Zimbabwe & Zambia, Africa

Victoria Falls in February

Heavy rains upstream push the flow up fast. Impressive volume, growing spray, and lower rates.

TradeoffsWarm and wet, highs near 84F (29C)

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

The straight answer

February is a month of real tradeoffs in Victoria Falls. Heavy rains upstream push the flow up fast. Impressive volume, growing spray, and lower rates.

Weather: Warm and wet, highs near 84F (29C)
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What February is like in Victoria Falls

February is warm and wet, with highs near 84F (29C) and regular rain. Heavy rains upstream push the Zambezi up fast, so the falls grow louder and the spray column rises higher every week. It is an impressive time to see the sheer volume of water, and rates are lower than in the dry season. Rafting options shrink as the river climbs, and Devil's Pool is closed.

February suits travelers who want big water and lower prices, and who do not mind getting wet. It is less good for adventure activities or for combining with a classic dry-season safari in Chobe. If you want both strong falls and clear views with dry weather, plan for June or July instead.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Victoria Falls this month.

Rising, roaring water

The flow climbs quickly this month. The noise and power grow week by week as the flood builds toward its peak.

Lower lodge rates

Rainy-season pricing makes February one of the cheaper months to stay in Victoria Falls town or Livingstone.

Sunset cruise on the upper Zambezi

The river is full and the banks are green. A sundowner cruise with hippos nearby works well between storms.

What to pack for February

A rain jacket or poncho for the viewing paths
A dry bag for phones and cameras
Sandals or shoes that can get soaked
Insect repellent

Our timing tip

Keep a spare set of dry clothes in your bag, since spray on the rainforest paths is already heavy by late February.

Book Victoria Falls for February.

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

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 February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Victoria Falls?

February is a month of real tradeoffs in Victoria Falls. Heavy rains upstream push the flow up fast. Impressive volume, growing spray, and lower rates.

What is the weather like in Victoria Falls in February?

Warm and wet, highs near 84F (29C).

Is Victoria Falls crowded in February?

February is one of the quieter months in Victoria Falls; most sights can be done without long waits.