Elephants of Kruger National Park

The Weather in Kruger National Park

Kruger experiences winter and summer in opposite times as Europe and North America and they correspond to the dry and wet season.   The wet summer months (October to April) are hot and often humid.   Dry winters (May to September) are warm and mild although it cools off considerably at night.   It is advised to take warm clothing for early morning and night game drives.   During the wet season it rarely rains all day, but afternoon thundershowers can be expected.

                 Month        Min °F      Max °F      Rainfall Inches

                January      70 °F         91 °F          3.6”
                February    70 °F         90 °F          3.4”
                March         66 °F         88 °F          2.8”
                April           61 °F          84 °F          1.2”
                May            54 °F          81 °F          0.5”
                June            46 °F          77 °F          0.3”
                July             46 °F          77 °F          0.4”
                August        52 °F          81 °F          0.2”
                September  57 °F          84 °F          0.7”
                October      63 °F          86 °F          1.2”
                November  66 °F          88 °F          2.9”
                December  68 °F          90 °F          3.7”

Dry season

May until September (Winter)

There is virtually no rainfall during the whole winter and humidity is very low.   Animals are attracted to permanent water sources as water becomes scarce in the bush.

May
This is a transitional month and marks the end of summer.   Temperatures are cooling down to typically 54°F in the morning and 81°F in the afternoon.

June - July - August
Morning game drives in open vehicles will be cold, so it's advised to pack warm winter clothing.   The average morning temperature is 48°F. Afternoons will be pleasant with temperatures around 79°F and cloudless skies.

September
The heat gradually builds to about 84°F in the afternoons and the first rains bring relief from very dry conditions.   Mornings are less cold with temperatures around 57°F.

Wet seasons

October until April   (Summer)

It can be uncomfortably hot and humid in summer.  Peak temperatures frequently reach well over 104°F, but average daytime temperatures go up to 90°F with high humidity.   It seldom rains all day, but the pattern is afternoon storms.

October - November
It gets warmer and starts to rain more often, mostly in the afternoons.   Temperatures are between 64°F in the morning and 88°F in the afternoon.

December - January - February
These are the wettest and hottest months, characterized by torrential downpours in the afternoon and high humidity.   Afternoon temperatures are usually around 90°F but can soar up to an unbearable 104°F.

March - April
Rainfall will decrease and it slowly gets colder.   This continues in April, which has lovely clear weather and few clouds.   The nights get a bit colder but are still pleasant at about 61°F.   Daytime temperatures are around 86°F and humidity drops in April, making this a very pleasant month.