Victoria Falls · Month comparison

January vs August

August ranks #1 overall vs January at #12. Devil's Pool opens and the gorge reveals itself fully — low water is its own kind of spectacular

Lush green Zambezi riverbank in Zimbabwe's green season

January

#12 of 12 months

Strong option

Green season with a rising Zambezi — lush landscapes and wildlife at their most fecund

  • ↑Lush green bush and elephant calves born during the green season
  • ↑Lowest prices of the year on lodges and activities
The Zambezi gorge at Victoria Falls with basalt rock formations visible in low water

August

#1 of 12 months

Best match

Devil's Pool opens and the gorge reveals itself fully — low water is its own kind of spectacular

  • ↑Devil's Pool open from August — swim at the literal edge of one of Earth's great waterfalls
  • ↑Full gorge and basalt columns visible as water drops further; dramatic rock photography
FactorJanuaryAugust
Weather score
6
9
Value score
7
4
Crowd score
4
8
Events score
3
7
Atmosphere
6
9
Avg high temp29°C26°C
Monthly rain190mm1mm
Daily sunshine6.5hrs11hrs

January trade-offs

  • ↓Afternoon rain showers are common; outdoor plans need flexibility
  • ↓Lower water levels in early January mean the falls are not at full drama

August trade-offs

  • ↓Hottest month of the dry season (30–35°C midday) — schedule activities for early morning
  • ↓Devil's Pool bookings fill weeks ahead; Zambia permit required
See all 12 months for Victoria Falls →January in detail →August in detail →
Scores compare months within Victoria Falls. Climate data: Open Meteo ERA5 30-year normals (1991–2020). Methodology →