Rains start to return in November, and December-March is the peak of the rainy season in Victoria Falls. This is the best time to witness those amazing colorful rainbows you see in photographs. Rains typically come in the form of dramatic afternoon thunderstorms.

The rainy season in Victoria Falls occurs during the Southern Hemisphere's summer, typically from late November through March, with the peak rainfall usually hitting in January and February. During this time, you can expect dramatic, short-lived afternoon thunderstorms followed by intense sunshine. While the rains start in November, it takes several months for the water to travel down the Zambezi River from Angola, meaning the "High Water" peak of the falls actually happens in April and May, just after the rains have subsided. Visiting during the rainy season means lush green landscapes and baby animals on safari, but the "mist" from the falls can be so dense that it actually obscures the view of the gorge. In 2026, many travelers prefer the "shoulder" months of May or June, when the weather is drier and cooler, but the volume of water crashing over the edge is still at its most spectacular and thunderous volume.