Month guide · Victoria Falls · Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls in December
What December is really like in Victoria Falls: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: SpringbokSam, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
December is a quieter month with trade-offs. Expect average highs of 31°C (88°F), lows of 18°C (64°F), about 13 rainy days and roughly 13.2 hours of daylight. Rainy and green; the river begins to rise, and the New Year carnival brings crowds at the end of the month.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 31°C (88°F) / 18°C (64°F)
- Rainy days
- About 13
- Daylight
- About 13.2 hours
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in December
December is the 4th-warmest month in Victoria Falls: days average 31°C (88°F) against a yearly average high of 30°C (86°F), and nights fall to about 18°C (64°F). Rain falls on roughly 13 of its 31 days. Compared with November (33°C (91°F)), December is cooler; by January highs stay near 30°C (86°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 05:36
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 18:48
- Daylight
- About 13.2 hours
Winter (dry) (June–August). Cool, dry and sunny, with strong flow, clearer views and good game viewing; the busiest and highest-priced season.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 3 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in July). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in December
- Victoria Falls Carnival — music festival (usually around New Year)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Experience · Upper Zambezi riverfront
Upper Zambezi canoeing
Guided canoe trips paddle the channels between islands on the upper Zambezi, away from the motorboats, with chances to see hippos, elephants and birds at water level.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Expensive
- Active
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Couples
Architecture · Victoria Falls Hotel and the bridge
Victoria Falls Hotel and Stanley's Terrace
Come for high tea in the late afternoon and walk down the garden path to the bridge view afterwards.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- History
- Couples
- Views
- Architecture
- Rainy day
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
- Iconic
- 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
- Iconic
- History
- Views
- Active
- Architecture
What to pack
For highs near 31°C, lows near 18°C and 13 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Victoria Falls?
A quieter month with trade-offs, with a notable event on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, May–August are better overall. Compare every month.
Victoria Falls in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Victoria Falls?
It is a quieter month with trade-offs. Rainy and green; the river begins to rise, and the New Year carnival brings crowds at the end of the month.
+How warm is Victoria Falls in December?
Average highs are around 31°C (88°F) and lows around 18°C (64°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Victoria Falls in December?
Expect rain on about 13 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.