Weather conditions on Safari

Posted on Mon March 9, 2020.

Knowing what to take on safari in Kruger National Park can be quite confusing. We have compiled this simple breakdown of average weather conditions throughout the year to assist you with what to expect.

Kruger Park Safaris to go on while staying at Needles Lodge - This will assist you with: what to pack when going in a big 5 bush walk or safari.

WEATHER

Dry season - May to 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 12°C/54°F in the morning and 27°C/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 9°C/48°F. Afternoons will be pleasant with temperatures around 26°C/79°F and cloudless skies.

September - The heat gradually builds to about 29°C/84°F in the afternoons and the first rains bring relief from very dry conditions. Mornings are less cold with temperatures around 14°C/57°F.

Wet seasons - October to April – Summer
It can be uncomfortably hot and humid in summer. Peak temperatures frequently reach well over 40°C/104°F, but average daytime temperatures go up to 32°C/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 18°C/64°F in the morning and 31°C/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 32°C/90°F but can soar up to an unbearable 40°C/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 16°C/61°F. Daytime temperatures are around 30°C/86°F and humidity drops in April, making this a very pleasant month.

Further Reading

Snakes of South Africa - Puff Adder - Black Mamba - Boomslang - Vine Snake
Serpents of the Savannah: The Mystical Realm of Kruger’s Snakes

Kruger National Park is a haven for diverse wildlife, including a variety of snakes that embody the park's ecological richness. From the fast and venomous Black Mamba to the camouflage expert Vine Snake, and the non-venomous Cape Wolf Snake, these serpents showcase the adaptability and diversity of life in Kruger.

Read This Article
Leopard, Zebra, Honey bee and Puff Adder
The Art of Camouflage: Nature's Masters of Disguise

Studying these camouflage artists offers more than survival tactics; it unveils the symbiotic web of life. Each evolutionary adjustment triggers cascading effects, shaping predator-prey interactions, reproductive strategies, and even ecosystem architectures. For visitors to wilderness areas like Needles Lodge, these beings underscore nature's inventive prowess and the critical need to conserve the ecosystems that nurture such diversity.

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Kruger National Park Geographical Journey
A Walk Through Time/ Geological Wonders of Kruger National Park

Exploring Kruger National Park is a journey through Earth's geological history, showcasing ancient rocks, life's evolution, and dramatic landscapes. The park's diverse geology, from three-billion-year-old bedrock to recent Quaternary formations, reveals the planet's dynamic past. Highlights include the Lebombo Monocline and rich fossil records. This narrative emphasizes the importance of conservation and the unique opportunity to connect with Earth's ancient past at Needles Lodge.

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