November is a transitional month at Victoria Falls on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The dry season is coming to an end, temperatures remain high and the first summer rains can begin to arrive. At the same time, the Zambezi is normally close to its annual low point at the Falls.
This makes November quite different from the high-water season in March and April. Travellers who are primarily interested in seeing the Falls as a huge curtain of water may prefer a different time of year. Those interested in lower water levels, clearer views into the gorge and seasonal activities such as Livingstone Island and Devil's Pool may find November more interesting.
Weather and water levels
November is hot at Victoria Falls. Long-term climate data for the area puts the average November maximum at around 32°C, with average minimum temperatures of about 21°C. Climate conditions also change noticeably during the month as the first summer rains become more likely.
Rainfall becomes increasingly likely during November as the summer rainy season approaches. Early November can still be hot and predominantly dry, while thunderstorms and heavier showers become more frequent towards the end of the month. The timing of the first substantial rains varies considerably from year to year.
November should therefore not be regarded as a consistently wet month. Travellers can still encounter long periods of hot, dry weather, particularly early in the month, but afternoon or evening thunderstorms become increasingly likely.
The more important seasonal consideration at the Victoria Falls is the Zambezi water level.
Zambia Tourism identifies November and December as the lowest-water period at Victoria Falls. As the dry season reaches its end, sections of the Falls on the Zambian side can reduce to small rivulets, while some sections may have no water flowing over the edge. The lower flow also exposes much more of the basalt cliffs and allows clearer views into the gorge.
This is very different from March and April, when the Falls are normally close to peak flood and the volume of spray can make some viewpoints difficult for photography.
What are the water levels in November 2026?
The latest available measurement provides a useful indication of the situation going into November.
The Zambezi River Authority recorded a flow of 343 m³/s at Victoria Falls' Nana's Farm Station on 05 October 2026. The corresponding figure on 05 October 2025 was 272 m³/s. The Authority reported that flows were still steadily decreasing, although isolated localised rainfall was being observed.
This figure is important, but it is not a forecast for November. Water reaching Victoria Falls depends on rainfall across the much larger upstream Zambezi catchment, particularly areas well upstream of the Falls. Consequently, rainfall during October and November can alter the subsequent river trend.
For comparison, the Zambezi River Authority recorded 348 m³/s on 04 October 2026 and 343 m³/s on 5 October 2026, confirming that the river was still in its seasonal low-water decline at the beginning of October.
The most reasonable expectation for November is therefore a low-flow Victoria Falls, with the exact appearance depending on how much rain falls upstream during the weeks beforehand.
Activities and wildlife
November can be an interesting month for activities around Victoria Falls, but the availability of individual activities depends on water levels and weather.
Livingstone Island and Devil's Pool
For visitors on the Zambian side, Livingstone Island is particularly relevant during the low-water season. Zambia Tourism states that access is generally possible from approximately August to December, when the river is low enough to reach the island, but stresses that access depends completely on the actual water level. A trained guide is required.
Devil's Pool is similarly seasonal. Zambia Tourism describes it as generally opening once the river has fallen sufficiently, with the exact season depending on current conditions. It is therefore possible to visit in November, but travellers should confirm availability shortly before their visit rather than treating November as an automatic opening period.
Rafting and other adventure activities
The lower Zambezi also provides opportunities for rafting and other adventure activities, but November is not simply a case of “low water equals rafting”.
Zambia Tourism describes the low-water rafting season as generally beginning around July–September, while the precise opening dates vary annually according to river conditions. Its activity information also notes that white-water rafting is affected by the seasonal rise in water levels.
Kayaking on the Zambezi below Victoria Falls, for example, can operate throughout the year, but routes vary according to water levels. Zambia Tourism currently describes July to January as the low-water season for kayaking and February to June as the high-water period.
Other activities, including bridge bungee jumping, gorge activities, scenic flights and river cruises, are less directly dependent on the height of the Falls, although weather can still cause cancellations. Zambia Tourism specifically notes that helicopter and microlight flights are weather-dependent and that bridge activities can be suspended during rain.
