Best time to visit Zimbabwe

Last updated July 21st, 2023.

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Zimbabwe’s main attractions are its 47,000 square kilometres of national parks and reserves, together with Victoria Falls, the world’s largest cascades. But when to visit them? There is no terrible time to visit Zimbabwe. That being said, the best time to visit Zimbabwe depends in some part on what your exact plans are for your time there.

When is summer in Zimbabwe?

Being located south of the equator, Zimbabwe’s summer months run from the beginning of November until the end of March.

Winter in the northern hemisphere’s temperate climates, these months are also known as Zimbabwe’s rainy or wet season.

It means much of this period falls within the country’s low season for travellers. The exception is the period immediately around Christmas.

The rains make the high veld, comprising 80% of the country, lush. This can make it harder to spot some species. Others don’t have to rely on artificially-filled waterholes which usually guarantee sightings.

However, rains rarely affect safari plans, since they fall as short, heavy showers in the late afternoon.

At the same time, summer is when most herbivores give birth to their young. This makes it a prime time for seeking out the predators that hunt them. It is also the best time of year for bird lovers.

When is winter in Zimbabwe?

Traditionally, the winter months of April until October have been thought of as the best time of year to visit Zimbabwe.

Coinciding with the dry season, wildlife viewing is probably at its best. This is because animals are forced to congregate together in large numbers around remaining waterholes.

The weather is typified by bright sunny skies, while the lack of surface water means mosquitos are less of an issue.

It’s actually also the time of year when Victoria Falls is most spectacular. Although the falls are not in full flood, the reduced spray makes it easier to admire this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As you can imagine, hotels in Victoria Falls get booked up quickly at this time of year. The downside is the temperature, which in October in particular, can hit an uncomfortable 32°C (90F) at midday.

Best time to visit Zimbabwe’s national parks

In addition to the points I’ve mentioned above in the seasonal breakdowns, you should also consider the following thoughts when planning a trip to Zimbabwe’s national parks.

Firstly, Hwange National Park is at its best (and busiest) from June to the end of October. Elephant lovers will want to arrange their tours for the latter months, when large herds are at their most impressive. Those in search of predators are actually better off visiting Hwange between December and March, when sightings are most likely.

While the summer months are great for birding in Mana Pools National Park, the unsurfaced roads in the park can become difficult to pass at the height of the rains. The same is of course true for other national parks and reserves in Zimbabwe too.

When is the best time to visit Zimbabwe?

Thankfully, there’s little difficulty in knowing the best time to visit Zimbabwe. Both summer and winter itineraries are possible. Wildlife spotting is best in the dry winter months of April to October. Birding is generally considered better in the summer months of November to March. The same is true for seeing predators in Hwange.