Weather and Climate in Serengeti National Park 

Serengeti National Park also known as the Serengeti or Serengeti Plains is the most well-known among Africa’s many savannah regions. The Serengeti is a vast, undulating plains stretching 30,000 square kilometers from Kenya’s Maasai – Mara Game Reserve to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.

The Serengeti is home to one of the highest concentrations of large mammal species including giraffes, hyenas, zebras, lions and elephants on the continent. Each year, more than one million wildebeests travel in a circular migration, following seasonal rains, across the Serengeti Plains. Their grazing and tramping of grass allows new grasses to grow, while their waste helps fertize the soil.

Serengeti National Park “The Serengeti” experience a generally cool and dry season from May to August, a dry and warmer season in September and October, and a wetter and hot season from November and April.

Temperatures in Serengeti National Park

Although Africa is mostly a very hot place, climate in Serengeti National Park is actually very pleasant and moderate. It is seldom gets uncomfortably hot, and temperatures drop during the night and early mornings. The minimum and maximum temperatures vary with the seasons, with the wet season being the warmest.

The minimum and maximum temperatures vary with the seasons, with the wet season being the warmest. The Seronera Area rarely exceeds 37 °C on a hot afternoon in the rainy season, and hardly ever dips below 37 °C on a cold early morning in the dry season.

The average maximum daily temperature changes with elevation: from 15°C near the Ngorongoro Crater Highlands to about 30°C near Lake Victoria. Because of its altitude, Serengeti National Park is a cool island in a much warmer region.

Rainfall Periods in Serengeti National Park 

Serengeti has two rainy periods that is short rains from November to December – the first to break the grip of the dry season. These rains are unpredictable and are unlikely to interfere with your safari. Then the long rains in the period from March to May, which are the highest rainfall months. It seldom rains for the entire day, but remember that it rains on most days. As a result, the park’s landscape turns green and as a result this season is often dubbed the “Green Season”. Sometimes the rains fuse into one extended period, particularly in the north. Or the short rains may fail entirely, especially in the southeast of Serengeti.

Rainfall Gradient 

There is a rainfall gradient from the dry southeast plains (400 mm per year) to the much wetter northwest near the Kenyan border and the Masai Mara (up to 1,200 mm per year). The low rainfall on the Serengeti plains is caused by the rain shadow of the Ngorongoro Crater Area and the Meru – Kilimanjaro Mountain Range.

Prevailing south – easterly winds carrying moisture off the Indian Ocean are forced to rise over these highlands. As the air cools the moisture condenses and the water in the air rains out. However, shifting winds can carry moisture back inland from Lake Victoria, counteracting this effect, and inducing this rainfall gradient.

Serengeti Climate Charts 

	JAN	FEB	MAR	APR	MAY	JUN	JUL	AUG	SEP	OCT	NOV	DEC
Max °C	29	29	29	28	27	26	26	27	28	28	28	28
Min °C	26	16	16	16	15	15	14	15	15	16	16	16

 

Serengeti National Park Weather: Monthly Climate Overview 

Understanding the weather patterns of Serengeti National Park is crucial for planning a successful safari experience, as the climate can greatly impact animal sightings and overall comfort.

January – March 

January – March marks the end of the wet season in the Serengeti. Expect heavy rainfall and high humidity levels during this time, making wildlife sightings a bit more challenging. However, the lush greenery and baby animals born during this period can make for a unique safari experience.

April to June 

As the wet season transitions into the dry season, April typically sees sporadic showers. By May and June, the park starts to dry up, making it easier to spot wildlife congregating around water sources. Day time temperatures are pleasant, but nights can be cooler, requiring warmer clothing.

July to September 

July to September is considered the peak safari season in Serengeti National Park. During these months, the park is dry and wildlife sightings are abundant, including the Great Migration of millions of wildebeests and thousands of zebras and gazelles. The weather is mild and sunny, making it an ideal time for game drives and outdoor activities.

October to December 

The return of the short rains in October, the Serengeti begins its transition back to the wet season. November and December bring increasing rainfall and lush vegetation, attracting a variety of bird species. While wildlife sightings may be more challenging due to dense foliage, the park is still teeming with life.