Climate and Weather in Serengeti National Park

Explore the mesmerizing weather & climate in Serengeti National Park with our detailed guide. Discover the best time to visit, temperature ranges, and insights into the Great Migration. Plan your safari adventure with confidence! Nestled in the heart of Tanzania, the Serengeti National Park is a realm where nature’s drama unfolds against a backdrop of ever-changing weather and climatic patterns. From the rhythmic beat of hooves during the Great Migration to the rustling of acacia leaves in the breeze, the Serengeti’s climate shapes life itself.

Serengeti National Park Temperatures

The Serengeti National Park experiences diverse temperatures throughout the year. In the cool season (May to August), expect moderate highs of 27.9°C (82.2°F) and chilly nights. September and October bring warmer days around 28°C (82°F). During the rainy season (November to April), temperatures hover between 15°C and 28°C (59°F to 82°F). Despite its equatorial location, the Serengeti’s altitude (1,100 to 2,000 meters or 3,600 to 6,600 feet) tempers the heat. Nights can get cool, but the sun remains fierce. Rainfall amounts vary, from 900 to 1,000 mm (35 to 40 inches) in most areas to 1,400 mm (55 inches) in the north.

Rainfall Patterns in the Serengeti

The Serengeti National Park experiences distinct rainfall patterns throughout the year. The park, located in Tanzania, receives an average annual rainfall of 900 to 1,000 millimeters (35 to 40 inches). In the northern part, this amount increases to 1,400 mm (55 inches), while the southeast, being the most arid area, receives less than 800 mm (31.5 inches). The rainy season spans from November to April, divided into two phases: the “short rains” from October to December and the “long rains” from February to April (southern part) or March to May (rest of the park). During January and February, the rains diminish but remain around 80 to 100 mm (3.1 to 4 inches) per month. The Serengeti’s climate supports the famous Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras move between the Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara throughout the year.

Rainfall Gradient in Serengeti

 The Serengeti National Park exhibits a rainfall gradient from the dry southeast plains (receiving around 400 mm per year) to the much wetter northwest near the Kenyan border and the Masai Mara (where rainfall reaches up to 1,200 mm per year). This variation is influenced by factors like the rain shadow effect from the Ngorongoro Crater Area and the Meru-Kilimanjaro mountain range. The park’s climate supports diverse ecosystems, making it a haven for wildlife and the famous Great Migration. 

Serengeti Seasonality

The Serengeti National Park is renowned for its Great Migration, involving approximately two million mammals—especially wildebeest and zebras. Discover the Climate & Weather in Serengeti National Park. These animals perform a circular migration between the Serengeti and the neighboring Masai Mara in Kenya. From November to June, they stay in the Serengeti, while from July to October, they move to the Mara, particularly in August and September

• Dry and Cool Season (May to August)

As the sun ascends over the vast savannah, the Serengeti dons its cool-season attire. From May to August, visitors are greeted by crisp mornings and gentle afternoons. Here, the thermometer waltzes between 15.6°C (60°F) and 27.9°C (82.2°F). The altitude, like a guardian, tempers the heat, allowing travelers to explore without wilting under the equatorial sun. Nights, however, whisper a different tale—the chill creeps in, urging campfires and cozy blankets.

• Dry and Warmer Season (September and October)

September and October bring warmth to the Serengeti. The sun, now more assertive, paints the landscape in golden hues. The thermometer, with a knowing smile, nudges the mercury toward 28°C (82°F). It’s a season of transition—a bridge between cool and hot, where the grasslands sway in harmony with the breeze.

• Rainy and Hot Season (November to April)

The Serengeti’s rainy season is a symphony of life. As the first drops kiss the earth, the landscape awakens. The average annual rainfall, a generous 900 to 1,000 millimeters (35 to 40 inches). Nourishes the soil, painting it in vibrant greens. But don’t be fooled—the sun remains a fiery conductor. Even amidst the downpour, it casts its spotlight, urging life to dance.

