There’s no bad time to visit the Serengeti wildlife is exceptional year-round. But there is a best time for your priorities, whether that’s witnessing Mara River crossings, catching calving season, avoiding crowds, or getting better value.
This guide breaks down every month in the Serengeti for 2026, including where the migration is, the current weather conditions, what you can expect to see, and the associated costs.
The Quick Answer
For Great Migration river crossings: July to October in Northern Serengeti (Kogatende area)
For calving season: Late January to March in Southern Serengeti (Ndutu)
For fewer crowds and lower prices: April to May (green season)
For big cats year-round: Central Serengeti (Seronera) any month
For optimal balance of weather, wildlife, and value: June (early dry season) or late October/November (shoulder season)
Now let’s break down each month in detail.
Understanding Serengeti Seasons
The Serengeti has a subtropical climate moderated by elevation (920-1,850 metres). Located near the equator, it maintains relatively consistent temperatures year-round, but rainfall varies dramatically and drives the entire migration cycle.
Dry Season (June–October):
Peak safari season. Vegetation thins out, making wildlife easier to spot. Animals concentrate around water sources. The famous Mara River crossings take place during this period, characterised by clear skies, minimal rainfall, and cool-to-warm temperatures. Expect premium pricing and booking requirements.
Wet Season (November–May):
Split into two distinct rainy periods:
• Short Rains (November–December): Unpredictable rainfall, typically afternoon showers that rarely disrupt game drives. Landscapes green up quickly. Triggers the migration’s return south.
• Long Rains (March–May): More consistent rainfall, especially in April. Landscapes are lush and green. Some roads are challenging. Lowest prices and fewest tourists. Wildlife is still excellent.
Key Climate Data:
• Average high temperatures: 25-28°C (77-82°F) year-round
• Average low temperatures: 13-16°C (55-61°F) year-round
• Coldest nights: June-July (can drop to 10°C/50°F at higher elevations)
• Wettest month: April (137mm average rainfall, 21 rainy days)
• Driest month: July (9mm average rainfall, 6 rainy days)
• Sunshine: 7-8 hours daily year-round (even rainy season has morning sun)
January
Migration Location: Southern Serengeti and Ndutu herds gathering on the short-grass plains, preparing for calving
Weather: Warm and relatively dry (between short and long rains). Daytime 28°C (82°F), overnight 15°C (59°F). Occasional showers, approximately 81mm rainfall over 13 days. 8 hours of daily sunshine.
Wildlife Highlights: Early calving begins (peaks in February). Massive herds concentrated in one area, possibly the highest wildlife density you’ll see anywhere on Earth. Big cats are positioning for the feast. Excellent predator-prey encounters. Newborn zebras are also appearing.
Crowd Level: Moderate to high calving season draws serious wildlife enthusiasts and photographers
Pricing: High season rates
Best Region: Ndutu, Lake Masek, Southern Serengeti plains
Verdict: Excellent month. The build-up to peak calving creates incredible wildlife density. Book 4-6 months ahead for Ndutu camps.
February
Migration Location: Southern Serengeti, Ndutu, Lake Masek, Kusini Plains
Weather: Warm with increasing rainfall. Daytime 28°C (82°F), overnight 15°C (59°F). Approximately 100mm of rainfall over 13 days. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, but mornings are typically clear.
Wildlife Highlights: PEAK CALVING SEASON. Up to 8,000 wildebeest calves born daily, 400,000-500,000 total in just 2-3 weeks. Newborns take first steps within 10-15 minutes of birth. Predators everywhere: lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and jackals hunting vulnerable calves. This is the migration’s most emotionally intense chapter.
Crowd Level: High in the Ndutu area, mobile camps sell out months ahead
Pricing: High season rates
Best Region: Ndutu (epicentre), Lake Masek, Kusini Plains
Verdict: One of the best months to visit the Serengeti. The calving spectacle is unforgettable, tender scenes of new life alongside intense predator action. Book 4-6 months ahead.
March
Migration Location: Southern Serengeti and Ndutu (beginning to shift toward Central Serengeti by late March)
Weather: Long rains begin. Daytime 28°C (82°F), overnight 15-16°C (59-61°F). Approximately 121mm rainfall over 16 days. Afternoon thunderstorms, but 8 hours daily sunshine. Dramatic skies, lush green landscapes excellent for photography.
