South Africa
Botswana
Namibia
Kenya
Morocco
Mozambique
Tanzania
Zanzibar
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Researching the ideal time to visit for the experience you want is a smart idea when organizing your African safari or vacation. The migratory herds you came to view have moved on, and you do not want to begin your beach vacation during storm season.
Africa typically experiences year-round warmth and sunshine. However, some nations—and even areas within those nations—have diverse climates.
The distinction between the dry and rainy seasons in each region is the most important weather-related consideration when organizing an African safari
| Southern Africa | East Africa | |
|---|---|---|
| Safari Destinations | South Africa Botswana Namibia Zimbabwe Zambia | Kenya Tanzania Uganda Rwanda |
| Dry Seasons | May to October | January to March and June to October |
| Wet Seasons | Around November to April | Around April to June and November to December |
Choosing the best time to visit Southern Africa depends entirely on what you want to see and do
| Experience | Best Time |
| Safari in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia | May to October |
| Cape Town beach holiday | November to March |
| Victoria Falls in full flood | February to July |
| Zebra migration in Botswana | November to February |
| Whale watching in South Africa | July to November |
| Mozambique beach holiday | May to November |
Game Viewing
In Southern Africa, the dry season lasts from May to October.
In South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, game watching is at its peak during the hotter, drier months near the end of the season (with the exception of Namibia, which is fantastic throughout the year). Trees are frequently barren, vegetation is limited, and thirsty animals gather at any remaining waterholes. Seeing wildlife is much simpler under these circumstances.
In the middle of winter, nighttime temperatures are frequently frigid, but daytime temperatures are pleasant, and malaria danger is at its lowest.
The months of December through March are considered the wet season. There are brief but heavy downpours during this hot and somewhat muggy time of year. This time of year offers a unique game viewing experience because of the stunningly green Southern African terrain, the excellent birdlife, and the numerous animal births, particularly when predators swoop in for an easy kill.
Beach Holidays
December through February is the ideal time of year for a beach vacation in South Africa. A thriving nightlife, busy beaches, and beautifully sunny festive happiness are all to be expected. The majority of tourists return home by March, which means cheaper prices and empty beaches through April. It is often regarded as the ideal time of year to visit Africa for a honeymoon.
For comfortable temperatures and the lowest likelihood of rain, Mozambique is best visited between May and November.
In southern Mozambique, January through February is cyclone season; we do not advise traveling during this time.
General Game Viewing and the Wildebeest Migration
All year long, the majority of East African safari regions experience pleasant days, refreshing nights, and top-notch wildlife watching. However, the two different rainy seasons in the area should be noted:
- During the “long rains” in April and May
- (The “brief rains”) November to December
Many safari camps close during the major rainy season, which is the lengthy rains, which typically brings tropical downpours in the afternoons. Although there are sporadic, light showers throughout the short rainy season, safari camps remain open and animal watching is excellent. With pleasant, dry weather, the majority of Kenyan safari destinations and the main Tanzanian safari regions are at their best from January to the end of March and June to October. Nonetheless, a safari during the brief rainy season (November to December) is definitely something to think about. Game viewing is still fantastic, there are not any crowds during the busiest time of year, and you can save money. January through September is the ideal time of year to visit Tanzania for a Serengeti Wildebeest Migration safari. Check out our Wildebeest Migration guide to learn more about the park and make sure you are in the right spot at the right time to see all the excitement. You must visit the Masai Mara between roughly June and November in order to witness the Wildebeest Migration.