Serengeti National Park

Weather & Climate

2,856 Serengeti Safaris

Expert

By Philip Briggs

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania.

Climate Chart Serengeti National Park – 1,140-2,099m / 3,740-6,886ft

The climate in Serengeti National Park is usually moderate and pleasant. It never gets very hot, but it is consistently cool to cold at night and in the early mornings. Don't forget to take warm clothing.

Serengeti's Dry season is from June to October. The Wet season consists of two rainy periods: the short rains (November to December) and the long rains (March to May), with a dry spell in between. During the Wet season, it rarely rains all day, but afternoon thundershowers can be expected.

Dry Season –June to October

Afternoon temperatures are usually around 26°C/79°F. The sky is clear most days. It gets cold at night with minimum temperatures around 14°C/57°F.

June, July, August & September – Occasional cold fronts are possible, with temperatures close to freezing. It's usually chilly early in the morning.
October – The short rains might start at the end of October if they are early.

Wet Season –November to May

As in the Dry season, temperatures are moderate. Afternoon temperatures are usually around 27°C/81°F, and nighttime temperatures are around 15°C/59°F.

November & December – 'Short rains' – An unpredictable period of about a month of rains occurs sometime between November and December. The rains will be unlikely to interfere with your safari.
January & February – There is usually a dry spell between the short and long rains. The exact timing is unpredictable.
March, April & May – 'Long rains' – These are the wettest months. It tends to rain most days, although seldom for the whole day. It is often cloudy.