Wildlife Highlights: Calving season wrapping up. Still excellent predator activity late-born calves remain vulnerable. Herds beginning their northwest movement. Green landscapes make for stunning photography. Birdlife peaks with migratory species.
Crowd Level: Moderate (dropping as rains increase)
Pricing: Transitioning to shoulder season better value than February
Best Region: Ndutu (early March), Seronera transition zone (late March)
Verdict: Underrated month. Excellent for photography dramatic storm light, green landscapes, predator action. Rains typically afternoon showers that don’t stop game drives.
April
Migration Location: Central Serengeti (Seronera area) herds on the move northwest
Weather: Peak long rains wettest month of the year. Daytime 26°C (79°F), overnight 15°C (59°F). Approximately 137mm of rainfall over 21 days. Heavy afternoon showers, humid conditions. 7 hours of sunshine daily.
Wildlife Highlights: The herds are marching! Columns of wildebeest can stretch for 40+ kilometres. Lush vegetation makes spotting slightly harder, but landscapes are stunning. Resident wildlife in Seronera remains excellent, big cats don’t stop hunting because of rain.
Crowd Level: Low (off-season), some camps close for maintenance
Pricing: Low season significant discounts at most lodges (30-50% off peak rates)
Best Region: Central Serengeti (Seronera), Western Corridor if accessible
Verdict: Excellent value if you don’t mind rain. Wildlife is still there, tourists aren’t. Some roads may be challenging. Not for first-time visitors expecting a classic dry-season safari experience.
May
Migration Location: Central to Western Serengeti moving toward the Grumeti River
Weather: Long rains ending. Daytime 25°C (77°F), overnight 15°C (59°F). Approximately 68mm of rainfall over 15 days, much drier than April. Clearer skies, cooler temperatures.
Wildlife Highlights: Massive herds consolidating for the push toward the Western Corridor. Good predator viewing continues. Birdlife peaks with migratory species. Mating season begins, and rutting behaviour is visible.
Crowd Level: Low (still off-season, but picking up)
Pricing: Low to shoulder season rates are an excellent value
Best Region: Central Serengeti (early May), Western Corridor (late May)
Verdict: Highly underrated. Late May sees improving weather with low-season prices. One of the best value windows for serious safari travellers.
June
Migration Location: Western Corridor herds massing around the Grumeti River
Weather: Dry season begins. Daytime 25-26°C (77-79°F), overnight 15°C (59°F). Approximately 23mm of rainfall over 8 days. Cool, clear, excellent visibility. Occasional cold fronts possible.
Wildlife Highlights: First river crossings of the year! Grumeti crocodiles (up to 5-6 metres) are waiting for the herds. Less famous than the Mara crossings, but dramatic and far less crowded. Excellent predator activity along the river.
Crowd Level: Moderate (high season starting)
Pricing: Transitioning to high-season rates
Best Region: Western Corridor (Grumeti), Central Serengeti
Verdict: Excellent choice. River crossing drama without peak-season crowds or prices. Singita Grumeti properties particularly shine. The coolest month brings layers for early morning drives.
July
Migration Location: Northern Serengeti herds approaching the Mara River
Weather: Peak dry season. Daytime 25°C (77°F), overnight 13°C (55°F), coldest nights of the year. Just 9mm rainfall over 6 days (driest month). Crisp mornings, clear days, excellent visibility.
Wildlife Highlights: The Mara River crossings begin the migration’s most iconic spectacle. Wildebeest plunging into crocodile-infested waters, chaos, drama, and triumph. Big cats hunting along riverbanks. Herds concentrated in a smaller area create exceptional wildlife density.
Crowd Level: High (peak season begins)
Pricing: Peak season rates are expected to pay premium prices
Best Region: Northern Serengeti (Kogatende, Lamai)
Verdict: Peak season for good reason. If Mara River crossings are your priority, July-October is the window. Book 9-12 months ahead for Northern Serengeti camps.
August
Migration Location: Northern Serengeti and spilling into Kenya’s Masai Mara
Weather: Dry and warming. Daytime 25-26°C (77-79°F), overnight 14°C (57°F). Approximately 19mm rainfall. Perfect safari conditions clear skies, minimal dust, excellent visibility.
Wildlife Highlights: PEAK Mara River crossings. Herds cross and recross multiple times. Massive crocodile ambushes, vultures circling, predators prowling. Some of the most dramatic wildlife footage in the world is captured this month.
