January - Peak Season
The southern plains come alive. Over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born between January and March, with peak births averaging 8,000 per day in February. Predator activity around the calving herds is relentless; lions, cheetahs, and hyenas shadow the newborns. Warm days with occasional short showers. The Ndutu area is the place to be.
- Wildebeest calving season in the southern plains
- High predator activity around calving herds
- Excellent birdwatching — migratory species present
Tip: Book accommodation in the southern Serengeti or Ndutu for front-row seats. Morning drives are best — predators hunt at dawn.
- Temperature
- 28°C
- Rainfall
- 50mm
- Crowd Level
- Med
- Wildlife Viewing
- 85%
- Photography
- 80%
- Road Access
- 90%
- Value for Money
- 60%
February - Peak Season
Calving peaks. The southern plains carry the highest density of herbivores anywhere in the ecosystem. Cheetah and lion hunts play out on open ground with clear sightlines. Green-season light is soft and dramatic.
- Wildebeest calving season in the southern plains
- High predator activity around calving herds
- Excellent birdwatching — migratory species present
Tip: February is arguably the best month for wildlife photography in the Serengeti. Bring a long lens for predator-prey action.
- Temperature
- 28°C
- Rainfall
- 55mm
- Crowd Level
- Med
- Wildlife Viewing
- 90%
- Photography
- 85%
- Road Access
- 85%
- Value for Money
- 55%
March - Rainy Season
The long rains begin. Heavy afternoon downpours are common, though mornings are often clear. The herds start moving northwest. Some roads become challenging, but the landscape is spectacularly green and lush.
- Wildebeest calving season in the southern plains
- High predator activity around calving herds
- Excellent birdwatching — migratory species present
Tip: Pack waterproof layers and expect muddy roads. The trade-off is incredible value — lodge rates drop significantly and you'll often have sightings entirely to yourself.
- Temperature
- 27°C
- Rainfall
- 120mm
- Crowd Level
- Low
- Wildlife Viewing
- 60%
- Photography
- 55%
- Road Access
- 50%
- Value for Money
- 85%
April - Rainy Season
The wettest month. Sustained rainfall makes some areas difficult to access. Many camps close or offer deep discounts. For the adventurous, the park has a raw, untouched beauty — and resident wildlife is still very much present.
- Wildebeest calving season in the southern plains
- High predator activity around calving herds
- Excellent birdwatching — migratory species present
Tip: If you're flexible and don't mind rain, April offers the most affordable safari experience. Focus on central Serengeti where roads are more maintained.
- Temperature
- 26°C
- Rainfall
- 150mm
- Crowd Level
- Low
- Wildlife Viewing
- 50%
- Photography
- 45%
- Road Access
- 40%
- Value for Money
- 90%
May - Rainy Season
The rains begin to ease towards month's end. The herds are gathering in the western corridor, preparing for river crossings. A transitional month with improving conditions and excellent value.
- Wildebeest calving season in the southern plains
- High predator activity around calving herds
- Excellent birdwatching — migratory species present
Tip: Late May is a hidden gem — the rains tail off, rates are still low season, but wildlife concentrations in the western corridor are building towards the dramatic crossings.
- Temperature
- 26°C
- Rainfall
- 100mm
- Crowd Level
- Low
- Wildlife Viewing
- 55%
- Photography
- 50%
- Road Access
- 45%
- Value for Money
- 90%
June - Shoulder Season
The dry season begins. Crisp mornings and clear skies. The migration herds gather at the Grumeti River for the first major crossings. A wonderful time to visit with moderate crowds and improving conditions.
- Wildebeest calving season in the southern plains
- High predator activity around calving herds
- Excellent birdwatching — migratory species present
Tip: The western corridor is the place to be in June. Book lodges near the Grumeti River for the best chance of witnessing dramatic crossings. Bring warm layers for early morning drives.
- Temperature
- 25°C
- Rainfall
- 30mm
- Crowd Level
- Med
- Wildlife Viewing
- 75%
- Photography
- 75%
- Road Access
- 80%
- Value for Money
- 70%
July - Peak Season
Peak dry season. The great herds move through the northern Serengeti towards the Mara River. Crossings are dramatic and frequent. This is high season — busy but spectacular.
