When to visit Kruger National Park

One of the most asked questions whenever anyone is starting to plan their safari trip to Kruger National Park is “when is the best time to visit Kruger?”. There’s a bit of info out there already on this topic, but none as detailed as this (self-proclaimed) amazing article. Or so I would like to think, anyway. 🙂

Before I get into the details around weather, animal behaviour, breeding seasons and the like let me first give you the overarching answer to your pressing question: there is no bad time to visit Kruger. Every month and season has its own charm and advantages. No matter when you visit, you will fall in love with Kruger National Park and have AMAZING sightings!

The other thing I will say is this: these are general guidelines about what to expect for each month and season based on data and considerable experience, however nothing is set in stone. I have visited Kruger in February (summer) and had cold weather and then (the same year) had a 39 degree day in August (winter). Things are also very different based on whether the park is in severe drought or not!

Below I have outlined what we believe to be the key pros and cons of each month for your Kruger safari, so you can try to determine what aligns most with your priorities and tastes. At the very end of the article I’ll also cover our favourite time to visit!

Don’t forget for more info or help with your safari itinerary, get in touch and I’ll get back to you within 24 hours!

Visiting Kruger in January and February (summer)

January and February are summer months in South Africa, and temperatures can get pretty high – mostly getting up to mid/high 30’s (celsius) in the day and remaining in the 20’s overnight. This makes it less comfortable for camping, and you are much more likely to want to use air conditioning in both your car and accommodation. The summer months in Kruger are also the time you are most likely to have rain in the park, so you need to be prepared for rainy days. Rain can negatively impact game viewing as animals tend to find shelter and visibility is poorer, however you can still get excellent sightings (and very cool photos) in rainy weather.

It’s also important to note that some years the drought means there’s not much rain at all, and at these times the bush is not green, dams are not full and animals are even more likely to be at whatever waterholes that still have water. Drought periods can be quite sad as so much wildlife is visibly suffering (particularly hippos and buffaloes) however game viewing (for predators) is excellent during drought periods.

Here are a few pros and cons when visiting the park in summer months (assuming no drought):

The good:

• The bush is green and very pretty, but grass is usually not yet long enough to make sightings really difficult
• Wildflowers are also out in force during this time adding to the beauty
• Great for photography with lots of greenery, flowers and stormy skies
• Great for seeing lots of newborn and baby impalas
• Lots of water in dams/rivers – good for herbivores (specially hippos)
• Animals are typically looking healthy and well-fed with the abundance of food
• Summer months are typically best to see baby animals (even though most mammals have babies all-year-round)
• Lots of summer migratory birds are visiting like European rollers, Woodland’s Kingfishers, European bee-eaters etc
• Most birds have their breeding plumage, which makes identification easier (and they can also look prettier)
• More animals swimming in waterholes due to the heat – especially elephants!
• Early mornings and evenings are pleasant, there’s no need for big jackets to stay warm
• Longest gate times meaning more time in the park (camp gates open 4:30am in Jan and 5:30am in Feb, and close 6:30pm ) – this can also be a bad thing for sleep!
• The camp gates in January open one hour before the entrance gates, which means if you are staying in the park you get a full hour before the crowds from outside join you! This is particularly valuable for camps near entrance gates like Crocodile Bridge, Berg en Dal, Malelane, Pretoriuskop, Orpen, Tamboti and even Skukuza and Lower Sabie.

The not as good:

• It’s hot! Temperatures can get pretty high making it less comfortable without air conditioning
• The heat means it’s much harder to tolerate driving all day with windows down
• The longer days of game viewing mean less downtime and sleep time (if you are like us and like to be out the gate at opening and back in the gate at closing time)
• Higher chance of rain
• The first couple of weeks of January are very busy due to South African school holidays (avoid if possible)
• Some roads may be closed due to rain/flooding
• The bush is more dense due to rain, so can be a bit harder to see/spot wildlife (compared to winter)
• You may be less likely to see predators around waterholes as there’s so much water availability elsewhere due to rain puddles
• Senior discounts from 15 Jan to 14 March mean campsites can be more difficult to find
• This is peak season for mosquitos, so the risk of malaria is higher

Overall February might be slightly better than January due to slightly cooler days and a less busier park, however the grass may be a bit longer and denser.

Visiting Kruger in March and April (Autumn)

March and April are a great time to visit the park from a climate perspective, with less rain compared to the summer months and more tolerable temperatures (while still being generally warm). The park is usually still very green and pretty during these months, however assuming there is no serious drought, this is also when the bush is typically the thickest. This density of foliage makes for much more difficult game viewing as animals can hide quite easily in long grass! However it can also mean that some animals (including cats) may prefer to walk on roads to avoid the long grass – which can mean even better sightings.

