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Victoria Falls

When is the best time to visit Zimbabwe?

Victoria Falls

The best time to visit Zimbabwe is between July and October, when game viewing is at its peak. The natural waterholes in the parks dry up and huge herds congregate at the lakes, man-made waterholes and rivers.

However, travel from November through to March rewards those wanting to get off the beaten track and explore the country’s rich cultural history. Birders, in particular, will be delighted by the presence of migratory birds.

Meanwhile, April to June provides great value, and fantastic views of Victoria Falls in full flow can be enjoyed, with the crowds a little quieter at this time.

Temperatures remain warm throughout the year, ranging from 21°C to 35°C.

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Month-by-month guide for traveling in Zimbabwe

Southern yellow-billed hornbill

Visiting Zimbabwe in November - February

The days are warm, with potential rain in the afternoons, but this can clear as fast as it arrives. The country will be quiet, and this is one of the best times to head out with expert guides to view the resident and migratory bird species — some lodges guarantee 50 species before breakfast.

The Victoria Falls

Visiting Zimbabwe in March

Water levels at Victoria Falls are at the perfect level to see the gorges and geology of the area, and the famous spray rainbows are in evidence too. Combine this with the rocky outcrops in the Matopos region for an immersion into colonial and ancient culture.

Elephant in Mana Pools

Visiting Zimbabwe in April - May

April heralds the re-opening of Mana Pools, a World Heritage national park particularly famous for walking safaris. The days feel fresher and brighter throughout April and May as the seasonal rains end, and the landscape is looking lush and green.

Young lion in Hwange

Visiting Zimbabwe in June - July

The weather turns colder at night as the winter sets in — take plenty of layers as temperatures can get down to freezing. June marks the return of the wildlife to pumped waterholes in Hwange and this is the perfect time for photographers to explore the sunken hides for wildlife viewing from a different angle before the parks get busier over the holiday period.

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Visiting Zimbabwe in August - September

The days are bright and clear, with barely a cloud in the sky. Temperatures fall at night, and sightings are continuous. Though the camps are likely to be full, the majority are on private concessions so you still get exclusivity and no crowds.

Events & Festivals

  • Fantastic wildlife sightings and an interesting insight into the life of a Hwange ranger. Join the park rangers at the annual game count as they stake out the waterholes to check the animal numbers passing through Hwange National Park.
Klipspringers in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Visiting Zimbabwe in October

The days are heating up, with temperatures reaching the late 30°Cs and early 40°Cs. Wildlife sightings are also at their peak as the dry season ends.

Zimbabwe Climate Guide

Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Bulawayo 27°C 127mm 27°C 107mm 26°C 59mm 26°C 26mm 24°C 7mm 21°C 2mm 21°C 0mm 24°C 1mm 28°C 6mm 29°C 29mm 28°C 88mm 27°C 129mm
Gonarezhou National Park 33°C 117mm 32°C 108mm 31°C 54mm 30°C 30mm 28°C 8mm 26°C 10mm 26°C 3mm 28°C 4mm 31°C 11mm 32°C 24mm 33°C 74mm 33°C 110mm
Harare 26°C 196mm 25°C 169mm 26°C 96mm 25°C 38mm 23°C 10mm 21°C 4mm 21°C 1mm 24°C 2mm 27°C 6mm 29°C 32mm 27°C 96mm 26°C 182mm
Hwange National Park 29°C 143mm 29°C 116mm 29°C 57mm 29°C 27mm 27°C 4mm 25°C 1mm 25°C 0mm 28°C 0mm 32°C 3mm 34°C 18mm 32°C 64mm 30°C 123mm
Lake Kariba 31°C 185mm 31°C 174mm 32°C 94mm 32°C 27mm 31°C 6mm 29°C 1mm 29°C 0mm 31°C 1mm 35°C 0mm 37°C 14mm 34°C 64mm 32°C 179mm
Matobo National Park 28°C 127mm 27°C 113mm 27°C 61mm 25°C 32mm 23°C 9mm 21°C 3mm 21°C 1mm 24°C 2mm 27°C 6mm 29°C 37mm 28°C 91mm 27°C 124mm
Victoria Falls 31°C 170mm 31°C 139mm 31°C 79mm 31°C 21mm 29°C 4mm 26°C 1mm 26°C 0mm 29°C 0mm 33°C 2mm 35°C 19mm 34°C 68mm 32°C 167mm

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Travel advice

Practical tips for traveling to Zimbabwe, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest Government of Canada travel advice.

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