Zimbabwe & Zambia, Africa

Victoria Falls in December

Rains return and the flow starts rising. Holiday week brings regional visitors; Devil's Pool generally still open early in the month.

TradeoffsHot and humid, highs near 86F (30C), rainy

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

The straight answer

December is a month of real tradeoffs in Victoria Falls. Rains return and the flow starts rising. Holiday week brings regional visitors; Devil's Pool generally still open early in the month.

Weather: Hot and humid, highs near 86F (30C), rainy
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What December is like in Victoria Falls

December is hot and humid, with highs near 86F (30C), and the rains return. The river starts to rise again, so the falls slowly fill back out after the low-water months. The landscape turns green, and the holiday week brings regional visitors. Devil's Pool is generally still open early in the month, and rafting usually runs through the low-water season.

December suits families on winter break who want a mix of adventure and green scenery, and travelers happy with some rain. It is not the month for the full curtain of water or for dry-season safari. For big, clear falls, come in June or July. Book early if you are traveling over Christmas and New Year.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Victoria Falls this month.

Early-month Devil's Pool

The river is usually still low enough in early December for the swim at the edge, though it depends on the year's rains.

The falls begin to refill

As the rains arrive upstream, the flow starts climbing and the rocky Zambian side slowly fills again.

Green season scenery

Fresh rain turns the bush and the rainforest green, with dramatic storm skies over the gorge.

What to pack for December

A packable rain jacket
Quick-dry clothes
Insect repellent and long sleeves for evenings
Malaria tablets as advised by a travel clinic

Our timing tip

If Devil's Pool is on your list, book it for the first days of December and ask the operator about current water levels before you go.

Book Victoria Falls for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Victoria Falls
Opens a hotel search for Victoria Falls in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
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 December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in December

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 December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Victoria Falls?

December is a month of real tradeoffs in Victoria Falls. Rains return and the flow starts rising. Holiday week brings regional visitors; Devil's Pool generally still open early in the month.

What is the weather like in Victoria Falls in December?

Hot and humid, highs near 86F (30C), rainy.

Is Victoria Falls crowded in December?

Crowds in Victoria Falls are moderate in December; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Victoria Falls in December?

Devil's Pool season (roughly mid august into january, depending on water levels); Low-water rafting season (roughly august through december).