The climate of Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, nestled in
Zimbabwe, falls under the BSh (Subtropical Steppe) Köppen climate classification. It is characterized by a semi-arid climate, with pronounced variations in temperature and precipitation throughout the year. A closer look at the climatic data reveals that Victoria Falls experiences substantial differences in weather parameters from month to month.
A prominent trait of this climatic zone is the disparity between peak temperatures and the cooler months. The temperature fluctuates between a peak of 35.7°C (96.3°F) in
October to a cooler 25.3°C (77.5°F) in
July. Night-time temperatures also dip significantly, with
January seeing an average low of around 20°C (68°F), descending to 11.1°C (52°F) come July.
Precipitation patterns follow a similarly varied pattern. While the rainfall ranges drastically from 125mm (4.92") in January to a virtually dry spell from
May to
September, the number of rainy days ranges from a minimal 0.1 days in
August, up to 22.4 days in January.
Bringing our attention to the sunshine hours, Victoria Falls enjoys an ample dose of sunlight throughout the year. Sunshine hours per day are longest in October, averaging 12.1 hours, and shortest in July, with an average of 8.2 hours.
The best time to visit Victoria Falls
Given the variability in climatic conditions, the ideal time to visit
Victoria Falls largely depends on what activities one wishes to indulge in. For those interested in comfortable temperatures, low humidity, and minimal rainfall, the months from
May to
September provide ideal conditions. These months see temperatures hover around 25.6°C (78.1°F) to 29.5°C (85.1°F), humidity dipping as low as 24%, and almost no rainfall.
For the sun-seekers, the period from September to
April promises longer daylight hours, with
October providing up to 12.5 hours of daylight on average. This time of the year is favored by those wanting more hours to visit the plethora of tourist attractions.
The worst time to visit Victoria Falls
Conversely, if high temperatures, high humidity, and frequent rainfall are factors to be avoided, the months of
January and
February and from
November to
December present the least favorable conditions. During these times,
Victoria Falls experiences the highest average rainfall of about 107mm (4.21") to 125mm (4.92"), coupled with high humidity hovering around 77%. Furthermore, the heat peaks to an average maximum of 33.6°C (92.5°F) to 35.7°C (96.3°F), which may prove uncomfortable for some visitors.
Spring weather in Victoria Falls
Springtime in
Victoria Falls, encompassing the months of
September through
November, witnesses steadily increasing temperatures. The average high temperature fluctuates from 29.5°C (85.1°F) in September to a high of 35.7°C (96.3°F) in
October, before moderating to 33.6°C (92.5°F) in November. This period also witnesses virtually no rainfall, making it optimum for outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Victoria Falls
The summer months in
Victoria Falls, extending from
December to
February, come with the highest temperatures of the year. The average highs remain quite consistent, ranging from 29.4°C (84.9°F) to 31°C (87.8°F), though the nights remain pleasantly cooler, with average lows of 19.1°C (66.4°F) to 21.5°C (70.7°F). This period also marks the rainiest time in Victoria Falls, with rainfall reaching up to 125mm (4.92") in
January.
Autumn weather in Victoria Falls
Autumn, spanning
March through
May, presents a transition period in
Victoria Falls. Average high temperatures range from 29°C (84.2°F) in March, gradually falling to a moderate 25.6°C (78.1°F) in May. On the lower end, temperatures go from 18.2°C (64.8°F) in March to 11.5°C (52.7°F) in May. This period also marks a decreasing rainfall trend, with only 1mm (0.04") registered in May.
Winter weather in Victoria Falls
Finally, the winter months in
Victoria Falls, from
June to
August, provide the coldest conditions of the year. Average high temperatures are recorded between 25.3°C (77.5°F) in
July to 29.5°C (85.1°F) in August, while average lows fall to 11.1°C (52°F) in July, the lowest average low temperature of the year. Mirroring the spring rainfall pattern, these months note virtually no recorded rainfall making it another optimal period for outdoor activities.
Weather in January
January in
Victoria Falls,
Zimbabwe, is one of the warmest months of the year with high humidity levels and persistent rain. The temperature fluctuates between a comfortable 20°C (68°F) and a steamy 29.4°C (84.9°F), making outdoor activities rather damp.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February persists with the trend of
January's weather. There are only slight changes in temperature and rainfall in
Victoria Falls. The maximum temperature mildly decreases from January's high of 29.4°C (84.9°F) to 28.8°C (83.8°F) and rainfall slightly reduces to 107mm (4.21").
Weather in February » Weather in March
The weather in
March begins to transition from the rain-soaked conditions of the early year to a drier climate. Rainfall is notably less in March, reaching 66mm (2.6"), compared to
February's 107mm (4.21"), bringing drier days for outdoor adventures in
Victoria Falls.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April experiences significant changes from the previous month, marking an obvious shift in seasons. Only 12mm (0.47") of rainfall is expected, a substantial decrease from
March's 66mm (2.6"). The temperature holds steady in the warm range, but compared to March, it offers cooler nights.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks the beginning of
Victoria Falls' dry and cool season. The weather transitions from
April's mildly wet conditions to a much drier climate with almost negligible rainfall. Temperatures continue to fall, particularly during the nights, signifying the approach of winter in
Zimbabwe.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Weather in
June at
Victoria Falls,
Zimbabwe, brings the chill of winter to the forefront. As compared to
May, both the maximum and minimum temperatures see a further drop. With just barely detectable rainfall, the weather remains pleasantly dry and cool, ensuring clear skies for stargazing.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues the dry, cool trend in
Victoria Falls with no measurable rainfall, echoing
June's arid conditions. It holds the distinct status of being one of the coldest months of the year with the lowest maximum temperature, reaching only 25.3°C (77.5°F).
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Victoria Falls marks the end of the winter season, with temperatures beginning to climb again. A slightly higher maximum temperature than
July's 25.3°C (77.5°F) signals the transition towards warmer days. The weather remains predominantly dry, allowing visitors to enjoy long walks amidst the beauty of the falls.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September is a month of change in
Victoria Falls. It sees a significant increase in temperature from the cool 29.5°C (85.1°F) in
August to 33.6°C (92.5°F). The transition towards hotter days signals the commencement of Victoria Falls' sweltering summer season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Victoria Falls is acknowledged as the "suicide month" due to the scorching heat with maximum temperatures soaring to the highest of the year at 35.7°C (96.3°F). There is a significant increase from
September's high of 33.6°C (92.5°F).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Victoria Falls sees a transition from the arid, hot
October to the start of the rainy season, yet temperatures remain quite high. There's a marked increase in rainfall from the sparse 6mm (0.24") in October to a considerable 39mm (1.54").
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings
Victoria Falls,
Zimbabwe, full circle into the rainy season, with a considerable increase in precipitation from the 39mm (1.54") in
November to about 101mm (3.98"). Despite the steady rain, warm temperatures persist but are lower than the scorching highs of the preceding months.
Weather in December »