Best time to visit Victoria Falls – When is the best time to visit Victoria falls in Africa – When to go to Victoria falls
The best time to visit Victoria Falls is from February to May, directly after the summer rains, when you’ll see the world’s largest sheet of falling water flowing at its greatest volume. The tricky thing about visiting Victoria Falls is that the most impressive spray doesn’t coincide with peak safari season in nearby Chobe in Botswana or Hwange in Zimbabwe. Some activities, like swimming in Devil’s Pool and certain sections of white-water rapids, are also far too dangerous to undertake when the water is at its highest and fastest.
We don’t recommend visiting Victoria Falls at the end of the dry winter season – October through November – when the water level is lowest, and the weather is very hot and humid. Low-water season guarantees you will have panoramic views (no misty spray) on both sides of Victoria Falls, but the Zambian side (about one-quarter of its width) may have dried up completely and all you’ll see is a bare rock face. Water flow on the Zimbabwean side is permanent but ebbs and flows in volume with the rainy season.
The best time to visit Victoria Falls depends on how you would like to experience the falls and the surrounding area. It is a year-round destination, but every season brings something distinct to appreciate. Even when the water levels of the falls are low, you will have amazing panoramic views and the opportunity to spot numerous rainbows above and in the middle of the falls, as well as great conditions for activities such as white-water rafting.
The hottest months are September to November, with temperatures around 90-100°F. Between December and April, the weather is hot and humid with temperatures around 85 °F, and in the remaining months (May to August), you can expect approximately 75 °F. Overall, the peak season with the most visitors ranges from May to September.
From April to August, the Victoria Falls area receives very little rain, and the climate is mild. Temperatures are around 77-86°F (25-30°C) during the day. However, when it comes to the falls, “dry season” is an oxymoron, particularly in April and May, when the water levels are at their highest. Although the falls are extremely beautiful and at their most powerful during this time, visibility also becomes limited due to the spray and mist, and trails can be slippery and wet. Make sure you have proper rain gear if you visit during this period.
Between September and April, you can expect hot weather around Victoria Falls. The low water season between September and November is the ideal time to visit if you want to experience the falls on the Zimbabwe side and have visibility of the geological formations. This is only possible during and immediately after the tail end of the dry season since the falls have such low water levels during this period. It is also a great season for you if you want to go white water rafting, or on safari in nearby areas such as the Chobe River.
In November, the annual rains begin and the landscape begins to transform into a lush green oasis. However, the volume of falls will not recover until the rainy season progresses further.
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