Best Time to Visit
Your complete month-by-month guide to East Africa's seasons, weather patterns, wildlife movements, and travel conditions.
Quick Season Overview
Peak Dry Season
June - October
Best wildlife viewing, Great Migration, perfect weather. High prices and crowds.
Short Dry Season
January - February
Excellent conditions, calving season, warm weather. Peak pricing applies.
Short Rains
November - December
Light rains, green landscapes, fewer tourists, good value. Generally pleasant.
Long Rains
March - May
Lowest prices, dramatic scenery, fewer crowds. Expect daily rain, some closures.
Jump to Month
Month-by-Month Guide
January
Dry Season
Overall Rating
Excellent
Highlights
- ✓Peak safari season - excellent wildlife viewing
- ✓Great Migration in southern Serengeti (calving season)
- ✓Perfect weather for gorilla trekking in Uganda/Rwanda
- ✓Warm and dry across most destinations
Considerations
- !Peak tourist season - book well in advance
- !Higher prices for accommodation
- !Popular parks can be crowded
February
Dry Season
Overall Rating
Excellent
Highlights
- ✓Wildebeest calving continues in Serengeti
- ✓Excellent predator viewing (lions, cheetahs)
- ✓Dry weather perfect for photography
- ✓Great beach weather in Zanzibar
Considerations
- !Still peak season pricing
- !February is short - book early
- !Very hot in some regions
March
Long Rains Begin
Overall Rating
Good
Highlights
- ✓Fewer tourists, lower prices
- ✓Lush green landscapes, great for photography
- ✓Excellent birding season begins
- ✓Great Migration moves north
Considerations
- !Afternoon rains likely (mornings usually clear)
- !Some remote roads may be difficult
- !Humidity increases
April
Long Rains
Overall Rating
Fair
Highlights
- ✓Lowest prices of the year
- ✓Dramatic landscapes and waterfalls
- ✓Fewer tourists - private experiences
- ✓Excellent for birding enthusiasts
Considerations
- !Peak rainy season - expect daily rain
- !Some camps/lodges may close
- !Tougher trekking conditions
- !Not ideal for first-time visitors
May
Long Rains
Overall Rating
Fair
Highlights
- ✓Very low tourist numbers
- ✓Budget-friendly rates
- ✓Green season beauty
- ✓Baby animals everywhere
Considerations
- !Heavy rains continue
- !Some areas inaccessible
- !Limited lodge availability
- !Great Migration crossing preparations
June
Dry Season Begins
Overall Rating
Excellent
Highlights
- ✓Dry season begins - excellent conditions
- ✓Great Migration river crossings start
- ✓Perfect gorilla trekking weather
- ✓Wildlife concentrates around water
Considerations
- !Prices increase as season picks up
- !Book safari accommodations early
- !Popular time for families (school holidays)
July
Peak Dry Season
Overall Rating
Excellent
Highlights
- ✓Peak Great Migration - river crossings
- ✓Best month for Masai Mara
- ✓Excellent weather across all destinations
- ✓Prime wildlife viewing everywhere
Considerations
- !Peak season - highest prices
- !Very busy in popular parks
- !Must book 6-12 months ahead
- !Can be cold at night in highlands
August
Peak Dry Season
Overall Rating
Excellent
Highlights
- ✓Great Migration peak in Masai Mara
- ✓Spectacular river crossings
- ✓Best overall safari month
- ✓Perfect for all activities
Considerations
- !Absolute peak pricing
- !Highest tourist numbers
- !Advance booking essential
- !Some parks very crowded
September
Dry Season
Overall Rating
Excellent
Highlights
- ✓Great Migration still in Masai Mara
- ✓Excellent wildlife viewing
- ✓Good weather continues
- ✓Slightly fewer crowds than Aug
Considerations
- !Still high season prices
- !Can be dusty in some areas
- !Popular migration viewing spots busy
October
Short Rains Begin
Overall Rating
Good
Highlights
- ✓Great Migration returns to Serengeti
- ✓Shoulder season - good value
- ✓Less crowded than peak months
- ✓Still good weather overall
Considerations
- !Short rains begin (usually light)
- !More unpredictable weather
- !Some afternoon showers
November
Short Rains
Overall Rating
Good
Highlights
- ✓Lower prices return
- ✓Green landscapes emerge
- ✓Good birding season
- ✓Fewer tourists
Considerations
- !Short rains continue
- !Variable weather patterns
- !Some muddy conditions
- !Great Migration scattered
December
Short Rains End
Overall Rating
Excellent
Highlights
- ✓Holiday season - festive atmosphere
- ✓Rains taper off
- ✓Beautiful green landscapes
- ✓Great Migration moving south
Considerations
- !Prices increase for holidays
- !Popular family travel time
- !Book early for Christmas/New Year
- !Some lingering rain possible
Destination-Specific Timing
Kenya - Masai Mara
Great Migration: July - October (peak river crossings)
Best Overall: June - October, January - February
Avoid: April - May (heavy rains)
Tanzania - Serengeti
Calving Season: January - February (southern Serengeti)
River Crossings: June - October (northern Serengeti)
Best Overall: June - October, January - February
Budget Season: March - May (green season)
Uganda - Gorilla Trekking
Dry Season (Best): June - August, December - February
Wet Season (Still Good): March - May, September - November
Note: Gorilla trekking is possible year-round; dry season offers easier hiking
Rwanda - Volcanoes National Park
Peak Dry: June - September, December - February
Shoulder: January, November (good weather, fewer crowds)
Wet Season: March - May (lower prices, lush scenery)
Zanzibar - Beach Paradise
Perfect Beach Weather: June - October (dry, sunny, calm seas)
Hot & Humid: December - February (great diving visibility)
Rainy Seasons: March - May (long rains), November (short rains)
Best Diving: October - March (whale sharks October - November)
Planning Your Trip?
Peak Season Travelers: Book 6-12 months ahead for July-October and January-February.
Budget Travelers: March-May and November offer excellent value with fewer tourists.
Flexible Travelers: June and September offer great conditions with slightly fewer crowds than peak months.
First-Time Safari Goers: June-October provides the most reliable weather and wildlife viewing.