Month guide · Victoria Falls · Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls in January
What January is really like in Victoria Falls: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Harvey Barrison from Massapequa, NY, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Quick answer
January is a quieter month with trade-offs. Expect average highs of 30°C (86°F), lows of 18°C (64°F), about 15 rainy days and roughly 13.1 hours of daylight. Hot and rainy with afternoon storms; the river is rising, and the bush is green and quiet.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 30°C (86°F) / 18°C (64°F)
- Rainy days
- About 15
- Daylight
- About 13.1 hours
- Crowds
- Quiet
- Hotel prices
- Low
Weather in January
January is the 5th-warmest month in Victoria Falls: days average 30°C (86°F) against a yearly average high of 30°C (86°F), and nights fall to about 18°C (64°F). Rain falls on roughly 15 of its 31 days. Compared with December (31°C (88°F)), January is about as warm; by February highs stay near 30°C (86°F).
- Sunrise (15 January)
- About 05:53
- Sunset (15 January)
- About 18:58
- Daylight
- About 13.1 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, January rates 2 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 2 for hotel prices (highest in July). That makes January one of the better-value months to book.
Events in January
January has no major recurring festival in Victoria Falls, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in January
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
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
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
- Iconic
- Couples
- Kids
- Nature
- Photo spot
What to pack
For highs near 30°C, lows near 18°C and 15 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 January a good time to visit Victoria Falls?
A quieter month with trade-offs. If your dates are flexible, May–August are better overall. Compare every month.
Victoria Falls in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is January a good time to visit Victoria Falls?
It is a quieter month with trade-offs. Hot and rainy with afternoon storms; the river is rising, and the bush is green and quiet.
+How warm is Victoria Falls in January?
Average highs are around 30°C (86°F) and lows around 18°C (64°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Victoria Falls in January?
Expect rain on about 15 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.