JANUARY:
The weather almost everywhere is hot, especially along the coast. It’s also dry, including on Kilimanjaro, and this dry, warm season from December into February can be an ideal time to scale the mountain.
FEBRUARY:
The weather continues to be hot, but in parts of the country the rains start falling, giving relief from the drought and bringing green landscapes, flowers and birds.
Wildebeest Calving Season:
In one of nature’s greatest spectacles, over 8000 wildebeest calves are born each day in the southern Serengeti, although about 40% of these will die before they are four months old.
MARCH:
The long rains move into full swing by late March, although it seldom rains all day or every day. Some hotels close. Those that remain open often offer low-season discounts, and you’ll have many areas to yourself.
APRIL:
Wildebeest Migration:
The wildebeest – until now widely scattered over the southern Serengeti the western reaches of Ngorongoro Conservation Area – begin to form thou-sands-strong herds that start migrating north and west in search of food.
JUNE:
With the ending of the rains, the air is clear and landscapes are slowly beginning to dry out. Temperatures are also considerably cooler.
Serengeti Wildebeest Migration:
As the southern Serengeti dries out, vast wildebeest herds continue migrating northwestward in search of food, crossing the Grumeti River en route. The timing of the crossing (which lasts about a week) varies from year to year, anywhere from May to July.
JULY:
Cool, dry July marks the start of peak travel season, with higher prices (and crowds) for safaris and lodges. It’s an optimal wildlife-watching month, with sparse vegetation and animals congregating at dwindling water sources.
AUGUST:
Dry weather continues, as does the Serengeti wildebeest migration. Wildlife watching almost every where is at its prime.
SEPTEMBER:
September is a delightful month throughout the country, with pleasant temperatures, dry weather, good animal-spotting and many things to do.
OCTOBER:
The weather is mostly dry throughout the country, with a profusion of lavender jacaranda blossoms in higher-lying towns and same rains. It’s still a fine time for wildlife watching, without the crowds of July and August.
NOVEMBER:
Increasing temperatures are mitigated by the arrival of mango season and by the short rains that are now falling in many areas. It’s still a pleasant travel time, before the holiday travel high season.
