If you’re visiting Victoria Falls around Christmas, you’ll get warm days, sticky air, and plenty of afternoon rain. Daytime temperatures usually hover near 30°C (86°F), and those showers really make the landscape pop.
Nights stay mild, mostly in the upper teens or low 20s °C, so you won’t need heavy clothes.
The holiday season lands right in the rainy period. The Zambezi River starts swelling, and the falls roar a bit louder.
You’ll see more clouds than in the dry months, but the sun still breaks through most mornings. This mix of rain and sun creates dramatic skies, adding even more magic to the area.
Traveling now feels different than during the cooler, drier months. The humidity and rain shape everything—from wildlife viewing to the state of the walking trails.
It helps to know what to expect with temperature, rain, and visibility so you can plan the right activities and still enjoy the Christmas buzz at Victoria Falls.
Overview of Victoria Falls Weather in December
December brings hot days, warm nights, and frequent rainfall to Victoria Falls.
You’ll notice high humidity and a mix of sunshine and showers. Most of the rain falls late in the day or after dark.
Typical Weather Patterns During the Christmas Period
In December, daytime highs usually hit 30–33°C (86–91°F), and nights cool off to around 20–21°C (68–70°F).
The air feels humid, with an average humidity near 70%, which really amplifies the heat.
Rain falls often since this is the rainy season. December sees about 179 mm of rain spread over roughly 14 days.
Showers tend to be heavy but don’t last long, so mornings and early afternoons often stay clear.
Even with all this rain, you still get about 210 hours of sunshine in December. That’s enough for outdoor fun most days, but you’ll want rain gear close by.
Pack light clothes, sandals, and a poncho or rain jacket to stay comfy. Don’t forget sun protection—UV levels run high, even under the clouds.
Comparison to Other Months
Compared to the cooler, drier months of May through August, December feels much hotter and more humid.
During those dry months, highs usually sit at 25–28°C (77–82°F), nights drop near 10°C (50°F), and rain is almost nonexistent.
December is part of the wettest stretch, which lasts from November to March. Rain in December isn’t quite as intense as January—the true peak—but it’s still way higher than in the dry season.
If you like seeing the Victoria Falls water flow at its wildest, the rains now help fill the river, peaking around April and May.
December brings lush green landscapes, active wildlife, and warm weather, but you’ll trade that for more frequent showers.
Temperature Trends Around Christmas
As December rolls on, Victoria Falls slides into the wet season. You get warm days, sticky air, and lots of rain.
Daytime heat gets balanced out by cooler evenings. Comfort swings a lot, depending on clouds and storms.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
Around Christmas, daytime highs usually reach 30–31°C (86–88°F).
The heat feels stronger when humidity jumps, especially in the afternoon. Sunshine still shows up between showers, so the air stays warm and heavy.
At night, temperatures dip into the 19–21°C (66–70°F) range. These cooler evenings offer some relief, though the humidity tends to hang around.
Light clothes work for daytime, and you’ll only need a thin layer for evenings.
Warm days and mild nights make outdoor activities doable, but you’ll want to plan for sudden downpours. Early mornings are usually the most comfortable for exploring before things heat up.
Temperature Variability and Extremes
Averages stay steady, but variability is common now. Afternoon storms can knock the temperature down a few degrees, so you’ll feel a real difference.
On clear days, highs can creep up to 33°C (91°F).
Extreme cold almost never happens in December. Lows rarely drop below 18°C (64°F).
The real challenge is the combo of heat and humidity, which makes it feel even warmer than the thermometer says.
Expect short-term swings—sunny, hot stretches broken up by cooler, rain-cooled bursts. This back-and-forth defines Victoria Falls weather in late December, so it’s worth keeping in mind for outdoor plans.
Rainfall and Rainy Days in December
December marks the heart of the rainy season in Victoria Falls. You’ll see high rainfall totals and frequent showers, paired with warm, humid air.
Rain falls often, but it usually doesn’t last all day—there’s still time for sunshine between storms.
Average Rainfall Amounts
December rainfall ranks among the highest of the year. You can expect 160–180 mm for the month.
Some years, totals drop closer to 100–120 mm, but most of the time, it’s a wet season.
Rain falls in multiple events, not just one or two big storms. Showers can be heavy, with short, intense downpours.
Ground gets muddy, and river levels start to rise.
Humidity climbs too, often reaching 70% or higher, which really amps up the damp feeling.
Even with the rain, skies aren’t always gray. The region gets over 200 hours of sunshine in December, so you’ll see a mix of wet and dry spells.
Frequency and Timing of Rainy Days
You’ll want to plan for rain on about 14 to 15 days in December.
Some sources say it’s even more—up to 20 or more days—but that often includes light showers. The odds of rain on any day sit around 45–50%.
