At Victoria Falls, the weather is not what gets you wet. From about February to June the spray from the falls soaks you on a clear day, so a rain jacket or poncho matters more than anything else in the bag.
Victoria Falls weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 28°C82°F | 31°C88°F | 32°C90°F | 30°C86°F | 28°C82°F | 26°C79°F | 26°C79°F | 29°C84°F | 33°C91°F | 34°C93°F | 32°C90°F | 31°C88°F |
| Low | 20°C68°F | 21°C70°F | 20°C68°F | 18°C64°F | 14°C57°F | 11°C52°F | 10°C50°F | 13°C55°F | 19°C66°F | 21°C70°F | 22°C72°F | 22°C72°F |
| Rain days | 20 | 12 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 15 |
Season by season
Rainy season
November–MarchHot, humid and stormy. Highs are 32°C (90°F) in November, 31°C (88°F) in December, 28°C (82°F) in January and 31–32°C (88–90°F) in February and March. January is the wettest month with 20 rain days. Pack light clothes, a rain jacket and insect repellent.
What to bring to Victoria Falls
0 of 25 packedThe falls' spray drenches you even on dry days from February to June, so bring a real waterproof shell.
The men's version of the same light shell, for the spray on the Zimbabwe side of the falls.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
Keeps your phone and passport dry on the rainforest trail at high water.
Zimbabwe uses Type D and G sockets, so most visitors need an adapter.
- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Victoria Falls is a malaria area, and picaridin repellent helps prevent bites at dusk.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Highs hit 34°C (93°F) in October, and cold water helps on hot trail walks.
- Crocs Classic ClogFootwear & Shoe Care
Quick-dry clogs handle wet paths and the boat deck on a sunset cruise.
Clothing
- Quick-dry shirts · 4
- Quick-dry shorts or pants · 2Jeans stay soaked in the spray
- Fleece · 1Lows of 10–13°C, Jul–Aug mornings
- Neutral safari clothes · 2 setsAvoid camouflage in the region
- Swimwear · 1
- Light long-sleeve shirt · 1Mosquitoes in the rainy season, Nov–Mar
Footwear
- Grippy sandals or quick-dry shoes · 1 pairWet, slippery rainforest trail paths
- Closed walking shoes · 1 pairWalking safaris and the gorge
Gear
- Poncho · 1Spray soaks you, roughly Feb–Jun
- Sun hat · 1Highs reach 34°C in October
- Sunglasses
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Antimalarials, if advised
Documents and money
- Passport
- Visa or KAZA UniVisaCheck rules before you go
- Small US dollar notesUS dollars widely used
- Travel insurance
Tech
- Waterproof phone case · 1Spray reaches everything in high water
High water (April–June)
The falls are at their fullest. Highs ease from 30°C (86°F) in April to 28°C (82°F) in May and 26°C (79°F) in June, lows fall to 11°C (52°F), and May and June average 0 rain days. You will still get drenched by spray on the rainforest trail. Bring a poncho, quick-dry clothes and a waterproof phone case.
Cool dry season (July–August)
Cool mornings and sunny days. Highs are 26°C (79°F) in July and 29°C (84°F) in August, with lows of 10°C (50°F) and 13°C (55°F) and 0 rain days. Pack a fleece for early mornings and sunset cruises.
Hot dry season (September–October)
The hottest months. Highs reach 33°C (91°F) in September and 34°C (93°F) in October, with 0–1 rain days. The falls are at their lowest. Pack sun protection, a hat and plenty of water.
What shoes should you pack for Victoria Falls?
Sandals with grip or quick-dry shoes. The rainforest trail paths are wet and slippery in high water. Bring closed shoes too for activities like walking safaris and the gorge.
What do people wear in Victoria Falls?
Casual, light clothing. Quick-dry shorts and shirts are standard, and lodges are relaxed at dinner. Choose neutral colors if you are going on safari.
When can you swim in Devil's Pool?
Only at low water, roughly August or September to January. It is reached from Livingstone Island on the Zambian side, and access depends on water levels. Check with operators before you go.
Do you need a visa for Victoria Falls?
Many visitors can get a visa on arrival, and the KAZA UniVisa covers Zimbabwe and Zambia if you plan to cross to the other side. Rules change, so check before you go. Zimbabwe uses US dollars widely, so bring small notes.
What plugs does Victoria Falls use?
Zimbabwe uses Type D and G sockets at 220V. US and EU visitors need an adapter.
Tours and things to do in Victoria Falls
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Victoria Falls.
What should you leave at home for Victoria Falls?
Camouflage clothing, cotton jeans and anything that hates water. Camo is best avoided in the region, jeans stay soaked, and the spray reaches everything.
Packing for Victoria Falls: questions people ask
What should I wear at Victoria Falls in May?
A poncho or rain jacket over quick-dry clothes. May averages 0 rain days, but the spray soaks you at high water.
When is the best time to see Victoria Falls?
High water around April to June shows the most power. Low water from September shows the rock face and allows Devil's Pool.
How hot is Victoria Falls in October?
Very hot. October averages a 34°C (93°F) high and a 21°C (70°F) low.
Is Victoria Falls a malaria area?
Yes. Ask a doctor about prophylaxis and use repellent at dusk.
What currency should I bring?
US dollars are widely used in Zimbabwe. Bring small notes.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.