Serengeti National Park
Best Time to Visit

Serengeti National Park

Your month-by-month wildlife calendar

When to Visit Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti offers incredible wildlife year-round, but the dry season from June to October is when the Great Migration river crossings happen and game viewing is at its absolute best. Avoid the long rains from March to May when roads can become impassable.

Peak Season June - October
Avoid March - May

Month-by-Month Calendar

Click on any month to see detailed wildlife and weather information

January

Great
🌤 Warm & green, 25-30°C
🦁 Calving season in southern Serengeti — 8,000 wildebeest born daily, huge predator activity
👥 Medium 💰 Medium

February

Great
🌤 Warm & green, 25-30°C
🦁 Peak calving continues, lions and cheetahs hunt vulnerable calves on the short-grass plains
👥 Medium 💰 Medium

March

Fair
🌤 Long rains begin, 24-28°C
🦁 Migration herds begin moving north, birdlife peaks with migratory species
👥 Low 💰 Low

April

Avoid
🌤 Heavy rains, 23-27°C
🦁 Roads muddy, some camps close, but lush scenery and fewer tourists
👥 Low 💰 Low

May

Avoid
🌤 Rains easing, 23-27°C
🦁 Migration in western corridor, difficult access in some areas
👥 Low 💰 Low

June

Peak
🌤 Dry season starts, 20-27°C
🦁 Migration reaches western corridor and Grumeti River crossings begin
👥 High 💰 High

July

Peak
🌤 Cool & dry, 18-26°C
🦁 Dramatic Mara River crossings begin, peak predator action, Big Five easily spotted
👥 Peak 💰 Peak

August

Peak
🌤 Cool & dry, 18-26°C
🦁 Peak river crossings continue, massive herds in northern Serengeti
👥 Peak 💰 Peak

September

Peak
🌤 Warming up, 20-28°C
🦁 Migration herds spread across the north, excellent game viewing throughout the park
👥 High 💰 High

October

Great
🌤 Hot & dry, 22-30°C
🦁 Herds begin moving south, short rains approaching, game concentrates at waterholes
👥 High 💰 High

November

Good
🌤 Short rains, 22-28°C
🦁 Short rains green up the plains, migration heading south, good birdwatching
👥 Medium 💰 Medium

December

Good
🌤 Short rains easing, 23-29°C
🦁 Herds arrive on southern plains, green season photography, newborn animals
👥 Medium 💰 Medium

🎯 Our Recommendation

Visit in July or August for the best chance of witnessing dramatic Mara River crossings during the Great Migration. The herds are concentrated in the northern Serengeti, and predator activity is at its peak.

Best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park FAQ

The best time to visit the Serengeti is June to October for the dry season. January to March is ideal for the wildebeest calving season in the southern plains.

Dry season days are warm at 25 to 30 degrees Celsius with cool mornings. The wet season brings afternoon thunderstorms but lush green scenery.

April and May (long rains) bring lower prices and fewer tourists. Travelling during shoulder or low seasons can save you 20 to 40% on accommodation and tours while still providing excellent wildlife viewing.

Peak season at the Serengeti is July to September during the Great Migration river crossings. Book accommodation and tours well in advance for peak dates, as popular lodges and camps sell out months ahead.