Have you been wondering what is the best time to visit South Africa and Victoria Falls? I’ve got you covered!
Visiting South Africa and Victoria Falls can be an incredible experience. It offers a unique combination of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and delicious food.
But with so much to do and see, when is the best time to visit the region?
As you know, my gorgeous wife Jolene is a native South African, and therefore she is our resident Southern Africa travel expert.
From growing up in the country until she was 21 years old, she knows what time of year is ideal for any kind of traveler.
Based on Jolene’s personal experiences, we will tell you when to expect rainfall and other seasonal changes that could affect your travels.
Keep reading to discover our selection of the best times to visit South Africa and Victoria Falls – according to Jolene!
Best time to visit South Africa and Victoria Falls
Let us take you through the best seasons to visit both Victoria Falls and South Africa, followed by our personal recommendation for when to visit both on the same trip:
Best time to visit South Africa
South Africa is a beautiful country filled with stunning landscapes, friendly people, and incredible wildlife.
It’s a great destination to visit at any time of the year, but if you have specific activities in mind, then you’ll want to plan accordingly.
If you’re looking for sun and the beach then this destination is top of the list as one of the best countries to visit in January.
Summer is your best bet for great weather. The season falls between December and March and the provinces near the coast will be warm and sunny.
However, it does tend to be busier during this time due to the peak season for tourism.
Alternatively, if you’re leaning more towards safari experiences than beaches then it’s best to visit from May to October – known as the dry season.
Vegetation is sparse making animals easier to spot while water sources will be crowded with wildlife providing some excellent game viewing opportunities.
Plus, with fewer tourists around this time of year prices may even be lower for accommodation and other things!
No matter when you decide to go, South Africa promises an unforgettable experience that your family will never forget!
Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls
There are two main seasons that you need to know about when planning to visit the famous Victoria Falls UNESCO World Heritage Site, and they are the high water season (February – July) and the low water season (August – December).
Let us tell you a bit more about those two:
Visiting Victoria Falls in High Water Season (Feb-July)
Visiting Victoria Falls in high water season is a spectacular experience that shouldn’t be missed!
From February to July, the high water of the Zambezi River swells dramatically, with a peak high water season lasting from March through May.
During high water season (wet season), helicopter rides offer an unparalleled view of the falls – something that is much harder to appreciate from ground level given the large amount of spray created by the rushing waters.
Now is when the falls are at their fullest and most dramatic, making it a sight worth seeing!
Rainy Season:
The rainy season starts in November and continues until March when the waters are just starting to fill up and thunderstorms are frequent.
Temperatures:
Summer months in Victoria Falls run from October to April and can get quite hot – as high as 30°C – but the temperature drops to around 14°C in the evenings and at night.
Visiting Victoria Falls in Low Water Season (Aug-Dec)
Visiting Victoria Falls in the low water season can be an incredible experience.
During this time, the falls have less of a heavy downfall than in high season (lower water levels), affording visitors a clearer view from every angle.
This is the perfect opportunity for those keen to observe the geological features of the falls up close.
Plus, it’s an excellent time for water activities, watersports like white water rafting, and Devil’s Pool swimming (natural rock pool, the world’s best infinity pool!).
The Victoria Falls is a paradise for nature lovers. During the dry winter months, the national parks have plenty of game-watching opportunities and bird-watching alike.
The lack of vegetation means that many wild animals come to the water sources to drink, allowing visitors to view large herds of elephants in their natural habitat.
It’s also home to an array of antelope, giraffes, zebras, and other species of wildlife.
So if you’re looking for a more intimate visit to Victoria Falls coupled with some thrilling activities, make sure you plan your trip during the low season!
Dry Season:
The dry season starts in June and goes on all the way to August.
Temperatures:
From April to August, temperatures are mild and largely dry and sunny, with days reaching as high as 20°C and nights dropping to around 5ºC.
Our Personal Recommendation when Visiting South Africa and Victoria Falls
In our opinion, the best time to visit South Africa and Victoria Falls is around September.
Why South Africa in September?
September is the best time of the year, and it is the ideal time for a safari in South Africa, with comfortable temperatures and wildlife-spotting opportunities that are unparalleled.
Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands, and Madikwe Game Reserve all offer thrilling adventures during this month, giving visitors a chance to see animals like lions, elephants, leopards, giraffes, and rhinos in their natural habitats.
South Africa is an amazing year-round destination for travelers, with something to suit everyone’s taste.
From the picturesque Garden Route to the rolling hills of the Drakensberg Mountains and iconic landmarks of Cape Town, there is no shortage of things to see.
The Panorama Drive offers breathtaking views across the Winelands and some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world can be seen from Lions Head.
With plenty of activities on offer including the best game reserves drive, hiking, and whale watching, South Africa has it all for an unforgettable travel experience.
If you are interested in checking out South Africa in more detail, take a look at our Ultimate South Africa with Kids Travel Guide.
Why Victoria Falls in September?
September is one of the best times to visit Victoria Falls.
This month brings a pleasant warmth to the canyons and valleys, but it’s not yet too hot.
The falls are still flowing in full force, with plenty of water cascading over the edges on both sides of the border, the Zambian side and the Zimbabwean side.
Wildlife viewing is a particularly beautiful experience during September, as the abundance of animals that live nearby come out to enjoy the seasonal rains and produce some stunning visuals for onlookers.
White-water rafting is also excellent this time of year as there is plenty of water for an intense ride through two countries.
So come September, be sure to plan your trip out to Victoria Falls — it will be an amazing experience you won’t soon forget!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Here are some of the more frequently asked questions when it comes to finding the best time to visit South Africa and Victoria Falls:
The rainy season in Victoria Falls is from late November until March, the area is drenched in heavy rains that bring with them a spectrum of colors, lush vegetation, and an abundance of birdlife.
The thundering roar of the falls is amplified as they swell from the added rainfall, making for an awe-inspiring spectacle. YAY!
To truly appreciate its beauty, we recommend planning for at least 2-3 days in Victoria Falls.
That way, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the area, take pictures, and marvel at this majestic masterpiece of nature.
Both Zambia and Zimbabwe have their advantages when it comes to viewing the Falls; however, in general, the views from the Zimbabwe side are much better – particularly during the low water season.
In Zambia, you can get up close to the Falls themselves, but you won’t experience that same awe-inspiring sight as you will from the Zimbabwean side.
Some of the areas will be too wet for comfortable walking, but you are still able to get up close and observe the waterfall’s power from a number of wonderful viewpoints.
During this time of year, the animals in the area become particularly active due to the rain, offering wildlife enthusiasts a unique opportunity to observe and appreciate them.
We love South Africa in the month of September. It is a great opportunity to experience a wide range of activities.
The weather is usually mild, making it an ideal time for exploring the outdoors or taking part in activities such as hiking, zip lining, or game drives at one of the many wildlife reserves.
When it comes to packing for a trip to South Africa in September, expect warm days and cool nights.
The best way to dress comfortably is to layer lightweight but warm items such as t-shirts, sweaters, and light jackets.
Opt for breathable materials so you can stay cool during the day but still keep warm at night.
Final Thoughts: Best time to visit Victoria Falls and South Africa
The end of our month-long trip to South Africa left us with amazing memories that will last a lifetime.
We experienced the diverse wildlife on game drives, and the stunning landscapes on road trips through the country, and Jolene’s expert knowledge was invaluable in our travels.
From the magnificent table mountain to Cape Town’s Table Top Mountain, South Africa and Victoria Falls offer something for every traveler seeking adventure.
Whenever you are ready to start planning your journey, don’t forget to include these three places: Kruger National Park, Cape Town, and the Cape Winelands.
No matter when you decide to visit this beautiful part of the world, you will be guaranteed a great time and an unforgettable experience!
More Articles to Help You Plan Your Trip to South Africa:
Here are some post recommendations to check out for your next visit to South Africa:
Find out how to get a visa to South Africa, so that you know everything you need to know before you go.
If you are traveling with kids, check out which are the child-friendly wine farms in Cape Town.
Staying in Cape Town for a few extra days? Take a look at some options of the best sunset cruises in Cape Town, and make your day more special.
OK, back to you. Are you ready?
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the wilds of South Africa and check out the majestic Victoria Falls this September!
