January is the peak rainy season, leading to thicker vegetation and lower temperatures. Almost daily, clear morning skies will close into afternoon thunderstorms. Higher humidity can make the afternoon high temperatures more uncomfortable. Though it’s harder to spot big game, many animals give birth at this time, making it easier to spot newborns. Due to plentiful vegetation birdwatching is at its most bountiful.
February is a mixed month for visiting Zimbabwe. It is humid and very wet, with thunderstorms common in the afternoon. The water levels of the Zambezi River are high this month, meaning that the falls might be obscured by mist and spray. Camps and lodges are cheaper during the wet season, with usually good availability.
March in Zimbabwe sees a lessening of rainfall, but it remains wet so landscapes are lush – this month is the end of the rainy season. This is an excellent time to visit Victoria Falls, as you can see the famous spray rainbows and the water is at the perfect level for viewing the gorges. There are wonderful opportunities for wildlife photography, as it is calving season for many herbivore species.
After the rainy season, Zimbabwe’s climate becomes much more comfortable as humidity is lower, and temperatures begin to cool down. With clear blue skies almost daily, the time is ripe for spotting big game as they congregate around various watering holes and rivers. Though tourism has picked up, the parks are still not crowded due to their size.
May is a dry-season month in Zimbabwe and heralds the beginning of amazing wildlife viewing as the vegetation starts to thin. This is a popular time to travel, so safari areas, national parks and accommodation are starting to get busier. At this early stage of the dry season, temperatures are comfortable, as they start to drop. The high water levels at Victoria Falls are ideal conditions for viewing the world’s largest waterfall.
Due to exceptionally good wildlife viewing throughout the month, June is peak season for a safari holiday in Zimbabwe. As it is a popular time to travel, properties can book up quickly and prices in some camps start to increase. June is one of the best times to visit Victoria Falls too – water levels are still high after the rainy season, but the spray doesn’t obstruct your views. Canoeing in Mana Pools is at its best, with cool temperatures and lots of wildlife gathering along the banks.
The busiest wildlife season of the year start as the dry climate makes for the most bountiful game-viewing—the man-made watering holes in Hwange National Park create stunning concentrations of wildlife. Nights and mornings will also become cooler due to the more extreme temperatures, so it’s advisable to pack warm clothing for sleeping. Victoria Falls is beginning to calm down and is the best time to witness its power as the spray has partially subsided, making most of the waterfall visible.
August in Zimbabwe is peak season for safari, with immense concentrations of wildlife clustering around scarce water sources. It’s one of the busiest months to visit Zimbabwe, so consider booking early to avoid disappointment in availability. It’s a great time to visit Victoria Falls, as the spray won’t obscure your view.
Daytime temperatures start to increase throughout the month, but early mornings and evenings can still feel chilly.
Another peak month, September in Zimbabwe is a great time to travel, but it is also a busy time. September is fantastic for seeing big elephant herds in Hwange National Park – and Hwange’s annual game count takes place this month too. Fishing on the Zambezi River or Lake Kariba is highly recommended this month, as the rivers and lakes are cleaner in the dry season than in the wet season. It’s a fine time to enjoy white water rafting and other wet-and-wild activities in Victoria Falls because the waters of the Zambezi river are low.
October is the month for elephants at Hwange National Park. As the dry season peaks, game is easily viewed as animals search for whatever water is left. The temperature is also highest, though as a dry heat it’s easily manageable with good hydration.
As the rainy season in Zimbabwe begins in November, the landscape comes alive with lush vegetation—thrilling thunderstorms bring downpours in the afternoon. Many animals give birth around this time, and migratory birds begin to flow in from other parts of the continent.
A green-season month, December in Zimbabwe sees plenty of rain, lush landscapes, and brilliant birdlife. Zimbabwe national parks and accommodations are much quieter during the rainy season and prices are not as high as peak season. The thick vegetation and lush scenery makes wildlife harder to spot.
