The climate of Serengeti National Park
The typical climate classification for
Serengeti National Park, situated in
Tanzania, comes from the Köppen climate system which identifies it as 'Aw' or 'tropical wet and dry or savanna'. This essentially implies that the park experiences significant contrasting conditions; wet seasons and dry seasons, a feature common with savanna landscapes. Average monthly temperatures sustain a warm climate with high measures fluctuating from 25°C (77°F) in
May,
June and
July to 28°C (82.4°F) in
January,
February and
March, while low temperatures vary marginally from 15°C (59°F) in January, February, March, May,
October,
November and
December to 13°C (55.4°F) in June and July.
A distinguishing aspect of the Serengeti climate is the stark disparity in rainfall levels throughout the year. Despite the park experiencing rainfall throughout the year, average monthly rainfall measures vary widely, from a low 9mm (0.35") in July to a high of 137mm (5.39") in
April. This climatic pattern directly impacts the number of rainfall days, with July providing the least at 6 days, and April presenting the most at 21 days.
A consistent feature of the Serengeti's climate is the stable levels of daylight and sunshine hours. The park experiences an average of 12 to 12.3 daylight hours, and 7 to 8 sunshine hours throughout the year. However, the UV index exhibits a uniform trend remaining between 11 and 12 throughout the entire year, denoting the high-intensity sun exposure typical to such a tropical climate.
The best time to visit Serengeti National Park
Knowledge of the
Serengeti National Park’s climatic patterns aids in determining the best time to plan a visit. The months from
June to
September provide the most favourable weather conditions due to the reduced rainfall and pleasant temperatures. These months see a decline in rainfall from 68mm (2.68") in
May to just 9mm (0.35") in
July, while the number of rainy days diminish from 15 to merely 6 in July. Coupled with consistent temperatures from 25°C (77°F) to 26°C (78.8°F), these months provide the idyllic conditions to admire the rich wildlife and scenic beauty of the Serengeti.
The worst time to visit Serengeti National Park
There are certain times in the year when the climatic conditions in
Serengeti National Park are comparatively challenging. Particularly, the months from
April to
May pose tougher conditions due to the increased rainfall, making journeys across the park quite difficult. These two months experience maximum rainfall levels with April receiving 137mm (5.39") and May with 68mm (2.68").
Spring weather in Serengeti National Park
Springtime in
Serengeti National Park, from
September to
November, exhibits mixed weather conditions. Temperatures during this period remain relatively consistent with highs from 26°C (78.8°F) to 27°C (80.6°F) and lows from 14°C (57.2°F) to 15°C (59°F). A gradual rise in rainfall levels is noticed escalating from 19mm (0.75") in September to 100mm (3.94") in November, while the number of rainfall days increases from 6 to 15.
Summer weather in Serengeti National Park
The summer months in
Serengeti National Park, from
December to
February, are marked by increasing temperatures and rainfall levels. Average monthly temperatures range from 27°C (80.6°F) to 28°C (82.4°F) during this period, while the rainfall escalation commences in December with 97mm (3.82") and climaxes in February with 100mm (3.94").
Autumn weather in Serengeti National Park
Autumn in
Serengeti National Park, from
March to
May, is characterized by a substantial change in weather conditions. March receives 121mm (4.76") of rainfall which peaks in
April with 137mm (5.39"), before significantly dropping to 68mm (2.68") in May. Temperatures, however, demonstrate a descending trend with highs declining from 28°C (82.4°F) in March to 25°C (77°F) in May.
Winter weather in Serengeti National Park
Winter season, extending from
June to
August, is one of the drier and cooler periods in
Serengeti National Park. Rainfall during these months is minimal - starting from 23mm (0.91") in June, reaching the lowest point of the year with just 9mm (0.35") recorded in
July before a slight incline to 19mm (0.75") in August. Similarly, temperatures show the chillier side with an average high of 25°C (77°F) from June to August.
Weather in January
In the Tanzanian region of the
Serengeti National Park,
January ushers in a new year with an array of climatic features. The month is celebrated for its moderate temperatures, strong UV index, and substantial daylight hours. The recorded peak temperature for the month is 28°C (82.4°F).
Weather in January »Weather in February
In the
Serengeti National Park,
February maintains consistency, replicating most of
January's conditions. Temperatures remain moderate, fostering comfortable conditions for nature expedition enthusiasts. One noticeable difference from the preceding month is the increased rainfall, accumulated off 100mm (3.94").
Weather in February »Weather in March
Rolling into
March, the consistent rainfall escalates in the
Serengeti National Park,
Tanzania. The temperature range stays stable, providing optimal conditions for wildlife sightings. Characterized by a precipitation peak, reaching an estimated 121mm (4.76"), this period marks a highlight in the annual weather cycle.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As the
Serengeti National Park ventures into
April, the weather dynamics change slightly compared to the preceding months. A drop in temperature is witnessed, marking a slight wilt in the heat intensity. The monthly rainfall hits a noteworthy 137mm (5.39"), crowning April as the wettest month of the year.
Weather in April »Weather in May
Transitioning into
May, the
Serengeti National Park in
Tanzania experiences notable shifts in its weather system. The shift from the intensive rains of
April to a significantly lower precipitation value is evident. A slight drop in temperature further distinguishes May from the previous months.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in the
Serengeti National Park,
Tanzania, denotes the onset of the dry season. This shift is evident when compared to the heavy rains experienced in the previous months. The recorded temperature range remains pleasant, and the rainfall registers a significantly reduced 23mm (0.91").
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The core of the dry season in Serengeti takes hold in
July. The climate is characterised by a continuation of the low rainfall trend and relative temperature stability. This month has the distinction of having the lowest rainfall of the year, manifested in a 9mm (0.35") recorded measurement.
Weather in July »Weather in August
Weather in September
Weather in October
October in the
Serengeti National Park signifies a gradual transition to the wetter season. Though temperatures maintain their steady range as seen over the dry spell. A palpable increase in rainfall is noted as the skies open up to bestow 51mm (2.01") of precipitation.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November showcases a substantial leap from the arid conditions of previous months to a more rain-filled period within the
Serengeti National Park. The temperature continues to stay within a comfortable range despite the shift in weather trends.
Weather in November » Weather in December