Best Time to Visit Africa: A Seasonal Guide by Region

Planning your first trip to Africa and wondering when to go? You’re not alone. With such a diverse continent—ranging from deserts and jungles to highlands and coastlines—Africa’s seasons can be tricky to navigate. I’ve done tons of research and recently returned from a life-changing trip, and I want to break it all down for you with real insight from fellow travelers and my own experience.

Whether you’re chasing the Big Five on safari, soaking up local culture, or seeking sunshine and warmth, here’s your month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Africa by region—with a special focus on wildlife and weather.

Quick Summary: Best Months by Region

Southern Africa: Go in the Dry Season (June–September)

My trip to Southern Africa (Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa) took place from mid-August to mid-September—and I can honestly say it was the perfect time.

• Wildlife viewing was incredible. With little to no rain, the bush was dry and thin, making it easy to spot animals.

• Weather ranged widely—mornings were cold (below 60°F), but by midday I was in a t-shirt under sunny skies.

• Victoria Falls and Etosha were HOT (90°F+), but not unbearable.

✅ If wildlife is your priority, this is your sweet spot. Just know that Cape Town flips seasons compared to the rest of Southern Africa—it’ll be windy, wet, and cool in August/September. I got lucky with just a day or two of rain there.

Pro Tip: Plan your Cape Town visit toward the end of September for better odds of good weather.

East Africa: July to October = Safari Gold

If you’re leaning toward Kenya, Tanzania, or Uganda, the dry season from July through October is prime time—especially for:

• Masai Mara’s Great Migration in late August to September.

• Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda with dry, stable trails.

• Clear skies and abundant wildlife in national parks.

A traveler I connected with had this to say:

“We went to Kenya in October and the weather was perfect. I had a hard time seeing the animals at Kruger NP, but we saw tons of animals in Masai Mara.”

Cape Town & the Garden Route: Opposite Seasons

Unlike the rest of Southern Africa, Cape Town’s summer is from November to March. That’s when you’ll get:

• Warm beach weather

• Sunshine over the Winelands

• Beautiful road trip conditions on the Garden Route

🌧 June to September? Expect cooler temps and frequent rain. But again, I lucked out in September—so it’s not off-limits, just unpredictable.

North Africa: Spring and Fall Are Best

Planning a trip to Morocco, Egypt, or Tunisia? Aim for March–May or September–November:

• Summers (June–August) can be scorching, especially inland.

• Winters (December–February) are cooler and good for cities but less ideal for desert travel.

West Africa: Go During the Harmattan Season (Nov–March)

For countries like Ghana, Senegal, or Côte d’Ivoire, the dry season from November to March is your best bet.

• Warm, dry days, especially great for beaches and city life.

• Festivals like Ghana’s Chale Wote or Senegal’s Saint-Louis Jazz Festival fall around this time.

• Avoid the rainy season from May to October, which can make travel tricky.

So, When’s the Absolute Best Time to Visit Africa?

It depends on your goals:

• Want a classic safari experience? Go between June–September in Southern or East Africa.

• Want culture, wine, and cities? Head to Cape Town from November–March or Morocco in spring or fall.

• Looking for sunshine in the winter months? West Africa from November–February is hard to beat.