Victoria Falls in December

In December, Victoria Falls averages 31°C (88°F) during the day and 21°C (69°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 22 days of the month see precipitation (166 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

December is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Victoria Falls. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.

31°C
Avg high
21°C
Avg low
22
Rain days
166 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Victoria Falls

4th
warmest month of the 12
3rd
wettest month of the 12
24%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
13 h 12 min
daylight on the 15th

December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Victoria Falls (4th of 12) and one of the wettest months (3rd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (30°C). December runs 3°C cooler than November (34°C) and cools 2°C in January (29°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Victoria Falls

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:35 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:47 PM
Day length
13 h 12 min

Times shown for Victoria Falls local time (Africa/Harare), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Victoria Falls — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Victoria Falls's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:35 AM – 5:15 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:15 AM – 6:15 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:07 PM – 7:07 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:07 PM – 7:47 PM

📅 When to book — Victoria Falls in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Shoulder) and Victoria Falls's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Victoria Falls

Shoulder

Victoria Falls is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Victoria Falls

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.9
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Victoria Falls in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 29°C / 84°F 20°C / 68°F 211 mm 26
February 28°C / 83°F 20°C / 68°F 160 mm 22
March 29°C / 83°F 19°C / 66°F 83 mm 21
April 28°C / 82°F 17°C / 63°F 27 mm 12
May 27°C / 81°F 14°C / 56°F 0 mm 1
June 25°C / 77°F 11°C / 52°F 0 mm 1
July 25°C / 77°F 11°C / 51°F 0 mm 1
August 29°C / 85°F 14°C / 56°F 0 mm 0
September 33°C / 92°F 17°C / 63°F 0 mm 0
October 36°C / 96°F 21°C / 69°F 3 mm 4
November 34°C / 93°F 21°C / 71°F 50 mm 16
December 31°C / 88°F 21°C / 69°F 166 mm 22

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Victoria Falls in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Victoria Falls in December?

In December, Victoria Falls averages a high of 31°C (88°F) and a low of 21°C (69°F) — generally hot.

Does it rain a lot in Victoria Falls in December?

December is quite rainy in Victoria Falls, with about 22 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Victoria Falls?

December is hot but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Victoria Falls in December?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Victoria Falls for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Victoria Falls on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.