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Choosing when to visit Serengeti National Park is one of the most important decisions in planning your Tanzania safari. Wildlife sightings, weather conditions, crowds, and the famous Great Migration all shift throughout the year — and knowing what happens in each season helps you unlock the safari experience you dream about.
As safari specialists based in Tanzania, we guide travelers through the park year-round. Below is the most accurate, traveler-focused, and easy-to-understand breakdown of Serengeti’s seasons and what to expect month-by-month.
A quick overview before the deep dive.
| Season | Months | Weather | Best For | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Season (Peak) | June – October | Sunny, dry, cooler | Migration crossings, predators, big cats | Most popular season; higher prices |
| Short Rains (Shoulder) | November | Light showers | Green scenery, fewer crowds | Great for photography |
| Green Season (Calving) | December – March | Warm, occasional rain | Calving, predators, landscapes | Dramatic predator action |
| Long Rains (Low Season) | April – May | Heavy rains | Budget safari, empty parks | Lush landscapes, quiet lodges |
This is where the real value is — accurate, field-tested, and traveler-focused.
Best for: Baby animals • Predator sightings • Photography
The Ndutu region becomes the stage for one of Africa’s most dramatic events: the wildebeest calving season. Tens of thousands of newborn calves attract lions, cheetahs, and hyenas in intense predator-prey interactions.
Expect:
Incredible big cat activity
Short grass = easy visibility
Warm, sunny days with light rain
A transition month — still rich in wildlife but with more unpredictable showers. Great for photographers wanting dramatic skies.
Expect fewer crowds than January/February.
Best for: Budget-friendly safaris • Quiet parks • Lush scenery
These are the wettest months in Serengeti. Many travelers avoid them, but if you love privacy and dramatic landscapes — this is your moment.
Pros:
Cheapest time to visit Serengeti
Almost no crowds
Exceptional photography light
Cons:
Some roads muddy
No river crossings yet
Best for: Start of migration northwards
June is the start of the iconic Dry Season and one of the best months for all-round game viewing.
Best for: Great Migration River Crossings
This is the most sought-after safari season in Serengeti’s northern region. Witnessing thousands of wildebeest plunge into crocodile-infested rivers is a life-changing moment.
Expect:
Full lodges
High demand for northern camps
Guaranteed predator action
Still excellent for wildlife, especially in Northern Serengeti. Weather is warm, dry, and perfect for game drives.
Best for: Fewer crowds • Birdwatching • Green landscapes
Short, refreshing rains bring life back to the plains — without interrupting game drives.
The migration herds begin moving back toward the Ndutu area. Holiday season brings busier lodges but still fantastic wildlife.
| Traveler Type | Recommended Months | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First-Time Safari Travelers | June – October | Best general wildlife visibility |
| Migration Lovers | July – September (River Crossings) / Jan – Feb (Calving) | Iconic events |
| Photographers | Dec – March / April – May | Dramatic skies, lush landscapes |
| Families | July – October | Reliable weather |
| Budget Travelers | April – May | Lowest prices |
| Honeymooners | June – September | Stunning weather & luxury camps |
No — wildlife is present year-round.
But April–May has the most rain and July–September is the most crowded.
1. Book early for July–September
Northern Serengeti sells out 10–12 months ahead.
2. If you want the Great Migration — timing is everything
January–March → Calving
July–October → River crossings
October–December → Central/Northern herds
3. Photographers should avoid the dustiest months (Aug–Oct).
Calving season provides cleaner shots and more dramatic skies.
4. April–May isn’t bad — it’s just misunderstood.
This is when safari pros visit.
Our curated itineraries combine stunning destinations, authentic experiences, and expert planning to create the perfect Tanzania safari adventure.
