Victoria Falls Weather in May

May: warm and mostly dry

May brings sunny days, mild evenings and very little rain. The average high reaches 29°C, while nights cool to around 14°C. You can spend hours walking the Victoria Falls rainforest paths without rain interrupting your visit. The spray can still hide parts of the falls, though, especially near the main viewpoints.

The dry air makes a sunset cruise on the Zambezi a comfortable way to end the day. For a quieter outing, visit the Big Tree, a huge baobab just outside town. May is also a good month for game drives in nearby Zambezi National Park.

Views, crowds and costs

The falls are still impressive in May, but water levels are starting to drop after the rainy season. You'll see plenty of force and mist, though some viewpoints may be wet. If you want to photograph the full gorge, don't expect every view to be clear.

May is generally less crowded than the busy June-to-August period, and prices can be easier on your budget than in peak winter. The May 25 Africa Day public holiday is observed in Zimbabwe, but it doesn't bring the same visitor rush as the main winter season.

If you hate crowds, visit the rainforest paths on a weekday.

May in Victoria Falls: local tips

Afternoons can feel hot, so save the exposed paths around the falls for the cooler part of the day. The evenings are much more comfortable, and the clear skies often make the river look especially calm at sunset.

For a practical local tip, buy a rain poncho at the entrance to Victoria Falls National Park before walking the spray-heavy paths. Even in a dry month, you can get soaked close to the Main Falls. Keep your camera covered there, too.