- Wildebeest calving season in the southern plains
- High predator activity around calving herds
- Excellent birdwatching — migratory species present
Tip: Book well in advance — 6 to 12 months for the best northern camps. The Lamai Wedge and Kogatende areas offer the closest access to the Mara River crossings.
- Temperature
- 25°C
- Rainfall
- 15mm
- Crowd Level
- High
- Wildlife Viewing
- 95%
- Photography
- 90%
- Road Access
- 95%
- Value for Money
- 45%
August - Peak Season
The pinnacle of safari season. River crossings continue at their most dramatic. The northern Serengeti is alive with wildlife. Expect premium pricing but once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
- Wildebeest calving season in the southern plains
- High predator activity around calving herds
- Excellent birdwatching — migratory species present
Tip: This is the busiest and most expensive month, but for good reason. If budget allows, a mobile tented camp offers the most immersive experience right in the migration path.
- Temperature
- 26°C
- Rainfall
- 15mm
- Crowd Level
- High
- Wildlife Viewing
- 95%
- Photography
- 90%
- Road Access
- 95%
- Value for Money
- 40%
September - Peak Season
The migration lingers in the north. Crossings continue, though the herds begin their return south. Warm days, clear skies, and excellent visibility. Still high season but slightly less frenetic than August.
- Wildebeest calving season in the southern plains
- High predator activity around calving herds
- Excellent birdwatching — migratory species present
Tip: September offers a sweet spot — still peak wildlife but slightly thinner crowds than July/August. The return migration south begins, offering unique viewing as herds spread across wider areas.
- Temperature
- 27°C
- Rainfall
- 20mm
- Crowd Level
- High
- Wildlife Viewing
- 90%
- Photography
- 90%
- Road Access
- 95%
- Value for Money
- 45%
October - Peak Season
The short rains approach. The herds move through the central Serengeti heading south. Warm temperatures and the first scattered showers freshen the landscape. Excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather near remaining water.
- Wildebeest calving season in the southern plains
- High predator activity around calving herds
- Excellent birdwatching — migratory species present
Tip: October is underrated — migration is still visible, crowds thin out, and rates begin to ease. The central Seronera area is excellent as animals pass through.
- Temperature
- 28°C
- Rainfall
- 40mm
- Crowd Level
- Med
- Wildlife Viewing
- 80%
- Photography
- 80%
- Road Access
- 85%
- Value for Money
- 55%
November - Shoulder Season
The short rains arrive. Green landscapes return and the herds push further south. Afternoon showers are typical but mornings are usually clear. Resident wildlife is active and the birding is excellent.
- Wildebeest calving season in the southern plains
- High predator activity around calving herds
- Excellent birdwatching — migratory species present
Tip: November is a photographer's secret — the contrast of storm clouds against green plains creates extraordinary light. Rates are lower and many camps offer shoulder-season specials.
- Temperature
- 27°C
- Rainfall
- 80mm
- Crowd Level
- Low
- Wildlife Viewing
- 70%
- Photography
- 65%
- Road Access
- 70%
- Value for Money
- 75%
December - Shoulder Season
The short rains ease and the herds settle into the southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains. A festive time to visit — warm, green, and building towards the calving season. Holiday demand pushes some rates up.
- Wildebeest calving season in the southern plains
- High predator activity around calving herds
- Excellent birdwatching — migratory species present
Tip: December is a great time for families visiting over the holidays. The southern plains are accessible, the rains are lighter, and the build-up to calving season brings huge numbers of animals together.
- Temperature
- 27°C
- Rainfall
- 70mm
- Crowd Level
- Med
- Wildlife Viewing
- 75%
- Photography
- 70%
- Road Access
- 75%
- Value for Money
- 65%
When to Visit The Serengeti
Click on a month to explore weather, wildlife events, and what to expect
January
Peak SeasonWhat to Expect
The southern plains come alive. Over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born between January and March, with peak births averaging 8,000 per day in February. Predator activity around the calving herds is relentless; lions, cheetahs, and hyenas shadow the newborns. Warm days with occasional short showers. The Ndutu area is the place to be.
Wildlife Highlights
- Wildebeest calving season in the southern plains
- High predator activity around calving herds
- Excellent birdwatching — migratory species present
Legend's Tip
Book accommodation in the southern Serengeti or Ndutu for front-row seats. Morning drives are best — predators hunt at dawn.