When To Visit Serengeti National Park

Shoulder Season (November to March)

The shoulder season is a Great Time To Visit The Serengeti. It offers a balance between the high season and the low season.

During this time, the crowds are thinner, and the weather is still relatively dry, making it a good time for game viewing. Highlights and challenges of visiting Serengeti from November to March are:

Highlights	Challenges
Lower prices for accommodations and activities compared to peak season.	Unpredictable weather, with occasional rain showers and high temperatures.
The chance to see the wildebeest and zebra herds in the southern plains during the calving season.	The wildebeest and zebra herds may not be present in some areas of the park during certain times of the shoulder season.
Fewer crowds of tourists, make it easier to spot wildlife and have a more peaceful experience.	Some lodges and camps may be closed during this time, limiting accommodation options.
The lush green vegetation during the short rainy season can make for stunning landscapes and great photography opportunities.	The roads in the park can be muddy and difficult to navigate during the short rainy season.

Low Season (April to May)

The low season in Serengeti National Park starts in April and continues until May. It offers the chance to see newborn animals, beautiful landscapes, and lower prices.

However, the wet and humid weather, limited accommodation options, and the potential for muddy roads may require more planning and flexibility. Low Season’s highlights and challenges:

Highlights	Challenges
Lower prices for accommodations and activities compared to peak season.	The weather is wet and humid, which can make outdoor activities more challenging.
The chance to see newborn animals, including wildebeest and zebra offspring, is high.	Some lodges and camps may be closed during this time, limiting accommodation options.
The lush green vegetation and wildflowers can make for beautiful landscapes and photography opportunities.	The roads in the park can be muddy and difficult to navigate during the long rainy season.
Fewer tourists are in the park, providing a more peaceful and secluded experience.	The animal sightings may not be as abundant as during the peak season, and the predators may be less visible.

Weather And Climate

Travellers coming for Tanzania Safari often perceive that the place is very. But, contrary to the popular belief, Serengeti experiences a pleasant and moderate climate.

The best part about Safaris In Serengeti is that it doesn’t get uncomfortably hot frequently. Also, the temperatures drop late in the night and early morning. All in all, the weather and climate patterns in Serengeti are influenced by its geographical location, altitude, and surrounding topography

Temperatures and Rainfalls Patterns in Serengeti

As we know by now, Serengeti experiences two distinct seasons: the wet season and the dry season. Let’s go through the temperature and rainfall patterns that are experienced during these two seasons.

Dry Season

• During the dry season, the temperatures are relatively high, with average highs reaching around 25°C (77°F) in the afternoons and lows dropping to around 14°C (57°F) at night. June to September experiences cold fronts and temperatures generally close down to freezing. The short rains might start with the advent of October.
• Coming to rainfall, the dry season in Serengeti is known for its low rainfall and dry conditions. The area receives an average of 50-200mm (2-8 inches) of rainfall.

Many of the rivers and water sources dry up. This lack of water can lead to competition among animals for resources, and many herbivores migrate in search of food and water.

Wet Season

• In the wet season, temperatures are slightly cooler, with average highs of around 26°C (79°F) and lows of 15°C (59°F).
• During the wet season, the area receives an average of about 800-1000mm (31-39 inches) of rainfall per year. This rainfall supports the growth of vegetation, which is essential for the survival of Serengeti's wildlife. However, heavy rains can also cause flooding, which can be destructive to the ecosystem.

A representation of a month-by-month overview of the weather and climate in Serengeti National Park is given below. We have also included a column for the number of visitors coming to this Tanzania National Park during a particular month.

Month	Average Maximum (°C)	Average Minimum (°C)	Average Rainfall in mm	Visitors
January	29	26	80	Medium
February	29	16	100	Medium
March	29	16	135	Very few
April	28	16	160	Very few
May	27	15	90	Very few
June	26	15	25	Many
July	26	14	15	Many
August	27	15	30	Many
September	28	15	60	Many
October	28	16	70	Many
November	28	16	115	Few
December	28	16	105	Medium

When To Visit Serengeti National Park For Wildlife Viewing

The Best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park for wildlife viewing depends on what you want to see and experience. Here are some general guidelines:

• The dry season (from late June to October) is the Best Time To Visit Serengeti for wildlife viewing. During this time, animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. You'll have a good chance of seeing the big five and other animals such as giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest.
• Visit between December and July, if you are interested in seeing the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration. The exact timing of the migration can vary from year to year, but generally, the wildebeest move from the southern Serengeti to the northern Serengeti between December and March, and then back again between June and July.
• The rainy season (from November to May) can be a good time to visit the Serengeti for seeing baby animals. Many animals give birth during this time, and you may see newborn wildebeest, zebras, and other animals.

Here is a table summarizing the wildlife viewing in Serengeti National Park:

TIME OF THE YEAR	BEST FOR	ANIMALS YOU MAY SEE
June-October	Wildlife viewing	Lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and more
December - July	Wildebeest migration	Wildebeest, zebras, predators (lions, cheetahs, hyenas)
November - May	Baby animals	Newborn wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and other animals

NOTE: A point to be noted here is that animal sightings are never guaranteed, and can vary based on factors such as weather and animal behaviour.