The best time to visit Zimbabwe is between July and October, when game viewing is at its peak. The natural waterholes in the parks dry up and huge herds congregate at the lakes, man-made waterholes and rivers.
However, travel from November through to March rewards those wanting to get off the beaten track and explore the country’s rich cultural history. Birders, in particular, will be delighted by the presence of migratory birds.
Meanwhile, April to June provides great value, and fantastic views of Victoria Falls in full flow can be enjoyed, with the crowds a little quieter at this time.
Temperatures remain warm throughout the year, ranging from 21°C to 35°C.
Month-by-month guide for traveling in Zimbabwe
Visiting Zimbabwe in November - February
The days are warm, with potential rain in the afternoons, but this can clear as fast as it arrives. The country will be quiet, and this is one of the best times to head out with expert guides to view the resident and migratory bird species — some lodges guarantee 50 species before breakfast.
Visiting Zimbabwe in March
Water levels at Victoria Falls are at the perfect level to see the gorges and geology of the area, and the famous spray rainbows are in evidence too. Combine this with the rocky outcrops in the Matopos region for an immersion into colonial and ancient culture.
Visiting Zimbabwe in April - May
April heralds the re-opening of Mana Pools, a World Heritage national park particularly famous for walking safaris. The days feel fresher and brighter throughout April and May as the seasonal rains end, and the landscape is looking lush and green.
Visiting Zimbabwe in June - July
The weather turns colder at night as the winter sets in — take plenty of layers as temperatures can get down to freezing. June marks the return of the wildlife to pumped waterholes in Hwange and this is the perfect time for photographers to explore the sunken hides for wildlife viewing from a different angle before the parks get busier over the holiday period.
Visiting Zimbabwe in August - September
The days are bright and clear, with barely a cloud in the sky. Temperatures fall at night, and sightings are continuous. Though the camps are likely to be full, the majority are on private concessions so you still get exclusivity and no crowds.
Events & Festivals
- Fantastic wildlife sightings and an interesting insight into the life of a Hwange ranger. Join the park rangers at the annual game count as they stake out the waterholes to check the animal numbers passing through Hwange National Park.
Visiting Zimbabwe in October
The days are heating up, with temperatures reaching the late 30°Cs and early 40°Cs. Wildlife sightings are also at their peak as the dry season ends.
Zimbabwe Climate Guide
Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bulawayo | 27°C 127mm | 27°C 107mm | 26°C 59mm | 26°C 26mm | 24°C 7mm | 21°C 2mm | 21°C 0mm | 24°C 1mm | 28°C 6mm | 29°C 29mm | 28°C 88mm | 27°C 129mm |
Gonarezhou National Park | 33°C 117mm | 32°C 108mm | 31°C 54mm | 30°C 30mm | 28°C 8mm | 26°C 10mm | 26°C 3mm | 28°C 4mm | 31°C 11mm | 32°C 24mm | 33°C 74mm | 33°C 110mm |
Harare | 26°C 196mm | 25°C 169mm | 26°C 96mm | 25°C 38mm | 23°C 10mm | 21°C 4mm | 21°C 1mm | 24°C 2mm | 27°C 6mm | 29°C 32mm | 27°C 96mm | 26°C 182mm |
Hwange National Park | 29°C 143mm | 29°C 116mm | 29°C 57mm | 29°C 27mm | 27°C 4mm | 25°C 1mm | 25°C 0mm | 28°C 0mm | 32°C 3mm | 34°C 18mm | 32°C 64mm | 30°C 123mm |
Lake Kariba | 31°C 185mm | 31°C 174mm | 32°C 94mm | 32°C 27mm | 31°C 6mm | 29°C 1mm | 29°C 0mm | 31°C 1mm | 35°C 0mm | 37°C 14mm | 34°C 64mm | 32°C 179mm |
Matobo National Park | 28°C 127mm | 27°C 113mm | 27°C 61mm | 25°C 32mm | 23°C 9mm | 21°C 3mm | 21°C 1mm | 24°C 2mm | 27°C 6mm | 29°C 37mm | 28°C 91mm | 27°C 124mm |
Victoria Falls | 31°C 170mm | 31°C 139mm | 31°C 79mm | 31°C 21mm | 29°C 4mm | 26°C 1mm | 26°C 0mm | 29°C 0mm | 33°C 2mm | 35°C 19mm | 34°C 68mm | 32°C 167mm |
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Practical tips for traveling to Zimbabwe, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest Government of Canada travel advice.
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Trip ideas and travel guides for exploring Zimbabwe
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