Serengeti Weather and Climate Explained

Before you choose travel dates, it helps to understand that the Serengeti's climate falls into three distinct periods. The dry season, June through October, brings clear skies and noticeably cooler nights. Dawn temperatures often dip below 15°C, so a proper layer matters for early morning game drives even though the days warm up considerably. The short rains, generally November and December, come as brief afternoon showers instead of sustained downpours, and they rarely spoil a full day of game driving. The long rains, March through May, are the wettest stretch of the year. They're also the quietest season for camp availability and pricing, for travelers who accept the trade-off. Whatever the season, packing in layers matters more than hunting for the "perfect" month, because temperature swings within a single day are often bigger than the gap between seasons. Our Serengeti packing guide and best time to visit guide can help you choose dates.