AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO THE SERENGETI WEATHER
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The Serengeti isn’t as hot as you might think. In fact the Serengeti has moderately warm and breezy temperatures all year round. It never gets too hot or too cold. However, there are the varied seasons to consider - from the long and short rain seasons to the dry season, the weather plays a uniquely big role in the Serengeti. No other national park in the world has quite the same ecosystem as the legendary Serengeti, which, in turn, affects its weather patterns.
It's not a wonder, as the region is so expansive and vast that it truly feels like you are entering into another world completely. Through its boundless ecosystem, you will experience seasonal differences that you won’t experience anywhere else on the planet.
We can certainly say that depending on what month you choose to go, you could experience anything from tropical downpours, rolling clouds of rainfall to warm sunny skies with breezy winds and cool nights.
The Serengeti weather is a fascinating subject that entices many a curious traveler to ask about when journeying through its incredible landscapes. That's why we have put together this helpful guide to inform you about the Serengeti temperatures month by month, and assist you in booking your dream Serengeti adventure.
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Why is the Serengeti Weather different from anywhere else?
There are three distinct reasons why the Serengeti weather is different from anywhere else in the world. Its location, the elevation and its different climate patterns.
Because the Serengeti is situated near the equator as well as backs onto the highlands of Ngorongoro Crater and the Mount Meru / Kilimanjaro region - this geographical positioning influences the local weather patterns significantly within the Serengeti range. The elevation, which plays a crucial part in this ecosystem, is particularly evident as it lies at a remarkable elevation of 1,500 meters above sea level, which is much higher than that of other areas in eastern Africa. This is why the Serengeti temperature never gets too hot or too cold, and stays a moderate temperature all year round. Plus, the unique rain patterns derive from the rain shadows caused by the surrounding mountainous regions. This is why rainfall in the south of the park is significantly lesser than that of the rainfall near the border of Kenya.
The combination of all three effects contribute to making the Serengeti weather unique and different from anywhere else in the world.
2. Serengeti weather in January
The Serengeti weather in January is typically a drier month within the ‘wet season’. How much rainfall you will encounter is unpredictable. However January and February are the two months that sit between the ‘long rains’ and ‘short rain’ seasons which tend to be pretty dry. Excellent time to book a safari as it's off peak season which means less expensive and less touristy. The calving season begins in late January where you will have the chance to witness thousands of wildebeest calves born each day.
Serengeti average temperature: Max 29 celcius / Min 16 celsius
Typical Serengeti weather forecast: Warm. You can expect occasional rainfall as well as the weather to be slightly breezy too.
Season: Wet Season
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3. Serengeti weather in February
The Serengeti weather in February is much like January. February is part of the wet season too and you can bank on seeing a little more rain than January. The reason being is that February is right before the ‘long rains’ start. However February is still pretty dry and like January, a wonderful month to visit the Serengeti. Calving season is at its peak during February and you will likely see many new born caves on your game drives throughout the plains of the Serengeti.
Serengeti average temperature: Max 29 celsius / min 16 celsius
Typical Serengeti Weather forecast: Warm with a slight breeze and occasional rainfall.
Season: Wet Season
4. Serengeti Weather In March
March is one of the rainiest months in the Serengeti, signaling the start of the Long Rain season. Even though the landscapes are vibrantly lush and green - fewer tourists tend to visit because of two reasons. The first reason is that animals tend to take shelter from the rain making them much more difficult to spot and the second reason is that traveling in a pop-up safari vehicle during wet weather can be pretty uncomfortable as well as less enjoyable.
Serengeti average temperature: Max 29 celsius / min 16 celsius
Typical Serengeti Weather forecast: Rainy with rising humidity. Cloudy.
Season: Wet Season / Long Rains
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5. Serengeti weather in April
The Serengeti weather in April experiences heavy rains making it the wettest month of the year here. The park will be sparse with tourists even though prices are at an all time low during this month. On the upside, birdwatching is fantastic as many migratory birds arrive in April as well as the views of the Serengeti landscapes are lush, green and vibrant in color. However, expect to experience tropical downpours too.
Serengeti average temperature: Max 28 celsius / min 16 celsius
Typical Serengeti Weather forecast: Rainy, cloudy and humid. Tropical downpours.
