Africa is a massive continent and the climates vary significantly by region, and even within regions. What may be a lovely time to visit Cape Town could be the rainy season in Zambia. Contact us to determine the best time for you to travel based on your interests – we are the safari experts at Africa Easy!
In Southern Africa, as far as months of the year are concerned, the general rule is that the cool, dry WINTER MONTHS of the Southern Hemisphere are best for game-viewing safaris into the interior of the region. During this time, a general absence of surface water causes game to concentrate around the few remaining sources of drinking water; the short grass and absence of foliage also make for easier sightings of the animals.
During the warmer Southern Hemisphere’s summer months (November to April), dramatic afternoon thunderstorms transform the bush into a lush green paradise, alive with newborn babies of every species. The animals are, however, more dispersed, and dense green foliage makes them more difficult to see. This is the ideal time to visit the coastline, especially the Western Cape coast of South Africa. The area around Cape Town and the Cape of Good Hope, quite in contrast to the rest of the region, experiences winter rainfall, and summers are warm and dry – often much like the climate of San Francisco.
In Tanzania and Kenya each season has its own distinct advantages, and each area has its best moments. The annual wildebeest migration is an incredible event only witnessed in East Africa.
The equator, the geography, the time of year and the Indian Ocean trade winds are all factors that influence the weather in Kenya and Tanzania and should be taken into account if you are planning any type of African safari travel.
Hot Days and Cooler Evenings on Safari – As a general rule of thumb, on safari you should expect hot days and cooler evenings. No matter what time of year you are traveling, we always recommend that you travel with at least a warm sweater and a light rain jacket.
Tropical Weather on the Coast – Traveling to Zanzibar and Kenya coastal areas you can expect the weather to be humid and tropical with occasional light breezes.
December to March – This is summer in East Africa and temperatures are warm. The short rains from early November to late March are sporadic and don’t last long. Game viewing in the Serengeti and diving in Zanzibar are excellent now.
April to June – The long rains are from early April through early June-but don’t be put off: safaris are still good in the Serengeti, Lake Manyara and the Masai Mara. It is also less expensive and less crowded for travelers during this season, which makes it one of the best times to go.
July to November – This season offers comfortable temperatures and is a popular time for travel because of summer holidays in the Northern Hemisphere. It can get very busy, so do be sure to book well in advance. If you want to climb Kilimanjaro, now is the time to do it!