• Short Rains Season (October to December): A gentle drizzle graces the land, replenishing waterholes and coaxing the grass to rise. Rainfall hovers between 80 and 100 mm (3.1 and 4 in) per month. The Serengeti sighs, grateful for this quiet interlude.
• Long Rains Season (February to April in the southern part): The heavens open wider, releasing torrents. The land drinks deeply, and rivers swell. The air smells of renewal, and the animals—lions, elephants, and wildebeest—rejoice. The sun, though veiled, remains steadfast, casting rainbows across the plains.

The Great Migration: A Weathered Journey

And then there’s the Great Migration—a saga scripted by rain and sun. From November to June, the wildebeest and zebras call the Serengeti home. They traverse the grasslands, their hooves stirring the damp earth. In July, they pack their bags (or rather, their hooves) and embark on a cross-border adventure to Kenya’s Masai Mara. The Mara River awaits, its currents a test of courage. By August and September, they wade through, defying crocodiles and currents. The Serengeti bids them farewell, knowing they’ll return when the rains beckon.

In the Footsteps of Giants

As you stand on the Serengeti plains, the wind whispers secrets—the stories of lions stalking prey, elephants trumpeting their wisdom, and cheetahs sprinting toward destiny. The climate, like an invisible hand, shapes these tales. So, whether you’re a traveler or a wildebeest, remember: the Serengeti’s weather is more than numbers—it’s the heartbeat of life itself.

Note: As you explore, wear your sun hat and embrace the rain. For in the Serengeti, every drop and every ray is a brushstroke on nature’s canvas.

Guide Of Month By Month Weather Condition In The Serengeti National Park)

In January, Serengeti National Park experiences the heart of its short dry season, featuring warm temperatures around 84°F (29°C). February brings a slight rise in temperature, reaching highs of 86°F (30°C). March marks the beginning of the long rainy season, with average temperatures around 81°F (27°C). April sees increased rainfall, creating lush landscapes. May continues the wet season, with temperatures ranging from 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C).

• Serengeti weather in January

In Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, January, like December, is a relatively hot summer month, with average temperatures ranging from 15 °C (59°F) to 28 °C (82.4°F). The warmest months are January through March and October, with an average high temperature of 28°C (82.4°F).

January is the start of the calving season in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu region, when thousands of baby wildebeest are born on the plains every day. Another bonus of travelling in January is the chance to see numerous migratory bird species in the park.

• Serengeti weather in February

The penultimate month of summer, February, is another warm month in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. With average temperatures ranging from 15 °C (59 °F) to 28 °C (82.4 °F). January through March and October are the warmest months, with an average high temperature of 28 °C (82.4 °F). During February in Serengeti National Park, rain occurs for 13 days and routinely accumulates up to 100 mm (3.94″) of precipitation.

February has the same climate as January – warm days with highs of up to 29C, and some rain – an average of 14 days a month. February is the best month to see wildebeest calving in the Ndutu Region and Southern Serengeti.

• Serengeti weather in March

March, the first month of autumn, is also a moderately hot month in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, with average temperatures ranging from 28°C (82.4°F) to 15°C (59°F). The warmest months are January through March and October, with an average high temperature of 28°C (82.4°F).

March is the start of the “long rains” season – the three wettest months of the year. It rains most days of the month, although it doesn’t usually rain for the entire day. Average day time highs are 29C, while nights go down to a cool 16C.

• Serengeti weather in April

April, like March, is another warm fall month in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, with temperatures ranging from an average low of 16°C (60.8°F) to an average high of 26°C (78.8°F). The average high temperature in April is nearly the same as it was in March – a still warm 26°C (78.8°F).

While calving season has ended, the herds of wildebeest are still in the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu Region, sustained by the lush grass on the plains. However, the herds have also started moving northwards, so you can catch them on the move in the Seronera/Central Serengeti region too.

• May’s weather in Serengeti

May, the penultimate month of fall, is another warm month in Serengeti National Park, with temperatures ranging from an average high of 25°C (77°F) to an average low of 15°C (59°F). The coldest months are May through July, with an average high temperature of 25 °C (77 °F).

