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Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe (Month by Month)

Zimbabwe Safaris Zimbabwe
  1. January: Fair
  2. February: Fair
  3. March: Fair
  4. April: Good
  5. May: Good
  6. June: Excellent
  7. July: Excellent
  8. August: Excellent
  9. September: Excellent
  10. October: Excellent
  11. November: Good
  12. December: Fair
  1. Excellent
  2. Good
  3. Fair
  4. Poor

The best time to visit Zimbabwe generally is from June or July to October. The wildlife viewing is excellent at this time as animals gather around the rivers and . This is especially true in Hwange National Park where the artificially pumped waterholes attract big herds of elephant. Although Victoria Falls is rewarding to visit at any time, it is most dramatic when the water flow peaks over February to June. It is almost as spectacular over July to September when there is less spray and the views are clearer.


268 Zimbabwe Safaris
calendar Best Time
June or July to October (Most parks)
clock High Season
July to October (It won't feel crowded; only Victoria Falls gets busy)
percentage Low Season
November to April (The parks will be very quiet)
sun Best Weather
April to September (Pleasant temperatures; afternoon rains are rare and seldom interfere with your safari)
raincloud Worst Weather
October to February (Very hot in low-altitude parks; December to February are the wettest months)

April to OctoberDry Season – Winter

  • Vegetation is thin and animals gather around water sources, making wildlife viewing easier
  • There is virtually no rain, clear blue skies and lots of sunshine
  • There are fewer mosquitoes, which reduces the risk of malaria
  • Although it is high season, the parks won’t be crowded, except for Victoria Falls
  • Victoria Falls is most spectacular from February to June when the water flow is highest
  • October is very hot in low-lying areas, with temperatures above 32°C/90°F
  • It gets cold at night and in the mornings so bring warm clothing
  • From March to May massive clouds of spray will block some views of Victoria Falls (although for many the spray is part of the experience)

November to MarchWet Season – Summer

  • The scenery is greener
  • It is low season, resulting in lower rates
  • The best time to see newborn animals
  • Bird watching is at its best as many birds are in breeding plumage and migratory birds are present
  • Rains are mostly short afternoon showers and seldom have a negative impact on your safari
  • Wildlife viewing is more difficult since there is more vegetation and animals no longer rely on waterholes
  • The humidity combined with the higher temperatures in the low-lying parks can make it feel uncomfortably hot
  • From October to December, the flow of the Zambezi River is at its lowest and Victoria Falls is not at its best

Wildlife Photos

Baby elephant Lioness carrying her cub +31 Photos

Best Time To Go by Major Park

Most parks offer year-round wildlife viewing, but they are at their best during the middle and end of the Dry season from June or July to October when wildlife is easier to spot. Hwange is a magnet for big elephant herds at the end of the Dry season. The Wet season (November to March) is a beautiful time in Zimbabwe and excellent for bird watching. However, road conditions can be a problem at this time, especially the 4x4 vehicle tracks in Mana Pools National Park.

  1. Excellent
  2. Good
  3. Fair
  4. Poor
  1. Hwange National Park
    1. January: Fair
    2. February: Fair
    3. March: Fair
    4. April: Good
    5. May: Good
    6. June: Good
    7. July: Excellent
    8. August: Excellent
    9. September: Excellent
    10. October: Excellent
    11. November: Good
    12. December: Fair
  2. Mana Pools National Park
    1. January: Poor
    2. February: Poor
    3. March: Poor
    4. April: Fair
    5. May: Good
    6. June: Excellent
    7. July: Excellent
    8. August: Excellent
    9. September: Excellent
    10. October: Excellent
    11. November: Good
    12. December: Fair

Want To Visit Zimbabwe?

268 Zimbabwe Safaris