Zimbabwe & Zambia, Africa
Victoria Falls in September
Excellent for rafting and Devil's Pool. The Zambian side starts to thin; the Zimbabwe side still delivers.
The straight answer
September is a good month to visit Victoria Falls. Excellent for rafting and Devil's Pool. The Zambian side starts to thin; the Zimbabwe side still delivers.
- Weather
- Hot and dry, highs near 90F (32C)
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 4 of 5
What September is like in Victoria Falls
September is hot and dry, with highs near 90F (32C). The river keeps dropping, so the Zambian side starts to thin and show rock, while the Zimbabwe side still delivers a strong curtain of water. This is an excellent month for adventure: rafting runs the full gorge and Devil's Pool is usually open. Crowds ease after the winter peak and prices come down a little.
September suits active travelers, teens and anyone who wants rafting or Devil's Pool alongside good views. It is also great for Chobe, where elephant herds crowd the river. Families with small children will find the afternoon heat tiring. If full falls on both sides matter most, June or July is the better choice.
Make the most of September
What is especially good about Victoria Falls this month.
Prime Devil's Pool season
Water levels are usually right for sitting at the very edge of the falls on a guided tour from Livingstone Island.
Big-volume rapids
The Zambezi's low-water season exposes some of the world's best commercial white water through the gorge.
Elephants on the Chobe River
Dry-season herds gather along the river. A boat cruise at sunset is a highlight of any trip.
What to pack for September
- Swimwear and water shoes
- Breathable, sun-protective clothing
- A reusable water bottle for hot afternoons
- A wide-brimmed hat
Our timing tip
Book rafting and Devil's Pool for morning slots, since September afternoons get hot in the gorge.
Book Victoria Falls for September.
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- Hotels for September
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Victoria FallsOpens a hotel search for Victoria Falls in September, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Victoria FallsWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Victoria FallsTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Victoria Falls for September. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in September
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 September, quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Victoria Falls?
September is a good month to visit Victoria Falls. Excellent for rafting and Devil's Pool. The Zambian side starts to thin; the Zimbabwe side still delivers.
What is the weather like in Victoria Falls in September?
Hot and dry, highs near 90F (32C).
Is Victoria Falls crowded in September?
Crowds in Victoria Falls are moderate in September; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in Victoria Falls in September?
Devil's Pool season (roughly mid august into january, depending on water levels); Low-water rafting season (roughly august through december).
Keep planning Victoria Falls.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in September
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