AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO THE SERENGETI WEATHER
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The Serengeti isn’t as hot as you might think. It’s warm and breezy all year round, never too hot or too cold. But there are seasons to consider, the long and short rains and the dry season. The weather plays a big part in the Serengeti experience. No other national park in the world has an ecosystem like the legendary Serengeti, and that affects the weather.
Because it’s so big and vast, visiting the Serengeti feels like entering another world. The ecosystem is diverse, and the seasons are unique to this place. Depending on the month you visit, you could get tropical downpours and rolling clouds of rain or warm, sunny skies with gentle breezes and cool nights.
The weather in the Serengeti is a topic of interest for many travelers planning to visit these amazing places. To help with your trip planning, we have put together this month-by-month temperature guide to 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 of these factors make the Serengeti weather 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’. Rainfall is unpredictable, but January and February are between the long and short rains, so it’s relatively dry. It’s a good time to book a safari as it’s off-season, so prices are lower and there are fewer tourists. The calving season starts in late January, so you can see thousands of wildebeest calves being born daily.
Serengeti average temperature: Max 29 celcius / Min 16 celsius
Typical Serengeti weather forecast: Warm with the occasional rain and a gentle breeze.
Season: Wet Season
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3. Serengeti weather in February
The Serengeti weather in February is much like January. You will get slightly more rain than in January, as February is before the long rains. But it’s still relatively dry, so it’s a great month to visit. Calving season peaks in February, so you will see many newborn calves during your game drives across the Serengeti plains.
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. Although the landscapes are very green and beautiful, fewer tourists visit during this time for two reasons. Firstly, animals will be hiding from the rain, so they are harder to spot. Secondly, traveling in a pop-up safari vehicle can be uncomfortable and less enjoyable in wet weather.
Serengeti average temperature: Max 29 celsius / min 16 celsius
Typical Serengeti Weather forecast: Rainy with rising humidity. Cloudy.
Season: Wet Season / Long Rains
/ Image: @popnzebra
5. Serengeti weather in April
April is the wettest month in the Serengeti. Although it’s wet, the park has fewer tourists and prices are at the lowest. On the upside, birdwatching is great, as many migratory birds arrive in April, and the Serengeti landscapes are lush, green, and beautiful. But be prepared for tropical rain showers.
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. It’s the last month of fall, so it’s cooler and cheaper. May is also the start of the mating season, and the wildebeest are preparing for the Great Migration, so it’s a great time 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
/ Image: @nduplessis
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 is just before peak season, so it’s a great time to see the Great Migration as the wildebeest start moving north through the park
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
/ Image: @cooksphotography
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
/ Image: @jackyoung
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 began 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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