Zimbabwe in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Zimbabwe

28°C (82°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

180mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Dramatic lightning displays over Victoria Falls with peak water flow - December offers 550,000 cubic meters per minute (19.4 million cubic feet) compared to 20,000 in October
Emerald green landscapes transform the country into a photographer's great destination - the rains turn normally brown savanna into lush grasslands within days
Peak wildlife viewing as animals congregate around permanent water sources - elephant herds of 200+ gather at Hwange waterholes, easily spotted from 50m (164 ft)
Migratory bird season brings 200+ species including carmine bee-eaters and woodland kingfishers - best birding conditions of the year with 6am-9am optimal viewing

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms arrive predictably between 2pm-5pm, limiting outdoor activities to mornings - storms can dump 50mm (2 inches) in 30 minutes
Some remote safari camps close December 15-February due to impassable roads - particularly affects Mana Pools and remote Hwange sectors
High humidity makes 28°C (82°F) feel like 35°C (95°F) - locals retreat indoors during peak afternoon heat from 1pm-4pm

Best Activities in December

Victoria Falls helicopter flights and walking tours

December offers the most spectacular Victoria Falls experience with maximum water flow creating mist visible from 30km (18.6 miles) away. The 'Smoke that Thunders' lives up to its name as 550,000 cubic meters per minute plunge over the edge. Morning flights (7am-11am) avoid afternoon storms and offer crystal clear visibility. The falls are too misty for Devil's Pool, but the sheer power is unmatched. Rainbows appear constantly in the spray.

Booking Tip: Book helicopter flights for morning slots (7am-11am) to avoid afternoon storms. Flights typically cost $180-280 for 12-15 minute trips. Book 5-7 days ahead as December has steady demand but isn't peak season. All operators are weather-dependent and will reschedule for storms. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Hwange National Park morning game drives

December transforms Hwange into wildlife viewing great destination as animals concentrate around artificial waterholes. Elephant herds of 100-300 gather at Kennedy and Nyamandlovu platforms daily from 6am-10am. The green season means excellent photography with lush backdrops contrasting against grey elephant skin. Lions follow the herds, and wild dog packs are active in cooler morning temperatures. Afternoon drives are weather-dependent due to storms.

Booking Tip: Focus on morning drives departing 6am-6:30am - afternoon drives often cancel due to lightning. Day trips from Victoria Falls cost $120-180 including transfers and lunch. Multi-day packages offer better wildlife viewing consistency. Book through operators with covered vehicles for sudden rain. See current options in the booking section below.

Matobo Hills cultural and wildlife experiences

December's cooler temperatures at 1,500m (4,920 ft) elevation make hiking comfortable, with morning temperatures around 15°C (59°F). Ancient San rock art sites are accessible via 2-4km (1.2-2.5 mile) walks through granite formations. White rhino tracking on foot offers close encounters - Matobo has Zimbabwe's highest rhino density. The green season brings wildflowers and streaming waterfalls between granite domes. Cecil Rhodes' grave offers panoramic views.

Booking Tip: Book multi-day packages combining cultural sites, rhino tracking, and hiking for $95-150 per day. Guided walks are mandatory for rhino viewing and cost $45-65. Morning activities essential - afternoon thunderstorms make granite slopes dangerous. Local guides provide San culture interpretation unavailable elsewhere. Check current guided options in the booking section below.

Great Zimbabwe monument historical tours

December's morning temperatures of 20°C (68°F) make exploring the 13th-century stone ruins comfortable before midday heat. The Hill Complex requires climbing 200m (656 ft) of ancient stone steps - easier in December's cooler mornings. Green season provides dramatic contrast between grey granite walls and emerald vegetation. Local guides share Shona cultural connections and archaeological discoveries. The Great Enclosure's 11m (36 ft) walls are most impressive in morning light.

Booking Tip: Visit between 7am-11am to avoid afternoon heat and storms. Entry fees are $15 for international visitors plus $10-15 for mandatory guided tours. Combine with nearby Lake Mutirikwi for full-day experiences costing $60-90 including transport from Masvingo. Book guides at the site - no advance booking needed. See current tour combinations in the booking section below.