The good:

• The bush is green and very pretty making for good photography
• Usually still water in dams/rivers – good for herbivores (specially hippos)
• Animals are typically looking healthy and well-fed with the abundance of food
• Summer migratory birds are still around, like European rollers, Woodland’s Kingfishers, European bee-eaters, cuckoos etc
• Temperatures are a lot more tolerable compared to summer, still with warm days and pleasant nights (getting a little cooler in April)
• The gates open later (5:30am in March and 6am in April), meaning you get a more reasonable sleep-in compared to summer (assuming you want to be out during the prime game viewing hours)
• April is rutting season for impalas, so you have a higher chance of seeing males fighting over females
• As autumn develops in April, some of the foliage (especially mopani!) turns to reds and oranges, making for pretty scenery and photography
• Animals may prefer walking on the road to avoid long grass (particularly in the morning when grass may be wet)

The not as good:

• There’s still a higher chance of rain when compared to the following winter months
• There’s always school holidays and lots of public holidays during these months that make it a very busy in the park and hard to book Kruger accommodation
• The bush is usually the most dense during these months, making it harder to see/spot wildlife (compared to winter)
• You may be less likely to see predators around waterholes as it is not as hot and there’s still water sources outside visible waterholes
• Senior discounts from 15 Jan to 14 March mean campsites can be difficult to find
• Typically still mosquitos around with a risk of malaria

March and April can be a great time to visit for photography with lush scenery, autumn colours and plenty of birdlife. It’s also one of the best times in terms of climate, since you typically don’t get the extreme heat of summer nor the very cold mornings/evenings of winter. However be aware that the bush can be denser and grass longer, so you will find it more difficult to get good photos of sleeping cats (as well as find it harder to spot them).

When comparing March with April it’s hard to pick a winner… March has an extra half hour of game viewing time (gate opens earlier), but April has better temperatures and a much lower chance of rain. The most important thing is to try and avoid South African school holidays and public holidays (especially Easter)!

Visiting Kruger in May and June (Autumn/Winter)

As the temperature cools down and rain is much scarcer, the bush starts to dry and thin out in May and June. The summer migrant birds leave the park around May, making this time less desirable for birders. These months have the shortest days (along with July), making for 12 hours of game viewing with gates opening at 6am and closing at 6pm. During these months the park is generally less busier, which make them a very good option to avoid crowded camps and sightings.

The good:

• Temperatures are more comfortable, while still getting up to around 30 in the daytime
• There’s very little rain – almost all days are sunny!
• You get the best sleep-in as gates don’t open until 6am
• There’s usually still water in the waterholes
• May is still rutting season for impalas, so you have a higher chance of seeing males fighting over females
• A great time to see autumn foliage with reds and oranges, making for pretty scenery and photography
• An excellent time to see wildlife as the bush thins out and animals may be active for longer due to the lower temperatures
• Less mosquitos, making risk of malaria lower
• Wild dogs tend to den (have babies) from around May to July, so your chances of seeing wild dog pups are higher (particularly if there is a conveniently located den-site)

The not as good:

• The summer migratory birds leave in May
• It’s much colder, particularly overnight and in the early morning. You will need warm clothes.
• End of June is school holidays in South Africa. Avoid!
• Pensioner pricing in May and climate make it popular for oldies (and much harder to get accommodation, particularly campsites)
• Less time for game-viewing with shorter gate times.
• The scenery loses its lush, green look (not as good for photography)

Early June is one of our favourite times to visit Kruger as you miss the school holidays while enjoying excellent game viewing and beautiful sunny/warm days. We also like the fact you don’t have to get up at (or before) 4am to get out the gate when it opens! It’s amazing how tired you can get after a couple of days driving from 4:30am – 6:30pm! The advantage of May over June would be warmer temperatures, impala rutting and possibility of still seeing some of the migrant birds before they leave.

Visiting Kruger in July and August (Winter)

July and August are very similar to June with respect to game viewing and climate. August temperatures start to get a bit warmer, which is why it’s one of our favourite times to visit. The gate times also change in August to 6am to 6pm again, so you get the full 12 hours of game viewing (but still have the nice sleep-in). School holidays are usually the first 1-2 weeks of July, so that’s a time to avoid if possible as it will be much busier – and harder to get accommodation.

The good:

• Temperatures are more comfortable, while still getting up to around 30 in the daytime
• There’s almost no rain, with all days typically being blue skies and sunny
• Waterholes that still have water are very productive, with higher likelihood of seeing predators nearby
• You get the best sleep-in as gates don’t open until 6am
• Arguably the best time to see wildlife as the bush thins out and animals may be active for longer due to the lower temperatures
• Still possible to see autumn foliage with reds and oranges, making for pretty scenery and photography
• Less mosquitos, making risk of malaria lower
• Wild dogs tend to den (have babies) from around May to July, so your chances of seeing wild dog pups are higher

The not as good:

• Summer migrant birds are not around
• It is cold in the mornings and evenings, warm clothes are needed (layers are best)
• Start of July is school holidays – best to avoid
• Less time for game-viewing with gate times allowing 11.5hrs (July) and 12hrs (August) each day
• The bush is no longer as lush or green, making for less pretty scenery (and not as good as photography)
• Many waterholes may no longer have water in them
• Depending on how much rain the park got during the wet season, animals may be starting to look less healthy due to lack of water and food. In drought periods, some wildlife like buffaloes and hippos may start dying.

