Game viewing at Pel's Post Lodge

Best Time to Visit Kruger

November 19, 2024

The dry winter months from April to October are the best times to visit Kruger - vegetation is sparse and animals congregate at waterholes making them easier to spot.

Kruger National Park has a subtropical climate with clear wet and dry seasons. During the summer months, from November to March, it gets hot and often stormy, with temperatures around 30°C (86°F). This time of year the rain turns the park into a green paradise full of life.

On the flip side, the dry winter season from April to October brings cooler temperatures, between 15°C (59°F) and 25°C (77°F) with hardly any rain. This dry season makes it easier to spot wildlife as the vegetation is low and sparse and animals gather around the few water sources available.

January

Weather: Hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms; temperatures range from 20°C to 33°C.
Landscape: Lush and green, with rivers and waterholes brimming.
Wildlife: Excellent for birdwatching as migratory species are present, but the dense vegetation can make spotting animals more challenging.

February

Weather: Similar to January, with hot days and possible rain; temperatures range from 19°C to 32°C.
Landscape: The park remains lush and vibrant.
Wildlife: Calving season for many species, offering a chance to see young animals.

March

Weather: Hot and less humid as the rainy season tapers off; temperatures range from 18°C to 30°C.
Landscape: Still green, with slightly thinner vegetation.
Wildlife: Increased activity as water sources begin to dry up, making animals easier to spot.

April

Weather: Pleasant and warm, with minimal rainfall; temperatures range from 16°C to 29°C.
Landscape: Transitioning into autumn, the greenery starts to fade.
Wildlife: Easier to spot animals as the bush thins out and animals gather at waterholes.

May

Weather: Cooler and dry, marking the start of winter; temperatures range from 12°C to 27°C.
Landscape: Vegetation continues to thin, providing clearer game-viewing conditions.
Wildlife: Game viewing improves as animals move closer to water sources.

June

Weather: Dry with chilly mornings and evenings; daytime temperatures range from 9°C to 25°C.
Landscape: Sparse vegetation offers excellent visibility.
Wildlife: The best time for game drives, as animals are more active during cooler temperatures.

July

Weather: Similar to June, with crisp mornings and sunny days; temperatures range from 8°C to 25°C.
Landscape: Dry and brown, enhancing visibility for wildlife sightings.
Wildlife: High activity around waterholes, and predators are easier to spot.

August

Weather: Warming up slightly but still dry; temperatures range from 10°C to 27°C.
Landscape: Peak dry season with minimal vegetation.
Wildlife: Exceptional game viewing, with animals concentrated around limited water sources.

September

Weather: Transitioning into spring, with warm days and cool nights; temperatures range from 15°C to 29°C.
Landscape: Dry but beginning to show signs of new growth with occasional early rains.
Wildlife: Excellent game viewing continues, and migratory birds start arriving.

October

Weather: Warmer and more humid as the rainy season begins; temperatures range from 17°C to 31°C.
Landscape: New vegetation growth starts, creating a fresh green landscape.
Wildlife: Baby impalas are born, adding to the vibrancy of the bush.

November

Weather: Hot and humid with occasional thunderstorms; temperatures range from 19°C to 32°C.
Landscape: The park transforms into lush greenery.
Wildlife: Young animals are abundant, and birdwatching opportunities are excellent.

December

Weather: Hot with frequent afternoon rains; temperatures range from 20°C to 33°C.
Landscape: Fully green and lush, with water sources replenished.
Wildlife: Spectacular birdwatching and a good time to see young wildlife, though thicker bush can limit visibility.


Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec













AVERAGE  34 34 33 31 28 25 24 26 28 30 31 32
HIGH °C (°F) (93) (93) (91) (88) (82) (77) (75) (79) (82) (86) (88) (90)













AVERAGE  18 18 17 15 12 9 11 13 15 17 18 19
LOW °C (°F) (64) (64) (63) (59) (54) (48) (52) (55) (59) (63) (64) (65)













DAILY  26 26 25 23 20 17 18 20 22 24 25 26
MEAN °C  (°F) 79 79 77 73 68 63 64 67 71 74 76 78













AVERAGE RAINFALL  101 99 66 32 15 6 9 7 19 37 74 92
MM (INCHES) (4) (3,9) (2,6) (1,3) (0,6) (0,2) (0,4) (0,3) (0,7) (1,5) (2,9) (3,6)













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