Seasonal Climates on an African Safari
SEPTEMBER 20, 2017
Yes, African Safaris in East Africa are often planned around seasonal climates, that one should be aware of. Typically, Destined To Travel books seasonal trips during the months of February, May, June, and November. Most of these are off season, specifically in Tanzania, where most of the safaris operate. Off season rates are less expensive, and are often not as crowded as other more popular and/or peak seasons. Let’s talk about the weather during these seasons and what each of the seasons offer.
SEASONAL CLIMATES
February – Season
…..By late January to mid to end of February, perhaps the greatest spectacle of the Serengeti on an African Safari takes place with the wildebeest calving season, followed by hundreds of thousands of zebra. Approximately 8,000 young wildebeest are born every single day during the peak of the season. There truly is nothing that compares to seeing a baby wildebeest take off running just minutes after being born. Come Enjoy The Adventure.
Arusha’s climate compared to Tanzania’s parks
Arusha is the town closest to the most popular northern parks and has a comparably mild climate. The peak amount of rainfall that Arusha experiences in April is considerably less than in most parks. The altitude in the Serengeti ranges greatly, so even within the park there are wide climatic variations. Ngorongoro crater rim receives quite a lot of rain and is very cold during evenings and mornings due to its high altitude (about 2,300m/7,545ft). Lower lying parks, such as Manyara,Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, are slightly warmer than Arusha, especially at night.
January & February – The northern parks and coastal areas tend to have a break in the rainy season with less rain around this time, but the exact timing of the dry spell is unpredictable. The other parks don’t really experience a dry spell. February is one of the warmest months.
March, April & May – ‘Long rains‘ – These are the wettest months. It tends to rain heavily almost every day, although not often for the whole day. It is often cloudy, especially in the northern parks. Humidity tends to be high, especially in the hotter southern and western parks. This is the green season, don’t let a little rain stop you. It is a perfect time to see an extraordinary amount of wildlife. The rains will rarely interfere with your safari.
November & December – ‘Short rains‘ – A period of about a month of short rains which occurs sometime between November and December. Its timing is unpredictable and, in Northern Tanzania, it can even happen in October. The rains will rarely interfere with your safari
Dry season – June to October There is virtually no rainfall during the whole winter (winter in East Africa) and humidity is very low. When water becomes scarce wildlife will gather around predictable water resources.
June, July, August, September & October – Afternoon temperatures are usually between 20°C/68°F and 30°C/86°F and vary greatly according to altitude and location. Most days have a fine, clear sky and sunny weather. It cools off at night; be sure to pack warm clothing because morning game drives in open vehicles will be cold- especially in the northern parks. These are the coldest and least humid months and the most pleasant time of the year to visit the coastal areas. There is very little rain in most of the country.