The Central Serengeti is the best region to base yourself in for the month of May, as the Great Migration herds are on the move through the heart of the park this month. Towards the end of the month, the herds have moved into the Western Corridor.

• June’s weather in Serengeti

June, the first month of winter, is also a moderately hot month in Serengeti National Park. With average temperatures ranging from 13 °C (55.4 °F) to 25 °C (77 °F). May through July are the coolest months, with an average high temperature of 25 °C (77 °F).

June marks the beginning of the dry season – the peak time to be in the park. There’s little rain, and temperatures range from 27C during the day to 15C at night. In June, the herds move from the Western Corridor into the Grumeti (making the crossing of the Grumeti River) so either of these areas would be a good base.

• July’s weather in Serengeti

July, like June, is a relatively hot winter month in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. With average temperatures ranging from 13°C (55.4°F) to 25°C (77°F). May through July are the coolest months, with an average high temperature of 25 °C (77 °F), Climate and Weather in Serengeti National.

serengeti in July is the driest month of the entire year, and also the coolest. While day time highs peak at 26C, night time averages are 14C – and can sometimes be even colder so be sure to pack warm clothing for the evenings and early morning game drives.

• Serengeti weather in August

Serengeti in August, the penultimate month of winter, is another warm month in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. With average temperatures ranging from 14 °C (57.2 °F) to 26 °C (78.8 °F). The average high temperature in Serengeti National Park in August is similar to that of July—a still moderately hot 26°C (78.8°F).

July through November is traditionally considered the best time to view the Great Migration. Between July and August, the wildebeest move en masse into Kenya’s Maasai Mara, crossing the Mara River in staggering numbers.

• Weather in September

September, the first month of spring, is still a warm month in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, with average temperatures ranging from 14 °C (57.2 °F) to 27 °C (80.6 °F). Everything to Know About Weather & Climate in Serengeti National Park. The average high temperature in Serengeti National Park is nearly the same as in August—a still moderately hot 27°C (80.6°F).

September sees the herds spread out across the northern Serengeti, where the Mara River provides the migration with its most serious obstacle. This river gushes through the northern Serengeti from Kenya’s adjacent Maasai Mara Game Reserve.

• Serengeti weather in October

In Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, October is another warm spring month, with average temperatures ranging from 28°C (82.4°F) to 15°C (59°F). The warmest months are January through March and October, with an average high temperature of 28°C (82.4°F).

The best time to visit Serengeti is from late June to October. This is also the best time to witness the Wildbeest migration. I would suggest you to plan your trip around the movement of the great migration of wildbeest. You can also go through wildlife recent sightings index for the other details about the sighting.

• Serengeti weather in November

November, the last month of spring, is also a moderately hot month in Serengeti National Park, with temperatures averaging 15 °C (59 °F) and a high of 27 °C (80.6 °F). The average high temperature at Serengeti National Park is nearly the same as in October—a still warm 27°C (80.6°F).

Serengeti in November: the short rains begin around early November. A little after this, in late November and December, the herds of the wildebeest migration arrive on the short-grass plains of the Serengeti. These are south and east of Seronera, around Ndutu and include the north of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

• Serengeti weather in December

The first month of summer, December, is also a moderately hot month in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, with average temperatures ranging from 15 °C (59 °F) to 27 °C (80.6 °F). The average high temperature in December remains the same as in November-a still moderately hot 27°C (80.6°F).

serengeti in december: While December falls during one of the rainy seasons in the Serengeti, the afternoon thundershowers usually clear up quickly, so they don’t tend to cause much disruption to a safari. The rains have turned the plains of the Serengeti lush and green, and the skies are dust free, which makes for great photos.

Understanding the Weather & climate in Serengeti National Park enhances your safari experience. Whether you’re captivated by the Great Migration or the diverse wildlife, Serengeti promises an unforgettable journey. Plan wisely, pack accordingly, and immerse yourself in the wonders of this iconic national park.