Climate and Weather in Serengeti National Park : The Serengeti National Park is a well-known safari destination not only in Tanzania and East Africa but across Africa. It is located in Tanzania’s northern safari circuit and is well known for having the highest concentration of predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards. It is also known for its vast wildebeest migration, its old and endless plain environment, a birding paradise, and its unique topography.
Serengeti national park has a larger ecosystem with significant seasonal variations in weather and climate. From May to August, the Serengeti National Park has a generally chilly and dry season; a dry and warmer season in September and October; and a wetter and hotter season from November to April. The climate in the Serengeti is often mild and pleasant. It never gets particularly hot, but it is always cool to cold at night and early in the morning. So, when organizing your safari tour/journey to this Africa’s number one safari park, don’t forget to bring warm clothing.
While the dry season in the Serengeti runs from June through October. Serengeti national park has two rainy seasons: The “short rains” occur between November and December, and the “long rains” occur between March and May. It rarely rains all day during the wet season, but afternoon thundershowers are common.
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK TEMPERATURES.
Although popular perception has it that Africa is mostly hot, the Serengeti’s climate is actually fairly pleasant and mild. It is rarely too hot, and temperatures fall during the night and early morning. The minimum and maximum temperatures differ according to the season, with the wet season being the warmest. The Serengeti Seronera area rarely exceeds 37 °C on a hot day in the wet season and rarely falls below 13 °C on a cold early morning in the dry season.
The typical maximum daily temperature varies according to elevation, ranging from 15 °C near the crater highlands to around 30 °C around Lake Victoria. Serengeti National Park is a “cool island” in a considerably warmer zone due to its elevation.
RAINFALL PATTERNS IN THE SERENGETI
The Serengeti National Park has two distinct seasons. The first is known as the “long rains,” which occur from March to May, and the second as the “short rains,” which occur from November to December. The Serengeti receives approximately 900 to 1000 mm of rain each year on average. The rains in Serengeti, Tanzania are unexpected and are unlikely to disrupt your Tanzania safari.
Long rains follow brief rains in the months of March through May, which have the most rainfall. It rarely rains all day, but keep in mind that it rains most days. As a result, the landscape turns green and this season is sometimes referred to as the “green season.” Rainstorms can sometimes combine into one long period, especially in the north. Alternatively, the short rains may fail totally, particularly in the Serengeti’s southeast, Climate and Weather in Serengeti National Park .
RAINFALL GRADIENT IN SERENGETI
Rainfall varies from the arid southeast plains (400 mm per year) to the somewhat wetter northwest towards the Kenyan border and the Masai Mara (up to 1,200 mm per year). The rain shadow cast by the Ngorongoro Crater Area and the Mt Meru and Kilimanjaro mountain range causes little rainfall on the Serengeti plains. Predominant south-easterly winds delivering moisture from the Indian Ocean are forced to rise over these mountains. Moisture condenses as the air cools, and the water in the air pours out. Shifting winds, on the other hand, can send moisture back inland from Lake Victoria, canceling out this impact and causing the rainfall gradient.
SERENGETI SEASONALITY
Wet season: November to May
The wet season in Serengeti national park is not considered as the best time to visit Serengeti however is has its own advantage and uniqueness to offer to visitors visiting Serengeti in this season. Everyone adores baby animals, and the months of January and February are ideal for viewing wildebeest calves. Unfortunately for the wildebeest, this is also a great moment to spot one of the 2,500 lions of Serengeti. The wet season brings lush vegetation and a chance to view a green Serengeti with fewer tourists. You may also benefit from lower rates.
Birdwatchers enjoy the rainy season because many migratory birds pass through, adding to the multitude of species that live on the plains all year. During the wet season, approximately 500 bird species can be spotted in the Serengeti.
Many tourists avoid traveling to Serengeti, Tanzania during the rainy season, fearing that the weather may ruin their vacation. The rainy season, on the other hand, consists primarily of short bursts of severe rain, after which you can resume your safari activities. The rainy season is at its peak from March to May, and showers can be stronger during this time.
Dry season: June to October
The dry season is likely the ideal time to watch grazing species on the plains of Serengeti national park. Because the plains are not as lush and abounding in vegetation during the dry season, there are several opportunities to see species gathering around waterholes. The wildebeest migration provides some beautiful opportunities around this time. If you travel between June and July, the Grumeti River is the best place to watch this show, while the Mara River is ideal in September.
Because it is dry season, there is less likelihood of rain and more hours of sunshine, so you don’t need to bring your wet weather clothing, and there are less mosquitoes, so there is less chance of malaria. However, between June and August, it can get chilly in the evenings and early mornings, so bring some warm clothing. Also, keep in mind that the park may be more crowded around this time since its tourism peak season.
MONTHLY WEATHER IN THE SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK (a guide of month by month weather condition in the Serengeti national park)
Serengeti weather in January
In Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, January, like December, is a relatively hot summer month, with average temperatures ranging from 15 °C (59°F) to 28 °C (82.4°F). The warmest months are January through March and October, with an average high temperature of 28°C (82.4°F).
