a fan of heat and humidity, we don't recommend visiting in October and November, as these are the hottest months in Victoria Falls. Some safari destinations like Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe also close during the green season, with many camps being inaccessible during this time.
The Zambezi River is known for its freshwater sport fishing, in particular, the tigerfish and tilapia. Although it's a year-round activity, tiger fishing is best during summer at the Lower Zambezi National Park. Also, bird lovers will enjoy spotting the many resident and migrant species all around.
Summer sunsets on the Zambezi, Image Credit: Victoria Falls River Lodge
Highlights
- Summer is considered the best season for birding, as resident and migrant species are prevalent
- You'll love the sunrise and sunset boat cruises on the Zambezi River with colourful skies
- Tiger fishing on the Lower Zambezi River is at its best
Ideal for
Making use of your riverside plunge pool, bird-watching and tiger fishing. April is a great in-between month for more temperate weather and fewer crowds.
The Trade-off
The heat and humidity can be a bit uncomfortable for some guests, especially around October to November. January is also the peak rainy season. Some camps might be closed due to rainfall.
It's pool day every day when you visit Victoria Falls in summer, Image Credit: Victoria Falls River Lodge
May to October: Dry Winter Season
As the dry winter season creeps in and the temperatures drop a bit, this is considered to be the perfect time to experience Victoria Falls if you're not a fan of the heat. But winter in Victoria Falls is not what you're probably used to, with rather temperate conditions and long, sunny days of around 20°C.
Winter is also considered the best time for safaris in Zimbabwe and Zambia because the bush is sparse, and wildlife gathers around scattered waterholes and riverbanks.
If you're lucky, you can see a remarkable sight, namely Victoria Falls' mysterious lunar rainbow, also called the moonbow. The best time to visit Victoria Falls to see this moonbow is from June to August. However, please note that it depends on various factors like clear skies, a full moon, not too much spray from Victoria Falls, and more.
Count yourself lucky if you see the special lunar rainbow, Image Credit: Wild Horizons
Highlights
- Expect great game viewing at the many surrounding national parks and in neighbouring Botswana
- You might be able to see the incredible lunar rainbow between June and August
- White-water rafting and swimming in the famous Devil's Pool – water levels dependent
Ideal for
Seeing the lunar rainbow (moonbow) and for the best wildlife viewing.
The Trade-off
Availability becomes limited during the popular winter season. It's important to also note that sightings of the moonbow are not guaranteed.
We can never get enough of seeing elephants, Image Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls
June to October: Peak Safari Season
The best time to visit Victoria Falls if you want to combine the thrill of Victoria Falls with the excitement of a safari is from June to October.
As this is the drier season, the vegetation is more sparse, making it an excellent time for game viewing. You can often see large herds of elephants and buffalo coming to the riverbanks to drink, as well as plenty of wildlife gathering around scattered waterholes.
Zimbabwe and Zambia are both home to world-renowned game reserves. In Zimbabwe, Mana Pools National Park is a must, with four oxbow pools attracting a myriad of wildlife. We also recommend a Big 5 safari in Hwange National Park, one of our continent's biggest conservation areas. On the other hand, Zambia's South Luangwa National Park is best for a walking safari, whereas Kafue National Park is the second-biggest national park in the world. There are plenty of other safari destinations our Travel Experts can recommend to you, too.
The dry season is a great time to spot wildlife in Zimbabwe and Zambia, Image Credit: Wilderness Linkwasha
Highlights
- Enjoy Big 5 game drives, boat safaris, canoe safaris, walking safaris, horseback safaris, and more
- As this is the low water season, white-water rafting is at its best (usually between August and November)
- Follow in Dr David Livingstone's footsteps as you tour Livingstone Island (Zambian side)
Ideal for
The best game viewing and white-water rafting opportunities.
The Trade-off
Since this is the peak safari season, accommodation availability might be limited, so advanced planning is essential. Water levels are also lower, so Victoria Falls will be less thunderous.
Sundowners on safari is a magical time, Image Credit: Wilderness Linkwasha
Frequently Asked Questions About Victoria Falls
How Many Days Do I Need to Visit Victoria Falls?
We recommend a stay of at least three days (two nights) to get the best experience of Victoria Falls. This allows for one day of private guided touring, one afternoon for a luxury sunset cruise on the upper Zambezi, and one day for scenic flights or a microlight experience without rushing from activity to activity. However, we recommend a day or two extra if you'd like to add a safari element to your Victoria Falls holiday.
Is the High-Water Season the Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls?
The best time to see Victoria Falls in full flow is during the high-water season between March and May, after the summer rains. However, it's important to note that, although it's incredible to witness, the mist from the Falls can be so dense that it's hard to truly appreciate the view. You'll also get soaked (rain jackets or ponchos are usually provided), but that can also be part of the fun!
We recommend the "sweet spot" months between June and August, when water levels are high enough for a spectacular show, but the mist has cleared enough for clear photos. This also aligns with the best time for a safari.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls for Photography?
For the best photography conditions at Victoria Falls, we recommend you visit between June and August. Although the Falls are not in full flow, the mist has cleared enough for unobstructed, ground-level captures. However, if you'd like to capture it in its full glory, we recommend a helicopter flight for aerial photography during the high-water season, between February and July.
When Is Devil's Pool Open?
Devil's Pool is accessible only from Zambia's side, and it’s usually open when water levels are low enough, typically between mid-August and mid-January.
The Zambezi delivers golden hour with extra magic, Image Credit: Victoria Falls River Lodge
Let's Make Your Victoria Falls Trip Happen
We frequently visit Victoria Falls and have experienced it throughout all its seasons, using our first-hand experience to tailor personalised luxury safaris.
So, if you're ready to see not only Victoria Falls but our continent's many, many other wonders in person, reach out to our Travel Experts, and let's start planning!
