Zimbabwe in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Zimbabwe
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 8mm (0.3 inches) across the entire month means outdoor activities rarely get disrupted
- Perfect wildlife viewing conditions as animals congregate around water sources and vegetation is sparse, making game spotting 60-70% more successful than wet season
- Comfortable daytime temperatures of 26°C (79°F) ideal for walking safaris and outdoor exploration without extreme heat
- Post-harvest season means fresh produce is abundant and local markets are busy, plus rural areas are accessible by road
Considerations
- Cool nights dropping to 14°C (57°F) require warm clothing that many visitors don't expect for Africa
- High UV index of 9 combined with clear skies means sunburn happens within 15 minutes without protection
- Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to wet season and popular lodges book months ahead
Best Activities in May
Victoria Falls Adventure Activities
May offers the perfect water levels at Victoria Falls - still powerful from rainy season runoff but with clear skies for helicopter flights and bungee jumping. The 'Smoke that Thunders' is at 80% capacity, creating spectacular views without the obscuring mist of peak flow months. Helicopter flights have 95% success rate due to clear weather.
Hwange National Park Game Drives
May is exceptional for wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around the remaining water sources. With sparse vegetation after the dry months, elephant herds of 50-100 individuals are easily spotted at waterholes. Morning game drives from 6am-10am offer the best action as animals are active in the cool 16°C (61°F) temperatures.
Great Zimbabwe Ruins Cultural Tours
May's dry weather and moderate temperatures make this UNESCO World Heritage site comfortable to explore. The 26°C (79°F) afternoons are perfect for climbing the Hill Complex's 1.6 km (1 mile) of stone pathways. Clear skies provide excellent photography conditions of the 800-year-old granite structures.
Mana Pools Canoe Safaris
The Zambezi River is at ideal levels in May - high enough for comfortable canoeing but not the dangerous floods of March-April. Wildlife comes to drink along the banks, offering unique close-up encounters from the water. Crocodile and hippo activity is predictable and safe with experienced guides.
Matobo Hills Rock Art Tours
May's clear, dry conditions provide perfect access to ancient San rock paintings via 4WD vehicles. The granite formations are comfortable to climb in 26°C (79°F) temperatures, and the lack of afternoon storms means full-day excursions are reliable. Over 3,000 sites become accessible after wet season road damage is repaired.
Eastern Highlands Hiking
May offers the best hiking conditions in Nyanga and Chimanimani mountains. Post-rainy season means waterfalls are flowing but trails are dry and safe. Temperatures at 2,600m (8,530 ft) elevation are cool and comfortable for multi-hour hikes, averaging 18°C (64°F) during the day.
May Events & Festivals
Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF)
The country's largest trade and cultural exhibition featuring local crafts, food, and business. Over 500 exhibitors showcase everything from stone sculptures to traditional textiles. Live music performances happen daily, and it's the best place to buy authentic Shona sculptures directly from artists.
Heroes Day Holiday
National public holiday on the second Monday of May honoring liberation war heroes. Banks and government offices close, but it creates a festive atmosphere with cultural performances in major cities. Expect increased domestic tourism at major attractions.