Serengeti weather in February
The penultimate month of summer, February, is another warm month in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, with average temperatures ranging from 15 °C (59 °F) to 28 °C (82.4 °F). January through March and October are the warmest months, with an average high temperature of 28 °C (82.4 °F). During February in Serengeti National Park, rain occurs for 13 days and routinely accumulates up to 100 mm (3.94″) of precipitation.
Serengeti weather in March
March, the first month of autumn, is also a moderately hot month in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, with average temperatures ranging from 28°C (82.4°F) to 15°C (59°F). The warmest months are January through March and October, with an average high temperature of 28°C (82.4°F).
Serengeti weather in April
April, like March, is another warm fall month in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, with temperatures ranging from an average low of 16°C (60.8°F) to an average high of 26°C (78.8°F). The average high temperature in April is nearly the same as it was in March – a still warm 26°C (78.8°F).
May’s weather in Serengeti
May, the penultimate month of fall, is another warm month in Serengeti National Park, with temperatures ranging from an average high of 25°C (77°F) to an average low of 15°C (59°F). The coldest months are May through July, with an average high temperature of 25 °C (77 °F).
June’s weather in Serengeti
June, the first month of winter, is also a moderately hot month in Serengeti National Park, with average temperatures ranging from 13 °C (55.4 °F) to 25 °C (77 °F). May through July are the coolest months, with an average high temperature of 25 °C (77 °F).
July’s weather in Serengeti
July, like June, is a relatively hot winter month in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, with average temperatures ranging from 13°C (55.4°F) to 25°C (77°F). May through July are the coolest months, with an average high temperature of 25 °C (77 °F), Climate and Weather in Serengeti National.
Serengeti weather in August
August, the penultimate month of winter, is another warm month in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, with average temperatures ranging from 14 °C (57.2 °F) to 26 °C (78.8 °F). The average high temperature in Serengeti National Park in August is similar to that of July—a still moderately hot 26°C (78.8°F).
Weather in September
September, the first month of spring, is still a warm month in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, with average temperatures ranging from 14 °C (57.2 °F) to 27 °C (80.6 °F). The average high temperature in Serengeti National Park is nearly the same as in August—a still moderately hot 27°C (80.6°F).
Serengeti weather in October
In Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, October is another warm spring month, with average temperatures ranging from 28°C (82.4°F) to 15°C (59°F). The warmest months are January through March and October, with an average high temperature of 28°C (82.4°F).
Serengeti weather in November
November, the last month of spring, is also a moderately hot month in Serengeti National Park, with temperatures averaging 15 °C (59 °F) and a high of 27 °C (80.6 °F). The average high temperature at Serengeti National Park is nearly the same as in October—a still warm 27°C (80.6°F), https://serengetinationalparksafaris.com/.
Serengeti weather in December
The first month of summer, December, is also a moderately hot month in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, with average temperatures ranging from 15 °C (59 °F) to 27 °C (80.6 °F). The average high temperature in December remains the same as in November-a still moderately hot 27°C (80.6°F).
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK, FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SERENGETI’S WEATHER AND CLIMATE.
Is it true that the Serengeti National Park has warm summers and cold winters?
- Yes, the warmest months (with the highest average high temperature) (28°C) are January, February, March, and October. May, June, and July had the lowest average maximum temperatures (25°C). April has the highest average low temperature (16° C).
How hot is it in the Serengeti in July?
- In July, the average temperature in Serengeti National Park fluctuates from a high of 83°F (28°C) to a low of 56°F (14°C), Climate and Weather in Serengeti National Park .
Is the Serengeti considered a desert?
- The Serengeti is a semi-desert grassland that is found primarily in eastern Africa’s dry and semi-arid zones and has been grazed by wildlife and livestock for millennia.
What month is the hottest in Serengeti National Park?
- The warmest months in Serengeti National Park are January through March and October, with average high temperatures of 28 °C (82.4 °F).
How often does it rain in the Serengeti National Park?
- Rain falls on 142 days a year in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, collecting up to 840 mm (33.07″) of precipitation.
What month has the highest sunlight in Serengeti National Park?
- The months with the highest sunshine are January through March and June through December, with an average of 8 hours of sunshine.
What months in Serengeti National Park have the greatest UV index?
- With an average maximum UV index of 12, the months with the greatest UV index in Serengeti National Park are January through May and August through December.
What month has the most rain in Serengeti National Park?
- April is the wettest month in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, with rain falling for 21 days and accumulating up to 137mm (5.39″) of precipitation.
What month has the least sunlight in Serengeti National Park?
- April and May has the least amount of sunshine, with an average of 7 hours.
What month is the coldest in Serengeti National Park?
- May through July are the coolest months, with an average high temperature of 25 °C (77 °F).
In Serengeti National Park, which month has the shortest days?
- May through August have the shortest days in Serengeti National Park, with an average of 12 hours of daylight.
What month is the driest in Serengeti National Park?
- The month with the least rainfall in Serengeti National Park is July, when rain occurs for 6 days and averages 9mm (0.35″).
When do the longest days occur in the Serengeti National Park?
- December offers the longest days of the year, with an average of 12.3 hours of daylight.
