Waterhole scene, Hwange, Zimbabwe

The best time to visit Zimbabwe

The best time to visit Zimbabwe is between May and October when the game is easier to see. Many of the water holes are dry during this period and the wildlife heads to the lakes. Towards the end of this dry period, temperatures rise well into the 30s ºC.

Information & Highlights

Rafting, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls

For the most dramatic scenes at Victoria Falls head there in April and May after the rains. However, if you are hoping to jump in and go white water rafting then August -December is the time to go.

Explore the best time to visit

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Visiting Zimbabwe in January

low season

The rainy season in Zimbabwe runs from the end of November to the start of March. The scenery is greener and birds are breeding, but rains can occasionally last for days.

Visiting Zimbabwe in February

low season

The rainy season in Zimbabwe runs from the end of November to the start of March. The scenery is greener and birds are breeding, but rains can occasionally last for days.

Visiting Zimbabwe in March

low season

The rainy season comes to an end, but water levels remain high and the Victoria Falls are in full flow. A great time to spot newborn animals.

Visiting Zimbabwe in April

medium season

As the dry season begins in April and May, national parks re-open but are still quiet. The landscapes remain lush and green, whilst water levels at the Victoria Falls are high, making for spectacular photographs above the falls.

Visiting Zimbabwe in May

medium season

As the dry season begins in April and May, national parks re-open but are still quiet. The landscapes remain lush and green, whilst water levels at the Victoria Falls are high, making for spectacular photographs above the falls.

Visiting Zimbabwe in June

high season

June and July mark the coldest and driest months in the country. Temperatures overnight can drop close to freezing. It is not yet peak season but game start to congregate around water holes as the landscape dries out. Water levels drop at Victoria Falls, making for less spray and clearer views unobstructed by the spray.

Visiting Zimbabwe in July

high season

June and July mark the coldest and driest months in the country. Temperatures overnight can drop close to freezing. It is not yet peak season but game start to congregate around water holes as the landscape dries out. Water levels drop at Victoria Falls, making for less spray and clearer views unobstructed by the spray.

Visiting Zimbabwe in August

high season

August and September remain very dry, and temperatures start to rise to the high twenties in the daytime. It is peak season, with fantastic opportunities for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around the water holes.

Visiting Zimbabwe in September

high season

August and September remain very dry, and temperatures start to rise to the high twenties in the daytime. It is peak season, with fantastic opportunities for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around the water holes.

Visiting Zimbabwe in October

medium season

October and November see very dry landscapes, as the dry season draws to a close. The ideal time to see wildlife, but there is more chance of a shower, especially towards the end of November.

Carmine bee-eaters in Southern Africa

Visiting Zimbabwe in November

medium season

October and November see very dry landscapes, as the dry season draws to a close. The ideal time to see wildlife, but there is more chance of a shower, especially towards the end of November.

Visiting Zimbabwe in December

low season

The rainy season in Zimbabwe runs from the end of November to the start of March. The scenery is greener and birds are breeding, but rains can occasionally last for days.

Zimbabwe climate guide

Drag the slider to see monthly temperature and rainfall.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Maximum Temperature (°C) Monthly Rainfall (mm)
Bulawayo
Gonarezhou National Park
Harare
Hwange National Park
Lake Kariba
Victoria Falls

Explore Zimbabwe

  • Bulawayo
  • Gonarezhou National Park
  • Harare
  • Hwange National Park
  • Lake Kariba
  • Victoria Falls

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