Victoria Falls Weather in December

December: hot and rainy

December is sticky, cloudy and unsettled. Days reach about 32°C, with rain on many days and only a little sunshine. Showers can interrupt a walk through Victoria Falls rainforest, and paths may be slick, but the warmer weather brings the Zambezi's green season to life.

You can still see the falls, take a helicopter flight or explore town between showers. Don't count on a full day of clear views, and ask local operators about river trips after heavy rain. November is hotter and drier; January is slightly cooler but rainier.

Christmas and Carnival

Christmas and New Year bring holiday events, while the Victoria Falls Carnival usually runs around the end of December. It draws visitors for music and parties, so the town can feel busier than it does earlier in the month.

If you hate crowds, avoid the Christmas and New Year rush and visit in the first half of December. Prices are generally lower than in the peak dry-season months, May to July, though holiday dates can push them up.

Make room for rain

December is part of the rainy season, so keep your plans flexible. A shower may pass quickly, but cloudy spells can make the falls less visible. The rainforest walk is still worthwhile when conditions allow; take care on wet paths and give yourself time to enjoy the viewpoints.

Travelling with kids? Choose a shorter stretch of the rainforest route, then head back to Victoria Falls town if the rain sets in. A useful local tip: ask at the entrance which viewpoints are open. Spray and rain can make some sections slippery, and you'll get more from the visit by picking a safe route that day.