Choosing the Best Time to Travel to Africa – Monthly Climate Guide of Africa
Best Time To Visit Africa For Kenya Safari & Beach
The Nairobi weather. You’ve probably heard most of the time people arguing it out that the best time of year to visit Nairobi for warm-weather activities is from early July to mid-October and when you look at our analytics below, it’s nothing but the truth. Travelling depends on the choices you make and therefore we only offer suggestions based on what we’ve experienced over the last couple of years and the present weather patterns.
For those seeking beach/pool adventures based on this, the best time of year to visit Nairobi for hot-weather activities is from late January to late March.
The best time for an African safari varies by region, but generally, dry seasons, like from May to October, offer excellent wildlife viewing months. This is a cooler time of the year and you are more likely to see animals, who are searching for water sources.
For East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda) is at its best in their winter months of mid-May to October when the parks are dry, the weather sunny and you are more likely to see animals, who are searching for water sources.
June to October
The Dry Season
These are the coldest months. With June and July experiencing similar weather characteristics, August comes in as a relatively moderate hot month also classified as the last month of the winter. Then comes September also moderately hot with fluctuating temperatures ranging in between 14.2°C (57.6°F) and 24.6°C (76.3°F). We finish off with October which apart from marking the start of the rains, is a rather warm month which similar to September you’re set to experience fluctuating temperatures. It is advisable to pack warm clothing, as morning game drives in open vehicles will be cold. There is very little rain in most of the country.
November to May
The Wet Season
Starting the year with a moderately hot summer these months experience a dry spell in the rainy season occurs with less rainfall. This seasons are considered superb for travelers whose priority is big game viewing.
‘Long rains’: Known as the best times to take that safari, the game is exceptionally good the bush is left beautiful, and green, the Great Migration is in full flow. These months get the most rain. It’s very cloudy, especially in the highlands, and Plateaus. Humidity is higher and will be particularly noticeable in the coastal regions.
‘Short rains’: With the start of the rains as late as around mid- to the end of November this period is unpredictable since the short rains between November and December that lasts about a month. The rain is sometimes heavy, but mostly falls in the late afternoon, morning hours or evening, the showers won’t affect your safari in any way.
Monthly Climate Guide of Africa, When To Go On Safari
Best Time To Visit Africa, Arusha Tanzania
Given the fact that the Tanzania climate is termed comfortable all year-round, there are noteworthy variations in some of the areas.
We’ve taken note of the two rainy seasons experienced in this region, with the heaviest rains falling in between mid-March to May whilst the shorter period of rain follows from November to mid-January. Talking about the dry season, takes course from May through to October.
June to October
The Dry Season
With the just concluded rains by June, be sure to pack warm clothing because morning game drives in open vehicles will be cold, especially in the northern parks. Prepare yourself for a drop in temperatures as the dry climate settles in for the succeeding several months.
Consider wearing warm clothes during the evenings and early mornings whereas during midday put on some lightweight clothing.
Game drives in open vehicles might be cold, especially in the northern parks.
With July being another cool, dry month in Tanzania. It can be quite cold at night and in the early mornings, especially at higher elevations.
Welcoming the month of August you’ll experience mild temperatures, with lows and highs. Cold nights through to early mornings.
Then comes September and October where temperatures in tend to be comfortable during the day with cool early mornings then finally October the last month of the dry season relatively cool, clear and sunny.
November to May
The Wet Season
‘Long rains’
‘Short rains’
Starting off with January which marks the end of the short rains you’ll expect high temperatures, those seeking to travel should come prepared for clear, sunny days. Fast forward to February which apart from being considered a warm month, there’s still that possibility of experiencing short rains we can conclude that when we talk about these two seasons, there’s that aspect of unpredictability.
Switching focus to March we enter their main rainy season occurring from mid-March through to April during which heavy rains continue, and you should expect occasional rains all day. Heavy showers are common, equip yourself with waterproof rain coats/ jackets. On to May there’s no change in regards to the constant rains but the landscape has already started to take shape and is much greener.
Talking of November, short rains begin, can even happen in October during which you should expect much lighter showers which are less predictable and during the day it’s clear and warm. We suggest you come equipped with warm clothes due to the changing weather patterns.
As we approach December our suggestions remain the same as for November since we’re still experiencing random showers so it is advisable to pack warm clothes for early morning game drives.
