Kruger National Park’s climate is , with hot, wet summers (Nov–Mar) and mild, dry winters (Apr–Sep). Wildlife movements and vegetation density shift with the seasons, affecting viewing conditions.
18–26 °C (cool mornings 5–8 °C)
Sparse vegetation, open views
Very dry, dustier, good waterhole activity
- Rivers swell, pans fill; grass thick, limiting visibility.
- Impala lambing (Nov–Dec), wildebeest calves, warthog piglets.
- Lions & leopards follow herds; plentiful young prey.
- Migrants arrive—cuckoos, rollers, bee-eaters, storks.
- Rains taper; grass browns.
- Animals spread less, begin favouring rivers.
- Crisp mornings, clear skies, still-green trees.
- Surface water scarce; herds congregate at rivers, dams.
- Sparse bush, excellent for predator tracking.
- June–July; chance of pups on roads.
- Cool, low humidity, minimal malaria risk.
- Waterholes critical, game often in huge numbers.
- Increasing daily maxima, before first rains.
- Lions, leopards ambush at limited water.
- Early arrivals signal rains.
Peak greenery, newborn antelope visible, prolific birdlife.
Similar to January; heavy rains possible, lush landscapes.
Grass begins to flatten; visibility slowly improves.
Cooler mornings, drier air, mixed green & brown scenery.
Bush thins; excellent balance of comfort and viewing.
Prime dry-season game concentrations, clear skies.
Consistently good sightings; cold dawn drives.
Water scarcity at peak; animals predictable at rivers.
Intense game activity at shrinking waterholes.
Hot, dusty, dramatic predator action; storms may start.
First showers, neon-green shoots; impala lambing.
Full summer abundance; migrant birds everywhere.
- Present year-round, cluster at rivers in winter.
- Territorial, best spotted along drainage lines and water.
- More predictable on open central plains (Satara–Orpen).
- More frequent in southern grasslands, but sightings are possible across regions.
- Roan, sable, tsessebe are found mostly north of Letaba; nyala and bushbuck thrive in dense riverine belts.
- Migrant influx—Woodland kingfisher, Steppe eagle, Amur falcon.
- Raptors are easier to observe on bare trees; waterfowl are concentrated at dams.
- Winter’s clear light and open bush suit big-game shots; summer offers dramatic skies, neon-green backdrops, and newborns.
- Malaria risk is highest Nov–Apr (use prophylaxis); minimal May–Sep.
- Layer for chilly winter mornings; summer requires sun protection, hydration.
- Best for consistent, open-bush sightings.
- Rich birdlife, newborns, scenic photography.
- Kruger is rewarding all year; choice depends on whether you prioritise dense sightings or vibrant landscapes.