BEST TIME TO VISIT ZIMBABWE
A MONTH TO MONTH BREAKDOWN
Journey to Zimbabwe and you will be graciously welcomed by friendly locals as you discover a beautiful patchwork of landscapes – highveld, boulders, flaming msasa trees, lush mountains, flowing rivers. You will spot the Big Five in the national parks, and perhaps most awe-inspiring of all – come face to face with the magnificent Victoria Falls, a World Heritage site and one of the natural wonders of the world.
Here is a breakdown of the best time to visit Zimbabwe:
January
January is the peak of the rainy season in Zimbabwe. The rainy season, despite being rather beautiful, does mean the roads to the wildlife safaris are not in their best condition. It also makes outdoor activities, such as camping and hiking, difficult. On the other hand, it is not a peak tourist season which means many safaris offer discounts.
Average temperature (Harare): 21°C (69.8°F)
Average rainfall days (Harare): 17
February
February also falls into Zimbabwe’s rainy season and is one of the wettest months. However, being the month of love, many lodges offer lower prices, which means huge savings for you, especially at luxury lodges. This means you can spend one of the most romantic days in one of the most romantic destinations!
Average temperature: 21°C (69.8°F)
Average rainfall days: 14
March
March marks the end of the rainy season in Zimbabwe. With the rains beginning to subside, March offers great opportunities to see the wildlife in Matusadona National Park. You will witness large groups of animals feeding off the green grass on Lake Kariba’s shores. If you’re an avid birdwatcher, March is for you. It is the best time of year for birdwatching with over 600 migrant and resident species present.
Average temperature: 21°C (69.8°F)
Average rainfall days: 10
April
April is the beginning of Zimbabwe’s dry season. The sky is blue, and the climate becomes more temperate. It is one of the best times to visit the Victoria Falls because the Zambezi River is full, making the Falls a great spectacle. The annual Jazz Festival also takes place in mid-April. Famous musicians take to the stage, workshops take place of up and coming talent and all proceeds go to charity.
Average temperature: 22°C (71.6°F)
Average rainfall days: 5
May
May is one of the best months to visit Zimbabwe. Despite being the start of the winter season, don’t be put off! Winter in Zimbabwe is much milder than in the northern hemisphere, with temperatures rarely dropping below 10°C (50°F). There is virtually no rain to interfere with your safari. Victoria Falls is also spectacular in May as the water is mid-to-low so the spray does not block your views of the Falls. The Harare International Festival of Arts also usually happens during the first week of May. If you are a big art fanatic, it’s one of Africa’s best festivals.
Average temperature: 18°C (64°F)
Average rainfall days: 2
June
June is an excellent month to visit Zimbabwe. It is just before the peak season so is a great time to travel before the national parks get too busy. It is the perfect time to combine with viewing the Falls with a safari and wildlife viewing.
Average temperature: 16°C (61°F)
Average rainfall days: 1
July
July is the beginning of Zimbabwe’s peak season. However, it will not feel crowded. Only at Victoria Falls will you notice an increase in visitors. Drier grass makes it easier to spot wildlife making for ideal safari conditions. Unfortunately, you will notice an increase in safari rates. Another highlight of the month is the annual Zimbabwe International Book Fair, held at Harare Gardens. Almost 100 publishers participate with renowned authors giving great talks and workshops for you to enjoy.
Average temperature: 15°C (59°F)
Average rainfall days: 0
August
August is also one of the best times to travel to Zimbabwe, falling into the peak season of blue skies, sunshine and fewer mosquitoes. It also a great time to visit Hwange National Park and spot big herds of elephant. The annual Zimbabwe International Film Festival takes place in August, showcasing the regions and the world’s best feature films, short films and documentaries.
Average temperature: 18°C (64°F)
Average rainfall days: 1
September
September is one of the best times to visit Zimbabwe as temperatures rise and wildlife viewing is easier. The Victoria Falls is still spectacular because there is not as much spray making it easy to view the magnificent Falls.
Average temperature: 22°C (72°F)
Average rainfall days: 1
October
October draws Zimbabwe’s peak season to a close. The weather starts getting very hot in low-lying areas, with temperatures reaching above 32°C (90°F). However, it is still a dry period making for better wildlife viewing.
Average temperature: 24°C (75°F)
Average rainfall days: 5
November
November is the beginning of the rainy season in Zimbabwe. Because it is low season, safari rates are lower. The scenery is greener, and it is the best time to see newborn animals. It is also a fantastic month for bird watching. Despite the rain increasing, showers are mostly short and in the afternoons, so are unlikely to interfere with your safari. For foodies, there is the Harare International Food Festival. The festival showcases everything from regional wine to international cuisine and is attended by the best local and international chefs alike.
Average temperature: 24°C (75°F)
Average rainfall days: 10
December
December can get uncomfortably hot due to the combined increase in temperature and humidity. The Victoria Falls is not at its best because the flow of the Zambezi is at its lowest. It is not the best time for wildlife viewing but is a good time for bird watching because many birds are in their breeding plumage.
Average temperature: 24°C (75°F)
Average rainfall days: 16
