DISCOVER ITS BEAUTY AND WILDLIFE

The Best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park Seasons at a Glance

To make planning simple, here’s a snapshot of Serengeti National Park’s seasons and how they align with its most popular activities:
Activity Long Dry Season
Jun–Sep
Short Wet Season
Oct–Nov
Short Dry Season
Dec–Feb
Long Wet Season
Mar–May
Great Migration Viewing Excellent High Excellent Good
Big Cat Viewing Excellent High Excellent Good
Birdwatching High Excellent Excellent Good
Photography Excellent Good Excellent Good

Great Migration Viewing

Long Dry Season
JUN–SEP
Excellent
Short Wet Season
OCT–NOV
High
Short Dry Season
DEC–FEB
Excellent
Long Wet Season
MAR–MAY
Good

Big Cat Viewing

Long Dry Season
JUN–SEP
Excellent
Short Wet Season
OCT–NOV
High
Short Dry Season
DEC–FEB
Excellent
Long Wet Season
MAR–MAY
Good

Birdwatching

Long Dry Season
JUN–SEP
High
Short Wet Season
OCT–NOV
Excellent
Short Dry Season
DEC–FEB
Excellent
Long Wet Season
MAR–MAY
Good

Photography

Long Dry Season
JUN–SEP
Excellent
Short Wet Season
OCT–NOV
Good
Short Dry Season
DEC–FEB
Excellent
Long Wet Season
MAR–MAY
Good

Best Time for Your Main Interest

Best Time to See the Great Migration

The Great Migration is the Serengeti’s defining event, unfolding year-round across different regions of the park. June to September is ideal for dramatic river crossings in the northern Serengeti. December to February brings the calving season in the southern plains, with intense predator action. Each season offers a distinct migration experience rather than a single “best” moment.

Best Time for Big Cat Viewing

Lions, leopards, and cheetahs are present year-round, but sightings peak during the dry seasons when grass is shorter and prey concentrates. The January to February calving period is especially rewarding, with frequent daytime hunting activity.

Best Time for Birdwatching

Birdwatching in the Serengeti is at its best from November to April, when migratory species arrive from Europe and Asia. The green season brings breeding displays, colorful plumage, and abundant insect life, making it a favorite time for bird enthusiasts.

Best Time for Photography

For classic Serengeti imagery, June to September is ideal. From November to April, dramatic cloud formations, fresh greenery, and softer light create atmospheric photographic conditions, particularly during storms and at sunrise.

Serengeti National Park Month-by-Month Travel Guide: Plan Your Visit with the Seasons

Serengeti National Park experiences a warm savanna climate, with temperatures moderated by altitude. Days are generally warm, with cooler mornings and evenings. Daytime temperatures typically range from 68 – 86 °F (20 – 30 °C).

Traveling to the Serengeti: January & February

  • The short dry season coincides with the Great Migration calving season in the southern Serengeti. Wildlife density is exceptional, and predator activity is at its most intense.
  • What to pack: Light layers, sun protection, warm jacket for mornings.
  • Temp: 70 – 85 °F (21 – 29 °C). Rain: Low (30–60 mm/month).

January

Calving begins; excellent big cat sightings.

February

Peak calving season with dramatic predator interactions.

Traveling to the Serengeti: March to May

  • The long rains transform the Serengeti into a lush, green landscape. Wildlife remains present, and crowds thin significantly. This is a quieter, more atmospheric season.
  • What to pack: Lightweight waterproofs, quick-dry clothing.
  • Temp: 68 – 82 °F (20 – 28 °C). Rain: Heaviest in April (120 – 200 mm/month).

March

Migration begins moving west; fresh greenery.

April

Wettest month; dramatic skies and low visitor numbers.

May

Rains ease; landscapes remain vivid and scenic.

Traveling to the Serengeti: June to September

  • This is peak safari season. Dry conditions concentrate wildlife near permanent water sources, and the migration moves toward the western corridor and northern Serengeti.
  • What to pack: Neutral safari clothing, layers, warm evenings jacket.
  • Temp: 65 – 80 °F (18 – 27 °C). Rain: Very low (10–30 mm/month).

July

River crossings begin in the north.

August

Peak crossings and exceptional wildlife visibility.

September

Dry, clear conditions with outstanding photography.

Traveling to the Serengeti: October & November

  • The short rains refresh the landscape without disrupting safari activities. The migration begins moving south, and birdlife increases.
  • What to pack: Light waterproofs, sun protection.
  • Temp: 70 – 85 °F (21 – 29 °C). Rain: Moderate (40–90 mm/month).

October

Dry early in the month; excellent visibility.

November

Greener plains and returning migratory birds.

1 of 4

Historical temperature average

Serengeti National Park enjoys warm, stable temperatures year-round, typically ranging from 65 – 86 °F (18 – 30 °C). Dry seasons offer optimal visibility and dust-lit drama, while the green season enhances color, contrast, and atmosphere.