Zambezi River sunset cruises and fishing

December marks peak tiger fish season as warming waters trigger feeding frenzies. Morning fishing charters from 6am-10am avoid afternoon storms while targeting 5-8kg (11-18 lb) tiger fish in rapids above Victoria Falls. Sunset cruises offer elephant viewing as herds cross to islands - December's high water levels bring hippos closer to boats. Bream and tilapia fishing is excellent in calm sections. Lightning displays provide dramatic evening entertainment.

Booking Tip: Book morning fishing charters for $140-220 per person including equipment and snacks. Sunset cruises cost $45-75 and include drinks. December requires flexible booking due to afternoon storms - operators reschedule rather than cancel. Multi-day fishing packages offer better value at $180-250 per day. See current river activity options in the booking section below.

Eastern Highlands hiking and scenic drives

December brings the Eastern Highlands to life with temperatures 8-10°C (14-18°F) cooler than lowlands. Nyanga's rolling hills turn emerald green with wildflowers blooming after first rains. Mount Nyangani at 2,592m (8,504 ft) offers challenging day hikes through cloud forests. Mutarazi Falls reaches peak flow with 762m (2,500 ft) cascades visible from 5km (3.1 miles). Morning mist creates mystical photography conditions in pine forests.

Booking Tip: Book mountain lodges 2-3 weeks ahead for December as Zimbabweans escape lowland heat. Guided hikes cost $35-55 per day including mountain rescue insurance. Self-drive scenic routes require 4WD during rainy season. Multi-day hiking packages range $120-180 per day including meals and guides. Check current mountain tour options in the booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Throughout December

Summer Music Festival Circuit

December marks Zimbabwe's festival season with multiple music events in Harare and Bulawayo featuring local sungura, zimdancehall, and traditional mbira music. Venues move events indoors or under cover due to afternoon rains, creating intimate concert experiences. Local beer gardens stay open late as temperatures cool after storms.

December 5 onwards

School Holiday Season

December 5-January 15 is peak domestic tourism as Zimbabwean families visit relatives and take holidays. This creates lively atmospheres at Victoria Falls and resort areas but also increases accommodation demand. Local markets expand with holiday crafts and traditional foods.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof rain jacket - afternoon storms dump 50mm (2 inches) in 30 minutes but pass quickly

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 11 at 1,500m (4,920 ft) elevation with thin air

Quick-dry hiking pants and shorts - morning dew soaks vegetation on walking trails

Insect repellent with 30% DEET - green season brings mosquitoes and tsetse flies in game parks

Waterproof camera cover or dry bag - mist from Victoria Falls can drench electronics from 500m (1,640 ft) away

Light fleece or jacket for early mornings - temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F) in highlands and after storms

Non-slip hiking boots with ankle support - wet granite in Matobo Hills becomes extremely slippery

Cotton or linen clothing, avoid polyester - 75% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable

Ziplock bags for electronics and documents - humidity and sudden downpours require waterproof storage

Power bank and plug adaptors - Type D and G plugs used, and power outages increase during storm season

Insider Knowledge

Local Zimbabweans avoid outdoor activities from 2pm-5pm during December storms - schedule accordingly and you'll have attractions to yourself in early morning

December is 'green season' pricing - accommodation costs 30-40% less than dry season (May-October) but book early as some camps close mid-month

Bring US dollars in small denominations ($1, $5, $10) - Zimbabwe uses USD but change is scarce and $50/$100 notes often rejected at small vendors

December rains make 4WD essential for remote areas - book tour operators with proper vehicles rather than attempting self-drive to places like Mana Pools

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning afternoon outdoor activities - storms arrive like clockwork between 2pm-5pm with dangerous lightning

Booking accommodation in remote safari areas without checking December closures - many camps shut from December 15 due to impassable roads

Underestimating Victoria Falls mist - visitors get completely soaked from 200m (656 ft) away and need waterproof everything