Season guide · Victoria Falls · Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls in the autumn (high water)

March–May: weather, crowds, prices and the best things to do this time of year.

Updated 24 October 2026By the AMZBooking editorial team

Photo: Harvey Barrison from Massapequa, NY, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0

Quick answer

The rains end and the falls reach peak flow, with dramatic spray and soaked viewpoints; rafting is restricted. Expect highs up to 30°C (86°F) and lows around 10°C (50°F), with about 10 rainy days across March–May. May is among the best months of the year to visit.

Months: March–May
Temperatures: 10°C (50°F) to 30°C (86°F)
Rainy days in the season: About 10
Crowds: Busy
Hotel prices: High

Weather in the autumn (high water)

Victoria Falls in the autumn (high water): month by month
Month	High	Low	Rainy days	Daylight	Crowds
March	30°C (86°F)	17°C (63°F)	8	12.2 h	3/5
April	30°C (86°F)	14°C (57°F)	2	11.7 h	4/5
May	28°C (82°F)	10°C (50°F)	0	11.3 h	4/5

Compared with the rest of the year: average highs of 29°C (84°F) against a yearly 30°C (86°F), and 10 of the year's roughly 60 rainy days fall in these 3 months. Crowds rate 4/5 and hotel prices 4/5 on average.

What's on in the autumn (high water)

Recurring events; dates move from year to year, so confirm with the organiser.

April: Lunar rainbows around the full moon (high-water months)
May: Lunar rainbows around the full moon

Make the most of the weather

Nature · Victoria Falls Hotel and the bridge

Victoria Falls rainforest (Zimbabwe side)

Inside Victoria Falls National Park, a path runs along the edge of the gorge through a rainforest kept green by the spray, past about 16 viewpoints from Devil's Cataract and the statue of David Livingstone to Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Danger Point.

Time needed: 2–3 hours
Cost: Mid-priced

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Nature
Views
Photo spot
Outdoors

Landmark · Victoria Falls Hotel and the bridge

Victoria Falls Bridge

Walking onto the bridge means leaving Zimbabwe's border post; bring your passport and ask the border officials for a gate pass before you go.

Time needed: 1–2 hours
Cost: Low cost

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History
Views
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Architecture

Experience · Upper Zambezi riverfront

Zambezi sunset cruise

Boats sail the calm upper Zambezi above the falls in the late afternoon, passing islands where hippos, crocodiles, elephants and many birds are often seen, with drinks and snacks on board as the sun sets over the river.

Time needed: 2–3 hours
Cost: Mid-priced

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Couples
Kids
Nature
Photo spot

Experience · Victoria Falls town centre

Helicopter 'Flight of Angels'

Fly at high water for the biggest spray cloud, or in the dry season for the clearest view of the gorges.

Time needed: 1–1.5 hours including transfers
Cost: Expensive

Views
Photo spot
Couples
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Experience · Batoka Gorge

White-water rafting in the Batoka Gorge

Rafting trips run the rapids of the Batoka Gorge below the falls, with a steep hike down into the gorge and back out at the end.

Time needed: Full day
Cost: Expensive

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Outdoors
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Day trips in the autumn (high water)

Chobe National Park (Botswana) (About 1 hour 15 minutes by road, plus border formalities) — Chobe is famous for its large elephant herds.
Livingstone and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Zambia) (About 20 minutes by taxi, plus border formalities) — Across the bridge, the Zambian side of the falls offers the Knife-Edge Bridge and the Boiling Pot, while Livingstone town has the Livingstone Museum with David Livingstone's letters and maps.

What to pack

Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen
A packable rain jacket for showers
Comfortable walking shoes

Other times of year

Questions travellers ask

+Is the autumn (high water) a good time to visit Victoria Falls?

Yes: May is among the best months. The rains end and the falls reach peak flow, with dramatic spray and soaked viewpoints; rafting is restricted.

+What is the weather like in Victoria Falls in the autumn (high water)?

Highs of up to 30°C (86°F) and lows around 10°C (50°F), with about 10 rainy days over the season.