Wildlife in November
Wildlife viewing needs to be considered separately from visiting the Falls themselves.
Victoria Falls National Park on the Zimbabwean side is not primarily a big-game safari destination. ZimParks describes the small park around the Victoria Falls as being mainly home to baboons, warthogs and monkeys, with leopard only occasionally seen. The rainforest around the Falls is maintained largely by spray from the waterfall.
For a more substantial safari, travellers can visit the neighbouring Zambezi National Park, which extends along 40 km of Zambezi River frontage. ZimParks records four of the Big Five — elephant, lion, buffalo and leopard — together with kudu, impala, zebra, giraffe and more than 400 bird species.
November marks the beginning of the green season in the Livingstone area. Zambia Tourism describes November as the start of the summer rains, while July to October is the peak safari period because animals are easier to locate around the remaining water sources during the dry season.
Consequently, wildlife sightings can become less predictable as November progresses. Once rainfall produces new water sources and vegetation, animals are no longer as concentrated around the Zambezi and permanent waterholes. On the other hand, the emerging green vegetation and increasing bird activity can make the beginning of the rainy season attractive for visitors interested in a broader range of wildlife and landscapes.
Travel tips for November
Do not visit in November expecting peak-flow Victoria Falls. The Falls are normally at or close to their annual low point around November and December. If your primary objective is to see the Zambezi at maximum volume, March and April are normally much more suitable.
Visit the Zimbabwean side if seeing the Victoria Falls themselves is your priority. At low water, parts of the Zambian side can become very sparse or temporarily dry. The Zimbabwean viewpoints provide a broader perspective of the waterfall and gorge, although the precise amount of water visible also varies with the season.
Consider adding the Zambian side for low-water activities. Livingstone Island and Devil's Pool are specifically dependent on sufficiently low water levels. In November they can be possible, but access should always be confirmed according to current conditions.
Do not plan around a historical opening date alone. Water levels at Victoria Falls vary from year to year. The fact that an activity normally operates in November does not guarantee that it will be operating on the day of your visit.
Expect very high temperatures. Daytime temperatures around 30°C or above are normal in November. Sun protection, drinking water and lightweight clothing are essential, particularly when walking around the Victoria Falls or going on a game drive.
Pack for thunderstorms. Rain becomes increasingly likely during November, particularly towards the end of the month. A lightweight waterproof layer is useful, but there is no need to prepare for the continuous spray associated with the peak flood season.
Start outdoor activities early. Morning temperatures are generally more comfortable than the afternoon, when heat and thunderstorms can become more likely.
Allow some flexibility. November is a genuine transition period. A trip can begin with hot, dry conditions and finish with thunderstorms and rapidly greening vegetation. River-dependent activities can also change availability as water levels respond to rainfall.
Is November a good time to visit Victoria Falls?
November is a specialist choice rather than the classic time to see Victoria Falls at its most powerful.
The Falls are normally close to their annual low-water period, and parts of the Zambian side may have very little or no water flowing over the edge. In return, lower water levels provide clearer views of the basalt cliffs and gorge, and seasonal activities such as Livingstone Island and Devil's Pool may be available when conditions permit.
The surrounding area also begins changing from the dry season to the summer green season. Temperatures remain high, but the first rains can bring new vegetation, increasing bird activity and a gradual change in wildlife distribution.
For travellers primarily interested in the Victoria Falls themselves, July to September generally offers a better compromise between substantial water flow and clearer views. For maximum water volume, March and April are the more appropriate choice. November makes more sense for travellers who specifically want the low-water landscape, seasonal activities and the transition into the rainy season.
Information checked: 07 October 2026. The latest river measurement available at the time of writing was 343 m³/s at Nana's Farm Station on 05 October 2026. This is an observed river flow and should not be interpreted as a forecast for November.
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