Planning a trip to East or Southern Africa? Timing is everything. Whether you’re chasing wildlife encounters, sun-soaked beaches, or dramatic landscapes, knowing the best (and worst) times to go can make or break your journey. This guide breaks down the travel seasons by country and month — including cyclone warnings and wildlife hot spots — to help you plan your perfect adventure.
Understanding the Ratings
We’ve rated each destination per month based on general travel conditions:
3 = Excellent — Ideal weather and experiences.
2 = Good — Still enjoyable, though not peak season.
1 = Possible — Some limitations due to weather or accessibility.
0 = Cyclone Season — Best avoided.
🏞️ East Africa
Kenya
Best Months: July–October Kenya shines in the dry season with great wildlife viewing in the Maasai Mara, especially during the Great Migration (July–September). Avoid March–May due to heavy rains.
Rwanda
Best Months: June–September Perfect for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. March–May and November are rainy and muddy.
Tanzania
Best Months: June–October A top safari destination year-round, but best during the dry season for the Serengeti and Zanzibar. Avoid early-year cyclone risk in the southeast.
Uganda
Best Months: June–September Another gem for gorilla trekking, Uganda follows similar patterns to Rwanda. Dry months offer the best jungle and wildlife experiences.
🌍 Southern Africa
South Africa (Cape Town & Coast)
Best Months: November–March Perfect for beaches and wine country. May–August is cooler and rainy. Wildlife viewing is better in other parts of South Africa during winter.
South Africa (Wildlife Reserves)
Best Months: May–September The dry winter months are excellent for safaris in Kruger and other parks — less vegetation means better animal visibility.
Botswana
Best Months: June–October The Okavango Delta is a magical experience in the dry season. Avoid the rainy season early in the year.
Namibia
Best Months: April–October Clear skies, cooler temperatures, and dramatic desert landscapes make it an ideal destination during these months.
Zimbabwe
Best Months: July–October Perfect for Victoria Falls (low water for views, high water earlier for drama) and safaris. January–March are rainy.
Zambia
Best Months: June–October Dry season is ideal for walking safaris in South Luangwa. January–March are very wet, making travel more difficult.
Mozambique (South)
Best Months: April–October Avoid January–March — it’s cyclone season. Southern Mozambique is great for beaches and diving in the cooler months.
Mozambique (North)
Best Months: April–December Northern Mozambique escapes some of the extreme weather of the south but is still best visited outside cyclone season.
Malawi
Best Months: August–October Lake Malawi is beautiful and warm, and wildlife sightings improve in the drier months. Rainy season runs January–March.
🌴 Indian Ocean Islands
Seychelles
Best Months: April–October Avoid the wetter months of December to February. Great for diving, beaches, and sailing outside cyclone season.
Madagascar
Best Months: April–November Cyclone season (January–March) can be severe. Visit during the dry season to experience unique wildlife and landscapes.
Mauritius
Best Months: April–December January–March is cyclone season. Otherwise, the island offers tropical perfection — beaches, snorkeling, and hiking.
✈️ Final Travel Tips
Wildlife seekers: Aim for the dry season in each region for the best game viewing.
Beach lovers: Stick to May–October across coastal regions and islands.
Avoid: January–March in cyclone-prone areas like Madagascar, Mauritius, and southern Mozambique.
Ready to plan your trip? Use this guide to match your dream destinations with the best months, and make the most of your African adventure.
