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WEATHER & THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
WEATHER IN JANUARY
January marks the height of the Kruger’s rainy season, a time of swollen rivers, rainstorms and a dense bushveld. January features cooler early mornings before dawn, but by mid morning it is hot and humid. Thunderstorms and lots of rain are to be expected, but despite this, the bush is a brilliant green with happy animals and a flurry of activity after the rain. Lots of flowers are in the bush and there is water everywhere. Marula trees start to bear their edible yellow fruit much loved by elephants, monkeys, This is one of the best months for bird watching as migratory species flock in and residents like European Rollers and Paradise Whydas in full breeding plumage.
January Temperatures: Day High 34°C (frequently reaches 40°C or higher) | Night Low 21°C | 24-hour Average 27°C
January Temperatures: Day High 34°C (frequently reaches 40°C or higher) | Night Low 21°C | 24-hour Average 27°C
WEATHER IN FEBRUARY
In February, vegetation is lush and flourishing and water lies in hollows in the bush with waterholes filled to capacity, making for another hot and humid month with the chance of muddy, closed or impassable roads. Predators like lions cheetah and wild dogs can be seen on the move, especially early mornings and early evenings. Birds and their fledglings are active, particularly the species who are feasting on insects before heading north in the coming months. Carmine Bee eaters and European Rollers numbers reach their peak during this month. It’s a good time ot visit the park if you are after fewer crowds.
February Temperatures: Day High 33°C (frequently reaches 40°C or higher) | Night Low 20°C | 24-hour Average 26°C
February Temperatures: Day High 33°C (frequently reaches 40°C or higher) | Night Low 20°C | 24-hour Average 26°C
WEATHER IN MARCH
March signals a beautiful, transition as summer starts to wind down. The landscape becomes warmer as a sea of grass seeds - the "Kruger snow" creates a golden haze over the fading emerald plains. While the air remains warm, the bush feels alive and the park is in peak condition.
For bird lovers, the skies buzz with the restless energy of departures as migratory species like swallows and swifts gather in massive numbers pas they prepare for the epic trek north. The resident wildlife is sleek and well-fed, making the entire park feel profoundly lush and healthy.
March Temperatures: Day High 32°C (can reach 38°C) | Night Low 19°C | 24-hour Average 25°C
For bird lovers, the skies buzz with the restless energy of departures as migratory species like swallows and swifts gather in massive numbers pas they prepare for the epic trek north. The resident wildlife is sleek and well-fed, making the entire park feel profoundly lush and healthy.
March Temperatures: Day High 32°C (can reach 38°C) | Night Low 19°C | 24-hour Average 25°C
WEATHER IN APRIL
As summer fades, April brings cooler mornings, radiant light, and the shift to the dry season. Rain becomes a little less frequent and temperatures lower slightly. The park is busy because of Easter school holidays and public holidays in South Africa. The grass begins to thin, making it easier to spot animals as they emerge into the open. Autumn colour start but there is still plenty of green foliage around. Most of the migrant birds have left by now. You’ll continue to find bird activity and grazing herbivores, while predators start appearing more frequently at drying water sources.
April Temperatures: Day High 30°C | Night Low 16°C | 24-hour Average 23°C
April Temperatures: Day High 30°C | Night Low 16°C | 24-hour Average 23°C
WEATHER IN MAY
May ushers in the start of Kruger’s fall and the onset of the cooler months. There is less insect and snake activity. The bush starts to dry out, dirt roads become dryer and trees start to gradually lose their leave. This is a prime month to visit for travellers who want consistent game viewing without peak season crowds. Rain water in natural depressions in the bush begins to dry up, concentrating animals around rivers and pans. The bush thins further. This is the impala rutting season, which means predators are particularly alert.
May Temperatures: Day High 28°C | Night Low 12°C | 24-hour Average 20°C
May Temperatures: Day High 28°C | Night Low 12°C | 24-hour Average 20°C
WEATHER IN JUNE & JULY
June and July are some of the best months to visit for wildlife sightings. It is the dry season; vegetation has thinned out and there is very little colour in the bush. With dry, sunny days, animals gather around permanent water sources and open spaces, making sightings more frequent and closer to the roads. Expect chilly mornings and evenings that can be misty, so pack layers if you’re heading out early. Popular camps and lodges can get busy during South Africa’s winter school holidays. For travellers who value predictable weather and high visibility, this is the most desirable time for a safari.
June and July
Temperatures: Day High 25°C | Night Low 9°C | 24-hour Average 17°C
June and July
Temperatures: Day High 25°C | Night Low 9°C | 24-hour Average 17°C
WEATHER IN AUGUST
The dry winter season reaches its peak in August and daytime temperatures begin to rise significantly. The environment is dry and stark, with animals reliant on fewer water points. This is the best month for predator sightings because there is little foliage to offer camouflage on the trees and bushes. Predators also lurk around the waterholes. Dusty roads and expansive views define this time of year, making for excellent photographs as sunsets and sunrises are spectacular. Some migratory birds like the vivid African Paradise Flycatcher and the Yellow-billed Kite also arrive from the north and grace our skies once again.
August Temperatures: Day High 27°C | Night Low 11°C | 24-hour Average 19°C
August Temperatures: Day High 27°C | Night Low 11°C | 24-hour Average 19°C
WEATHER IN SEPTEMBER
September is a standout time to visit. There is a tinge of green across the bush fresh green shoots start to emerge on most of the trees. Knobthorns are in full flower and the bush is filled with the colour and scent of a myriad of flowering trees and you can feel that the environment is ready to burst into life. Days suddenly get hot and the sun rises noticeably earlier. Golden hour can be particularly rewarding as the last rays of sun catch new spring foliage. Animals remain close to waterholes, rivers and pans as the bush is totally dry. Be on the lookout for increased bird activity and the arrival of the Whalbergs eagle late in the month. September Temperatures: Day High 29°C (can spike to 35°C+) | Night Low 14°C | 24-hour Average 22°C
WEATHER IN OCTOBER& NOVEMBER
We consider ourselves lucky if the rains come early in October and November. Temperatures rise and early summer brings a swell of birdlife raptors, bee-eaters, warblers and other migrant birds fill the air. Days get longer and very hot, the first rains triggering plants to spring into action. The vegetation particularly on the verges of roads gets so green, it hurts your eyes. Mid to late November is the impala calving season, and this is when the Woodland Kingfisher and the European Bee eaters arrive. The rejuvenation and energy of the landscape provides a visual delight.
October and November Temperatures: Day High 31°C (frequently reaches 38°C) | Night Low 18°C | 24-hour Average 24°C
October and November Temperatures: Day High 31°C (frequently reaches 38°C) | Night Low 18°C | 24-hour Average 24°C
WEATHER IN DECEMBER
December is the rainy season bringing showers that can occur at any time of day. The landscape is radiant and the bush starts to look like the English countryside with rolling hills of green grass and trees in full foliage. The month brings more locals and families to the Kruger, so popular camps can book out quickly. December is one of the most radiant times to visit if you’re open to a hot and humid climate. Listen for the woodland kingfisher calling as early as 04:15 - the bush alarm clock!
December Temperatures: Day High 32°C (frequently reaches 40°C) | Night Low 20°C | 24-hour Average 26°C
December Temperatures: Day High 32°C (frequently reaches 40°C) | Night Low 20°C | 24-hour Average 26°C
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