Zimbabwe & Zambia, Africa

Victoria Falls in August

The falls still full on the Zimbabwe side. Rafting reopens on the full river run and Devil's Pool typically opens around mid month.

BestDry and warming, highs near 84F (29C)

Victoria Falls and the Zambezi gorge — Victoria FallsPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

August is one of the best months of the year to visit Victoria Falls. The falls still full on the Zimbabwe side. Rafting reopens on the full river run and Devil's Pool typically opens around mid month.

Weather: Dry and warming, highs near 84F (29C)
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What August is like in Victoria Falls

August is dry and warming, with highs near 84F (29C). The falls are still full on the Zimbabwe side, while the Zambian side begins to thin. As the river drops, the adventure season starts: rafting usually reopens on the full gorge run, and Devil's Pool typically opens around mid month, depending on water levels. It is busy and priced near the top.

August is the one month that gives you nearly everything: big falls, clear views, warm days and the start of the adventure activities. It suits families with teens, couples and safari travelers alike. Book Devil's Pool and rafting before you arrive. If you are traveling with small children and only want views, June and July are just as good.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Victoria Falls this month.

Devil's Pool opens

The swim on the edge of the falls usually becomes possible around mid August, once the river is low enough. Dates shift each year with the flow.

Full-gorge rafting returns

The low-water rafting season usually starts in August, opening the full run through the Batoka Gorge.

The last lunar rainbow nights

Around the full moon, there may still be enough spray for a moonbow, though chances drop as the flow falls.

What to pack for August

Swimwear and a quick-dry towel for Devil's Pool
Water shoes or sandals with straps for rafting
Sunscreen that holds up in water
A light jacket for cool evenings

Our timing tip

Book Devil's Pool for the second half of August, when it is more likely to be open, and have a backup day in case water levels delay it.

Book Victoria Falls for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Victoria Falls
Opens a hotel search for Victoria Falls in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
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Vacation rentals in Victoria Falls
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Victoria Falls
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Victoria Falls for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in August

Lunar rainbow nights

Around the full moon, roughly April through August

When the spray is heavy and the moon is full, a moonbow can form over the falls. The Zimbabwe-side rainforest opens for special evening visits on full-moon nights.

Devil's Pool season

Roughly mid August into January, depending on water levels

The famous edge-of-the-falls swim is only possible when the river is low enough. Opening and closing dates move each year with the flow.

Low-water rafting season

Roughly August through December

The full Zambezi gorge run opens, with big-volume rapids that rank among the world's best commercial white water.

Things to do in Victoria Falls

Full guide

The Zimbabwe-side rainforest walk

Some 16 viewpoints along the gorge facing the main falls. Go early for soft light and fewer groups; at peak flow, a rain jacket or rented poncho is not optional.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Devil's Pool on Livingstone Island

A natural rock pool on the edge of the falls, reached by guided tour from the Zambian side. Usually open roughly mid August to January, depending on water levels; book ahead, as numbers are limited.

Tickets and tours →

Zambezi white-water rafting

Best in low water, roughly August to December, when the full run through the Batoka Gorge is open. At high water, rafting is usually suspended or limited to shorter sections.

Tickets and tours →

Flight of Angels

A helicopter or microlight flight over the falls. The single best way to see them at peak flow, when spray hides the view from the ground.

Tickets and tours →

Sunset cruise on the upper Zambezi

Hippos, elephants on the banks, and a sundowner above the falls. A relaxed evening that works in any season.

Tickets and tours →

Chobe National Park day trip

Cross into Botswana for a morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise among elephants and hippos. Best from roughly June to October when the herds come to the river.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Enter the Zimbabwe-side park at opening time; tour groups arrive midmorning, and early light on the falls is the best of the day.
Book Devil's Pool, rafting, and helicopter flights before you arrive in July and August; places are limited and the most popular time slots sell out.
Stay in Victoria Falls town (Zimbabwe) or Livingstone (Zambia) based on what you want most: Zimbabwe for the main views, Zambia for Devil's Pool and the lip of the falls. Crossing the border for a day is easy.
Consider June or late May: strong flow, dry weather, and fewer visitors than the July peak.

Know before you go

Devil's Pool is closed when the river is high, typically from around January to mid August. Angel's Pool, a nearby alternative, sometimes operates in shoulder water levels.
Rafting is suspended or shortened at high water, roughly March through June or July, depending on the year.
In the low-water months of October and November, much of the Zambian side can be dry rock. The Zimbabwe side, facing the main falls, keeps flowing year-round.
Border crossings between Zimbabwe and Zambia run daily with set operating hours. Check current visa rules for both countries; a combined KAZA visa has been available for some nationalities.

Victoria Falls in August, quick answers

Is August a good time to visit Victoria Falls?

What is the weather like in Victoria Falls in August?

Dry and warming, highs near 84F (29C).

Is Victoria Falls crowded in August?

Victoria Falls is busy in August, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in Victoria Falls in August?

Lunar rainbow nights (around the full moon, roughly april through august); Devil's Pool season (roughly mid august into january, depending on water levels); Low-water rafting season (roughly august through december).