Season: Wet Season / Long Rains
6. Serengeti weather in May
The Serengeti weather in May tends to have much clearer weather compared to March and April, with less rainfall. As May is the last month of Fall, it gets a little cooler too. Still, a great time to go on a safari if you are looking for lower costs. May is also the start of the mating season. Between May and June the Wildebeest are getting ready for their trek during the Great Migration, which makes May a really exciting month to visit.
Serengeti average temperature: Max 27 celsius / min 15 celsius
Typical Serengeti Weather forecast: Somewhat rainy, cooler temperatures and cloudy.
Season: Wet Season / Long Rains
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7. Serengeti Weather In June
The Serengeti weather in June is a cooler month, since June is officially the first month of winter here. However, the weather is still moderately warm during the day and cooler during the night. June falls just before peak season begins as well as it being a significant month as the mesmerising Great Migration starts to move north throughout the park which makes it an ideal time to visit.
Serengeti average temperature: Max 26 celsius / min 15 celsius
Typical Serengeti Weather forecast: Warm throughout the day, chilly / cooler at night. Sunny blue skies and seldom rain.
Season: Dry season
8. Serengeti Weather in July
The Serengeti weather in July is warm and sunny. July is also the driest month of the year and is officially the start of peak season. The bush thins out due to the dry weather which makes animal spotting very easy. The watering holes and lakes attract a lot of animals which is great for game viewing too. The Great Migration is in full swing and you can expect to see the wildebeest crossing the Grumeti and Mara rivers throughout this month.
Serengeti average temperature: Max 26 celsius / min 14 celsius
Typical Serengeti Weather forecast: Driest month of the year. Bright days with lots of sunshine. Cooler at night.
Season: Dry season
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9. Serengeti weather in August
The Serengeti weather in August is the last month of the winter season. Much like July, the Serengeti temperature tends to be nice and warm with cooler temperatures at night. August is one of the busiest months to visit the Serengeti as this time of year offers prime game viewing. Visitors also have an incredible chance at observing the Great Migration too.
Serengeti average temperature: Max 27 celsius / min 15 celsius
Typical Serengeti Weather forecast: Warm bright days with lots of sunshine. Cooler at night.
Season: Dry season
10. Serengeti weather in September
The Serengeti weather in September is dry, sunny and bright, ideal for outdoor exploration. It is one of the best months to visit this wonderful region as you are guaranteed easy sightings of a diverse number of wild animals as well as witness the spectacular Great Migration. September stands out as one of the most expensive months to visit as you will get to experience all the wonders the Serengeti has to offer. September is the start of spring season in Tanzania too.
Serengeti average temperature: Max 28 celsius / min 15 celsius
Typical Serengeti Weather forecast: Warm bright days with little to no rainfall. Cooler nights.
Season: Dry season
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11. Serengeti weather in October
The Serengeti weather in October is typically dry, sunny and warm. However, there is always a chance that October can expect some rainfall towards the end of the month if the ‘short rains’ begin early. October is still within the peak season period and you will be able to enjoy the beautiful warm Serengeti temperatures whilst game driving throughout the plains of this wonderful park. The Great Migration tends to wane during October, meaning that the herds begin moving south again.
Serengeti average temperature: Max 28 celsius / min 16 celsius
Typical Serengeti Weather forecast: Warm bright days. Can expect days to be hot. Chillier nights. Some breeze.
Season: Dry season
12. Serengeti weather in November
The Serengeti weather in November is nicely warm but you should definitely expect some rainfall. November is the first month of the ‘short rain’ season and rains during the first few days of the month break the dry Serengeti temperatures. The short rainy season is from November to December with November being the wettest month out of the two. Worry not, the ‘short rain’ season isn't as rainy as the ‘long rains’ and will not interfere with your safari.
Serengeti average temperature: Max 28 celsius / min 16 celsius
Typical Serengeti Weather forecast: Pleasantly warm and somewhat breezy and rainy.
Season: Wet season / short rains
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13. Serengeti weather in December
The Serengeti weather in December is warm and rainy and what's great about December is that the rains should start to subside since the majority of rainfall will fall in the month of November. December is a less visited month and if you’re lucky calving season may begin early making it a less expensive wonderful month to visit.
Serengeti average temperature: Max 28 celsius / min 16 celsius
Typical Serengeti Weather forecast: Warm and some rain.
Season: Wet season / short rains
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