Zimbabwe & Zambia, Africa

Victoria Falls in May

Still near peak flow with heavy spray. Lunar rainbows possible around the full moon. Bring a rain jacket for the rainforest paths.

GoodDry and pleasant, highs near 79F (26C), cool nights

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

The straight answer

May is a good month to visit Victoria Falls. Still near peak flow with heavy spray. Lunar rainbows possible around the full moon. Bring a rain jacket for the rainforest paths.

Weather: Dry and pleasant, highs near 79F (26C), cool nights
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What May is like in Victoria Falls

May brings the start of the dry season. Days are pleasant with highs near 79F (26C), and nights turn cool. The river is still near peak flow, so spray is heavy and the rainforest paths stay wet, but views open up on clearer mornings. Crowds and prices are rising but still below the July peak. Rafting is usually limited or suspended at this water level.

May suits travelers who want powerful falls and dry, comfortable weather at a lower price than midwinter. It works well for families, as long as everyone is ready to get wet. If you want Devil's Pool or the full rafting run, wait for mid August to December. For slightly clearer views of full falls, June is the better pick.

Make the most of May

What is especially good about Victoria Falls this month.

Power plus pleasant weather

The falls are still close to peak volume, but the rains upstream have eased and the days are dry and mild.

Lunar rainbow nights

Heavy spray and a full moon can produce a moonbow. Evening visits to the Zimbabwe-side rainforest run on full-moon nights.

Green rainforest walk

The spray keeps the rainforest lush. It is a beautiful, if soggy, walk past the viewpoints.

What to pack for May

A rain jacket for the rainforest paths
A warm layer for cool evenings and sunset cruises
Waterproof phone pouch
Shoes with good grip for slick paths

Our timing tip

Late May usually has thinner spray than early May, so push your visit toward the end of the month for better views of big water.

Book Victoria Falls for May.

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

What's on in May

Peak flow on the Zambezi

Roughly March through May, varying with the season's rains

The maximum volume of water and spray. Awe-inspiring noise and power, but spray often hides the falls and soaks visitors on the paths.

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.

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 May, quick answers

Is May a good time to visit Victoria Falls?

May is a good month to visit Victoria Falls. Still near peak flow with heavy spray. Lunar rainbows possible around the full moon. Bring a rain jacket for the rainforest paths.

What is the weather like in Victoria Falls in May?

Dry and pleasant, highs near 79F (26C), cool nights.

Is Victoria Falls crowded in May?

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

What is happening in Victoria Falls in May?

Peak flow on the Zambezi (roughly march through may, varying with the season's rains); Lunar rainbow nights (around the full moon, roughly april through august).