Discover the Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls

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Victoria Falls is an impressive waterfall on the Zambezi River bordering Zimbabwe and Zambia in southern Africa. With water falling nearly 110 metres across 1,700 metres of cliff, it’s the largest waterfall in the world. Locals refer to the impressive falls as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or ‘the Smoke that Thunders’ because the magnificent force behind the falling water creates a spray than can be seen up to 50 kilometres away!

Some may think that wet season is the only good time to witness the falls in their full glory, but each season has advantages and disadvantages. Below you can get a better understanding of the different times of year to experience the beauty of Victoria Falls.

WET SEASON: NOVEMBER TO APRIL

Wet season constitutes the summer months of the year when rainfall is common. The areas surrounding Victoria Falls receive anywhere from 20 centimetres to 171 centimetres per month during the wet season.

The rain is typically heaviest at the end of November through the beginning of March. These months are also some of the hottest months of the year in Southern Africa, with stifling humidity, but with the most greenery and fresh flora.

However, it takes months for the rainwater to flow over the vast highlands and through various gorges to reach Victoria Falls. Due to this time lag, the best time to see Victoria Falls with maximum water flow is from February to April.

The disadvantage to viewing the waterfalls in their prime is that most water-related activities will be unavailable due to strong currents. Instead, travellers that visit in wet season can partake in adrenaline-fueled activities such as bungee jumping or swinging through the gorge. Other activities include viewing the falls from either a private airplane or the popular steam-powered train.

DRY SEASON: MAY TO OCTOBER

Dry season months are between May and October – southern Africa’s winter season. These months characteristically have very little rain, with warm days and cool nights.

The best time to visit Victoria Falls during the dry months are between May and August. Typically, water will still flow consistently over the falls during these months, though with less volume compared to the wet months.

Less spray will provide more scenic views of the area and weaker currents will allow for river rafting and swimming in Devil’s Pool.

The early months of the dry season are also some of the best game-viewing months in the nearby Chobe National Park, making it easy to create a well-rounded luxury vacation between the two gorgeous areas.

August to October, at the end of dry season, will give the most panoramic views of the Victoria Falls area. However, water levels are lowest during these months and some of the falls may even dry up before the next wet season.

WHEN WILL YOU PLAN YOUR VISIT?

When you choose to visit depends on which activities you are the most interested in – whether it is viewing wildlife, rafting in the waters, or witnessing the falls at their mightiest.

To read more about Victoria Falls, check out our extensive guide. When you are ready to book, contact one of our travel experts at True Travel to plan your perfect trip.