When is the best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater - dry season or wet season?
When is the best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater , Game viewing in the Ngorongoro Crater is great year-round; nevertheless, the best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater is during the dry season, which spans June, July, August, September, and December to February, as this is when numerous animals may be observed in the crater.This blog post provides a month-by-month overview of what to anticipate.
June to October - Arid season
Wildlife observation is facilitated by sparse vegetation and the congregation of animals around several waterholes and rivers. Precipitation is minimal and may be absent altogether, despite abundant sunshine. The likelihood of contracting malaria is negligible due to the scarcity of mosquitoes in the dry season; therefore, it is advisable to carry a repellent. The Ngorongoro Crater is densely populated with tourists, and one should anticipate frigid mornings and evenings, with cool temperatures during the day. We advise individuals participating in morning game drives to wear warm clothing.
November to May comprises the wet season.
The crater offers exceptional wildlife observation throughout the year, accompanied by picturesque greenery and terrain. The off-peak season occurs in April and May, characterized by a reduced number of tourists and potentially lower lodging rates. This is a great time for observing birds, as numerous migratory species inhabit the area. The zenith of the rainy season occurs from March to May.
The leeward side of the Ngorongoro highlands features the enduring Oldonyo Lengai, an active volcano and the third tallest peak after Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. At the base of this mountain lies the exquisite Lake Natron, a primary nesting ground for the magnificent flamingos.
June, July, August, September, and October
Afternoon temperatures often average around 19°C and 66°F near the crater floor. The weather is predominantly bright, however the ‘brief rains’ may commence as early as October. The temperature drops significantly at night, potentially resulting in freezing conditions at the crater’s edge. Consequently, we highly advise that you bring warm clothing while embarking on a game drive in the early morning.
Rainy season - November to May
The days are significantly warmer than during the dry season; yet, the mornings remain comparably cold. Afternoon temperatures often reach approximately 23°C/73°F near the crater’s base, while they decrease to around 6°C/43°F above the crater’s rim. Occasionally, you may encounter frigid weather.
November and December — Brief Precipitation
The rains are unlikely to impact your safari, as they do not persist over the full day. Precipitation typically occurs in the afternoon. The ‘brief rains’ last about a month and often occur between October and December.
March, April, and May Precipitation'
At this juncture, humidity reaches its zenith. The majority of days will experience rain; however, this will not persist throughout the entire day. The mean maximum and minimum temperatures are 21°C (70°F) at the crater floor and 6°C (43°F) near the crater rim. Due to the cold front, cooler temperatures may occur in April and May.