Crowd Level: Very high busiest month of the year
Pricing: Peak season highest rates of the year
Best Region: Northern Serengeti (Kogatende, Lamai, Lobo)
Verdict: If you want to guarantee crossings, August is your best bet but you’ll pay for it and share the experience with many other visitors. Book 12+ months ahead.
September
Migration Location: Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara (herds spread across both)
Weather: Dry and warming. Daytime 26°C (79°F), overnight 14°C (57°F). Approximately 19mm of rainfall. Excellent visibility, clear skies.
Wildlife Highlights: River crossings continue. Herds begin thinking about the return journey south. Excellent predator viewing as animals concentrate near the remaining water. Less than half the herd crosses into Kenya, with excellent viewing possible in both countries.
Crowd Level: High (still peak season but slightly less intense than August)
Pricing: Peak season rates
Best Region: Northern Serengeti (Kogatende, Lamai)
Verdict: Excellent alternative to August, with similar crossing action with marginally fewer crowds. Consider a combined Tanzania-Kenya itinerary.
October
Migration Location: Northern and Eastern Serengeti herds turning south, passing through Lobo and Loliondo
Weather: Hot and dry early month, short rains may begin late in the month. Daytime 27°C (81°F), overnight 15°C (59°F). Approximately 70mm of rainfall. Warming up, possible storms late month.
Wildlife Highlights: Last river crossings of the season. Herds begin to return south. Wildlife concentrated around the remaining water sources. The Lobo Hills area is particularly good.
Crowd Level: Moderate to high (shoulder season beginning)
Pricing: Transitioning from peak to shoulder season, improving value
Best Region: Northern Serengeti (Lobo, Kogatende), Eastern Serengeti
Verdict: Excellent month. Catch late crossings with improved value. Less crowded than August-September. Hot but not uncomfortable.
November
Migration Location: Eastern Serengeti heading south toward Central Serengeti
Weather: Short rains begin. Daytime 27°C (81°F), overnight 15°C (59°F). Approximately 100mm rainfall over 15 days. Afternoon showers, landscapes greening rapidly.
Wildlife Highlights: Migration on the move south. Fresh green grass brings out grazing herds. Baby zebras and gazelles. Predators follow. Excellent birdwatching migratory species arriving.
Crowd Level: Low to moderate (shoulder season)
Pricing: Shoulder season good value
Best Region: Eastern Serengeti, Central Serengeti (Seronera)
Verdict: Highly underrated. Beautiful green landscapes, excellent wildlife, fewer tourists, and better prices. Short rains usually don’t disrupt game drives; they’re typically brief afternoon showers.
December
Migration Location: Central to Southern Serengeti herds arriving on the short-grass plains
Weather: Short rains ending. Daytime 27°C (81°F), overnight 15°C (59°F). Approximately 97mm of rainfall over 15 days. Sunny periods between showers, green, lush landscapes.
Wildlife Highlights: Migration arriving in the south. Herds are spreading across the Ndutu plains. Early calves may appear late month. Green, lush landscapes, excellent photography.
Crowd Level: Moderate to high (festive season brings international travellers)
Pricing: High season rates (Christmas/New Year premium)
Best Region: Central Serengeti (early December), Southern Serengeti/Ndutu (late December)
Verdict: Great for families during school holidays. Migration building, landscapes beautiful, festive atmosphere. Book well ahead for Christmas/New Year premium properties sell out early.
Best Time to Visit: Quick Comparison
For Mara River crossings: July-October (Northern Serengeti). August is the peak month.
For calving season: Late January-March (Southern Serengeti/Ndutu). February is the peak month.
For big cats: Year-round in Central Serengeti (Seronera). Dry season (June-October) offers the best visibility.
For fewer crowds: April-May or November. The green season offers excellent value.
For photography: February (calving + predators), March (dramatic skies), July-September (crossings). The green season offers unique landscape shots.
For budget-conscious travellers: April-May offers 30-50% discounts. Late November is also a good value.
For families with school children: December-February (school holidays align with calving) or July-August (European summer).
For optimal balance of weather, wildlife, and value: June (early dry season, Grumeti crossings, lower prices than peak) or late October/November (shoulder season).
Ready to Plan Your Serengeti Safari?
Now you know when to go, the next step is figuring out what it costs and where to stay.
Use our Safari Budget Calculator to estimate your costs, read our comprehensive Serengeti Safari Guide for region-by-region recommendations, and check Where Is the Migration Now? for this month’s live update.