Rain usually falls in the late afternoon or evening, after a sunny, hot day.
Mornings are typically clear, so they’re your best bet for outdoor activities.
Showers are brief but intense, and thunder and lightning aren’t unusual.
Carrying a light rain jacket or poncho helps, since the weather can flip quickly.
Sunshine and Cloud Cover
Around Christmas, Victoria Falls gets long daylight hours and plenty of sun, but the wet season means more clouds and storms.
You’ll see bright, sunny stretches and cloudy skies that can shift fast.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
December brings about 11 to 12 hours of daylight daily, with the sun up for most of that time.
Victoria Falls logs over 350 sunshine hours in December—roughly 11 hours of sun per day.
Even with regular rain showers, they’re usually short, so you still get many clear hours.
Mornings tend to be brighter, while afternoons see more clouds and a higher chance of rain.
The strong summer sun means the UV index is very high, often hitting 15.
You’ll want sun protection if you’re out for long, especially near the falls where the water reflects sunlight and ups the exposure.
Cloud Cover Patterns During Christmas
Cloud cover increases as December’s wet season peaks.
Expect skies that bounce between partly cloudy and mostly cloudy, with afternoon storm clouds building up fast.
Rain is frequent, averaging about 155 mm for the month, spread over 18 to 20 days.
Showers tend to be heavy but short, followed by sunshine.
You’ll often look up to a dynamic sky—clear blue in the morning, more clouds by midday, and sometimes a storm late in the day.
This shifting light creates dramatic views over the falls, with sunbeams breaking through clouds and mist.
If you plan your outdoor time earlier in the day, you’ll catch longer sunny spells before the clouds roll in.
Wind Speed and Humidity Levels
Victoria Falls feels warm and wet in December. Winds stay light to moderate, and humidity climbs as the rains settle in.
Both factors really affect how comfortable you’ll feel outside.
Typical Wind Speed in December
Winds in December are usually light, averaging 6–10 km/h (4–6 mph).
You won’t run into strong gusts, since big wind events are rare now.
Gentle breezes give some relief from the heat, which often reaches the upper 20s to low 30s °C (mid-80s °F).
The wind sometimes clears out clouds, though skies still stay partly to mostly cloudy most of the month.
With modest wind speeds, walking trails and viewing points at the falls stay calm.
Photography is easier, since the waterfall mist drifts slowly instead of getting blown around.
For river activities like Zambezi boat cruises, low wind means smooth water—great for comfort and seeing the sights.
Humidity Patterns and Comfort
Humidity soars in December, averaging 70–80%.
Frequent rain, often over 100 mm for the month, drives up the moisture.
Heat and humidity together make the air feel heavy, especially in the afternoon.
Morning and evening are more comfortable, with cooler temps and less muggy air.
By midday, it can feel sticky, and you’ll probably sweat even without moving much.
High humidity shapes your day. Lightweight, breathable clothes and regular hydration help you stay comfortable.
The lush greenery and flowing Zambezi look stunning, though. Extra moisture in the air boosts the mist around the falls, so the view gets even more dramatic, but it also makes things feel more humid.
Impact of Christmas Weather on Travel and Activities
Christmas in Victoria Falls comes right at the start of the rainy season. Hot days, rising humidity, and scattered showers shape what you can do outside and what you’ll need to pack.
Best Outdoor Activities for the Season
The Zambezi River starts to swell from upstream rain, but water levels at the falls are still moderate now.
You get clear views of the gorge, without the heavy spray that blocks everything later in the season.
Game drives in Hwange National Park and Zambezi National Park are possible, but wildlife can be harder to spot since water is still scattered everywhere.
Birdwatching actually gets better, as migratory species arrive in big numbers—if you’re into birds, December’s a treat.
Adventurous types can usually go white-water rafting in December, with some of the year’s best rapids.
Activities like Devil’s Pool might close if river flow gets too strong, so double-check before booking.
Evening river cruises stay popular since it cools off after sunset, and showers are less likely later on.
These cruises are a nice way to see the river without baking in the midday heat.
Packing Tips and Recommendations
Hot afternoons often hit the mid-30s °C, but mornings and evenings can feel pretty cool. Pack light, breathable clothes for daytime, and toss in a sweater or jacket if you’re heading out early.
Rain showers happen a lot, so bring a lightweight waterproof jacket or a poncho. Quick-dry clothes make life easier since the humidity can really slow down drying time.
For shoes, grab comfortable walking ones for parks, and sandals work well when you’re just hanging out. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses—honestly, the sun’s still harsh even if it’s raining.
Bring insect repellent and take malaria precautions, since mosquitoes swarm around Victoria Falls in December. If you’ve got these basics, you’ll handle both rain and sun without much worry.