Wildlife
Wildlife viewing is at its best from July to October, when animals gather around the waterholes.
Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe: Which Month is Best For You?
The best time to visit Zimbabwe is from July to October for wildlife, and from March to May for Victoria Falls at full flow. The right month for you depends on whether you want a safari, a waterfall or a family reunion. This guide covers the best seasons, the weather and the best months for each, along with the cheapest times to fly from the UK.
Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe: The Short Answer
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is at its fullest from March to May.
A bit of both
May and June combine good views of the Falls with good game viewing, and the crowds are still manageable.
Best value
Travellers on a budget should look at the rainy season, from November to March, when prices and visitor numbers are lower.
For flights from the UK, February, June and November are often the cheapest months, while July, August and December cost the most.
Zimbabwe's Seasons at a Glance
Zimbabwe has two main seasons.
Dry season: May to October
Days are sunny, winter nights are cool, and wildlife is easiest to spot. This is the most popular period for safaris.
Rainy season: November to March
The weather is hot and humid, afternoon storms are common, and the scenery turns lush and green. It is the quietest and most affordable period.
April and October are transition months. The weather is changing, and some areas are quieter than in peak season.
Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe Month by Month
- January
Hot, wet weather turns the bush green. Victoria Falls is rising, and birdwatching is rewarding.
- February
This is the quietest month for visitors. Heavy rain feeds the Falls, although game viewing is harder because water is plentiful.
- March
The rains start to ease. The Falls are very full, and the landscape is lush.
- April
The Falls are usually at their most dramatic, with huge volumes of water and towering spray.
- May
Dry, sunny days follow cooler nights. The Falls remain full with clearer views, game viewing is good, and the crowds are still small.
- June
One of the strongest months overall. The Falls stay powerful with less spray, and canoeing in Mana Pools is at its best.
- July
Cool, dry weather creates prime safari conditions in Hwange and Mana Pools. The Falls still carry plenty of water.
- August
Days warm up, and game viewing peaks as animals gather at the remaining water.
- September
Many travellers consider this the best all-round month. It is also busy, and prices are higher.
- October
The hottest month, with daytime highs of around 35°C at Victoria Falls. The water flow is at its lowest.
- November
The rains begin, and the vegetation thickens, which makes wildlife harder to spot.
- December
Hot, wet weather keeps the landscape green, and birdwatching is good. Christmas and New Year make this a very busy time for flights.
Zimbabwe Weather by Month
At Victoria Falls, daytime highs are around 26°C in June and July, and they climb to about 35°C in October. Rain falls mostly from December to February, and almost none falls from May to August. Winter nights can be cold, so layers are sensible.
Harare sits at a higher altitude, so its climate is milder than that of the lowland parks.
Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe for a Safari
Safari conditions are strongest from July to October. Natural water sources dry up, so animals concentrate at the remaining waterholes and rivers, and the thin vegetation makes them easier to see.
Hwange National Park
Best from June to October, and September is often excellent for large herds of elephants.
Mana Pools
Opens only in the dry season, from about April or May to October. It is known for walking safaris and canoeing, and its camps close during the rains.
Matobo Hills
Suits rhino tracking, especially in the cooler, drier months. It can be the best place for you.
September and October are popular and carry premium prices, so reserve early for those months.
Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls
The Falls change through the year, so your choice depends on what you want to do there.
- March to May
The Falls are at their fullest. April usually brings the most dramatic scenes, with heavy spray and frequent rainbows, and visitors should expect to get wet.
- June to August
The Falls are still powerful, but the spray is lighter. The clearer views make this a good period for photography.
- September to December
The water is lower, and the gorge is easiest to see. This is also the best period for white-water rafting and Devil's Pool.
For travel details, see our page on flights to Victoria Falls, or flights from Manchester to Victoria Falls if you live in the north of England.
Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe for Family Visits
For many families, school holidays, weddings and celebrations decide the dates, and the weather comes second. These are the main periods to consider.
December and January
The weather is hot and wet, and the mood is festive. Flights are very busy, so reserve several months ahead.
Easter and April
The rains are ending, and the weather is pleasant. Public holidays, such as Independence Day on 18 April, can make travel busier.
July and August
The days are dry and mild. UK school holidays make this the most expensive period to fly.
February and November
Flights are often cheaper, and the countryside is green.
Flying to the capital or the south-west? Read about flights to Zimbabwe and flights to Bulawayo.
Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe from the UK: Flights and Prices
The best weather is not always the cheapest time to fly, so it helps to compare both.
Often cheapest months
February, June and November — after the festive rush, before summer holidays, or before Christmas peaks.
Usually highest fares
July and August (UK school holidays) and December (Christmas and New Year).
When to book
Six weeks or more ahead suits most months. For July, August, Christmas and Easter, allow several months of notice.
Is the Rainy Season Worth It?
It can be, especially if you value lower prices, green scenery and fewer crowds. February is the quietest month for visitors.
- Humid weather and afternoon storms
- Harder game viewing when water is plentiful
- Some Mana Pools camps close in the rains
What to Pack for Zimbabwe?
Dry season
Layers for cool mornings and nights, sun cream, a hat and binoculars.
Rainy season
Light rain jacket, quick-dry clothes and insect repellent.
Comfortable walking shoes suit every season. Keep prescription medicines in your hand luggage.
Health and Entry Notes
Entry rules for British travellers can change — check passport and visa requirements on GOV.UK before you book. Our flights to Zimbabwe page summarises the essentials; ask us about the KAZA UniVisa for Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe and Zambia).
Yellow fever certificates may apply depending on where you travel from. Malaria risk exists in parts of Zimbabwe and is generally lower in the dry season — speak to your GP or a travel clinic. See our guide to baggage allowance on flights to Zimbabwe.
Book Your Flights to Zimbabwe with Travel Campus UK
Once you have picked a month, our team can price direct and one-stop flights from Manchester, Birmingham and London. Spread the cost with Book Now Pay Later on eligible bookings.
Cheap flights to Africa · Family Visit Package · Emergency Travel Package
FAQs
Choose Your Month, Then Price Your Flights
Send us your preferred month, and our team will come back with routes and fares.