General weather summary in November

Feel like

-

What to wear

-

Daylight length

-

Chance of rain

-

Amount

-

Wind speed

-

Humidity

-

Sunrise

-

Sunset

-

Temperature

30

20

10

0

86

68

50

32

General weather summary in December

Feel like

-

What to wear

-

Daylight length

-

Chance of rain

-

Amount

-

Wind speed

-

Humidity

-

Sunrise

-

Sunset

-

Temperature

30

20

10

0

86

68

50

32

General weather summary in January

Feel like

-

What to wear

-

Daylight length

-

Chance of rain

-

Amount

-

Wind speed

-

Humidity

-

Sunrise

-

Sunset

-

Temperature

30

20

10

0

86

68

50

32

General weather summary in February

Feel like

-

What to wear

-

Daylight length

-

Chance of rain

-

Amount

-

Wind speed

-

Humidity

-

Sunrise

-

Sunset

-

Temperature

30

20

10

0

86

68

50

32

General weather summary in March

Feel like

-

What to wear

-

Daylight length

-

Chance of rain

-

Amount

-

Wind speed

-

Humidity

-

Sunrise

-

Sunset

-

Temperature

30

20

10

0

86

68

50

32

General weather summary in April

Feel like

-

What to wear

-

Daylight length

-

Chance of rain

-

Amount

-

Wind speed

-

Humidity

-

Sunrise

-

Sunset

-

Temperature

30

20

10

0

86

68

50

32

General weather summary in May

Feel like

-

What to wear

-

Daylight length

-

Chance of rain

-

Amount

-

Wind speed

-

Humidity

-

Sunrise

-

Sunset

-

Temperature

30

20

10

0

86

68

50

32

General weather summary in June

Feel like

-

What to wear

-

Daylight length

-

Chance of rain

-

Amount

-

Wind speed

-

Humidity

-

Sunrise

-

Sunset

-

Temperature

30

20

10

0

86

68

50

32

General weather summary in July

Feel like

-

What to wear

-

Daylight length

-

Chance of rain

-

Amount

-

Wind speed

-

Humidity

-

Sunrise

-

Sunset

-

Temperature

30

20

10

0

86

68

50

32

General weather summary in August

Feel like

-

What to wear

-

Daylight length

-

Chance of rain

-

Amount

-

Wind speed

-

Humidity

-

Sunrise

-

Sunset

-

Temperature

30

20

10

0

86

68

50

32

General weather summary in September

Feel like

-

What to wear

-

Daylight length

-

Chance of rain

-

Amount

-

Wind speed

-

Humidity

-

Sunrise

-

Sunset

-

Temperature

30

20

10

0

86

68

50

32

General weather summary in October

Feel like

-

What to wear

-

Daylight length

-

Chance of rain

-

Amount

-

Wind speed

-

Humidity

-

Sunrise

-

Sunset

-

Temperature

30

20

10

0

86

68

50

32

Safari & Wildlife Tours in Serengeti National Park

Explore the Serengeti through expertly curated safari itineraries that align with the seasons and your interests—whether that’s following the Great Migration, focusing on big cats, or enjoying a fly-in safari to remote regions of the park. Tailor-made journeys ensure you experience the Serengeti at its very best.

7 days
Tanzania Safari

Serengeti Migration Magic Safari

Ngorongoro Serengeti

Jambo!  Welcome to Tanzania.  Africa Flash McTours is proud to present our 7-day Serengeti Migration Magic Safari.  This tour has been designed to enhance your chanc

View Tour

Price From $2,890

4 days
Tanzania Safari

Over and Above Serengeti

Serengeti

Jambo!  Welcome to Tanzania.  Africa Flash McTours proudly presents our 4-day Over and Above Serengeti tour, designed especially for those with limited time or lookin

View Tour

Price From $1,980

3 days
Tanzania Safari

Wonders of the Serengeti Safari

Serengeti

Serengeti National Park, with its wide vistas and rich animal and bird life, is one of the most desired destinations in Africa.On this 3-day 

View Tour

Price From $1,055

1 of 3
7 days
Tanzania Safari

Serengeti Migration Magic Safari

Ngorongoro Serengeti

Jambo!  Welcome to Tanzania.  Africa Flash McTours is proud to present our 7-day Serengeti Migration Magic Safari.  This tour has been designed to enhance your chanc

View Tour

Price From $2,890

4 days
Tanzania Safari

Over and Above Serengeti

Serengeti

Jambo!  Welcome to Tanzania.  Africa Flash McTours proudly presents our 4-day Over and Above Serengeti tour, designed especially for those with limited time or lookin

View Tour

Price From $1,980

3 days
Tanzania Safari

Wonders of the Serengeti Safari

Serengeti

Serengeti National Park, with its wide vistas and rich animal and bird life, is one of the most desired destinations in Africa.On this 3-day 

View Tour

Price From $1,055

FAQs About the Best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park









Do you have any other questions?

Get in touch with one of our experts for a free consultation.

Help me plan

ADVANTAGES OF BOOKING WITH FLASHMC TOURS

Personalized service by travel experts with first-hand knowledge

Customizable tours to your preference

400+ 5-star TripAdvisor and Google reviews

Booking Security - Money - back guarantee & 24/7 support

×

Flash McTours and Travel

Click one of our representatives below to chat on WhatsApp

× How can I help you?