Both July and August are great times to visit the park. In our opinion August may edge out July due to the fact there are no school holidays, the gate time closes half an hour later (so you get half an hour more game-viewing), the temps are warmer and the bush is at its driest and thinnest making game viewing excellent.

Visiting Kruger in September and October (Spring)

September and October see spring descend on the park, though depending on the rain it may still take some time for the bush to grow green again. September typically has only a couple of rainy days, with maybe 4-5 in October so it’s still a very good time for game viewing (the bush is still relatively thin and grass not long at all). Temperatures start getting higher with mornings and evenings more comfortable, though a warm jacket may still be needed.

The good:

• Great climate with very warm days and pleasant mornings/evenings
• While there may be some rain, there are still much fewer rainy days when compared to summer
• Waterholes that still have water are very productive, with higher likelihood of seeing predators nearby
• You still get a good sleep-in in September (6am) and a half hour extra game viewing in October (5:30am)
• A great time for game viewing with the bush remaining relatively thin
• Less mosquitos, making risk of malaria lower

The not as good:

• Less chance of seeing summer migrant birds, though some may start returning around October
• There are school holidays at the end of September/start of October – a time to avoid
• Less time for game-viewing compared to summer with gate times allowing 12hrs (September) and 12.5hrs (October)
• The bush hasn’t yet grown lush or green, making for less pretty scenery (and not as good as photography)
• Many waterholes may still not have water in them
• Chance of rain is higher than winter months (but much lower than summer)

We can’t really split these two months in terms of preference – as long as you avoid the school holidays! October might be more chance of rain but also more pleasant mornings and evenings as temperatures get higher.

Visiting Kruger in November/December (Spring/Summer)

November and December see temperatures start climbing to be quite high, particularly during the day. It’s advisable to stay in accommodation with air conditioning during these months. The vegetation should be starting to get quite green, depending when/if the rainy season has picked up. The bush will start getting thicker and grass longer, but it will still be easier to spot game when compared to Feb-April. Chances of rain are much higher, particularly in December. Late December is one of the busiest times in the park, with lots of people looking to celebrate the holidays in true safari style.

The good:

• 

  The bush is greener and pretty, but grass is usually not yet long enough to make sightings really difficult

• Wildflowers start blooming, adding to the beauty
• Great for photography with lots of greenery, flowers and stormy skies
• Impalas start giving birth, so it’s not uncommon to see tiny newborns
• Dams and rivers start filling up with water again – good for herbivores (specially hippos)
• Summer months are typically the best to see baby animals (even though most African mammals have babies all-year-round)
• The summer migratory birds have returned (like European rollers, Woodland’s Kingfishers, European bee-eaters etc)
• Most birds have their breeding plumage, which makes identification easier (and they can also look prettier)
• More animals swimming in waterholes due to the heat – especially elephants!
• Early mornings and evenings are pleasant, there’s no need for big jackets to stay warm
• Longest gate times meaning more time in the park (camp gates open 4:30am in Jan and close 6:30pm ) – as mentioned, this is not good for sleep-ins!
• The camp gates open one hour before the entrance gates, which means if you are staying in the park you get a full hour before the crowds from outside join you! This is particularly valuable for camps near entrance gates like Crocodile Bridge, Berg en Dal, Malelane, Pretoriuskop, Orpen, Tamboti and even Skukuza and Lower Sabie.

The not as good:

• It’s hot! Temperatures can get pretty high making it less comfortable without air conditioning
• The heat means it’s much harder to tolerate driving all day with windows down
• The heat also means a lot of wildlife (especially predators) may spend less time being active during the day (and more time sleeping)
• The longer days of game viewing mean less downtime and sleep time (if you are like us and like to be out the gate at opening and back in the gate at closing time)
• Highest chance of rain
• The last couple of weeks of December are very busy due to South African school holidays (avoid if possible)
• Some roads may be closed due to rain/flooding
• The bush starts to get more dense due to rain, so can be a bit harder to see/spot wildlife (compared to winter)
• You may be less likely to see predators around waterholes as there’s so much water availability elsewhere due to rain puddles
• This is peak season for mosquitos, so the risk of malaria is higher

Out of November and December, November would possibly be the better option due to it being less busy (lots of public holidays and school holidays in December) and not quite as hot. Also the bush should be starting to green up in November without it being too dense or the grass too long, so game viewing should still be very good!

So in conclusion, when is the best time to visit Kruger?

Any time is a good time to visit Kruger – as you can see there are pros and cons to each month! Our personal favourite time is probably winter months –  possibly the best being August (which is when we are going next!) because at this point the temps are a bit warmer and the bush is at its thinnest, making for excellent game viewing. The downside is that it’s not as good for photography as there’s not much green to be found and there are never any stormy skies!

If you’re looking for more help in planning your Kruger safari, check out some of our other advice articles: Where to stay in Kruger, 40 simple Kruger tips, the best roads in Kruger, booking Kruger accommodation and the best picnic sites in Kruger, or get in touch with us (particularly if you want to extend your trip to include a private game lodge!).

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