Ngorongoro seasons at a glance
The usual pattern has a dry season from June to October, short rains in November and December, and long rains from March to May. These are typical windows and not fixed dates. A rainy year can start early or end late.
The crater page of the conservation authority describes the crater as open all year. That does not guarantee that every road is passable after heavy rain. Ask your operator about conditions before you set off, and keep a flexible day in your plan for the rainy months.
There is no single best month. Choose by what you want: dry weather for the crater, or the calving season at Ndutu in the south. The two pull in different directions, so a trip that combines them needs a compromise.
What each season means for your trip
Weather is only one of the things to weigh.
Dry season, June to October
The easiest period for planning a crater drive. Rain is rare, and the tracks are in their best state. Early mornings are cold on the rim, so plan for it.
Short rains, November and December
Showers come, but not all day. The weather agency issues monthly outlooks in the run-up to the rains, so check the latest one before you go.
Calving season at Ndutu, January to March
Herds gather on the short-grass plains at Ndutu, with the peak often in February. Positions change with the rain and the grass, so there are no guaranteed birth dates or sightings. Read the Ndutu page for details.
Long rains, March to May
The wettest stretch of the year. The crater stays open as a rule, but muddy roads can slow the drive from Arusha and on the descent.
Ngorongoro tours by season
Crater game drives and safaris around Ngorongoro, with live prices and availability for your dates.
Weather in Arusha, 2025, month by month
Observations from one year at Arusha, not the climate of the crater or the rim. Use it to see the rhythm of the seasons.
| Month | Average high (°C) | Average low (°C) | Rain (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27.8 | 14.9 | 57.2 |
| February | 29.7 | 13.9 | 20.6 |
| March | 27.7 | 16.8 | 203.0 |
| April | 25.3 | 17.6 | 153.8 |
| May | 23.6 | 16.6 | 54.8 |
| June | 22.2 | 14.6 | 9.2 |
| July | 21.3 | 13.8 | 1.4 |
| August | 23.1 | 13.4 | 5.7 |
| September | 26.3 | 13.6 | 0.0 |
| October | 27.8 | 15.4 | 0.3 |
| November | 28.6 | 15.5 | 15.9 |
| December | 28.4 | 15.7 | 83.6 |
Arusha lies at a different height than the crater rim, so do not use these numbers as rim temperatures. The rim sits at about 2,300 m and feels much cooler, especially at dawn.
What to pack for cold mornings
The rim can be much cooler than the floor, and game drives start early. Bring a warm jacket, a hat and gloves for the first hours, and layers you can take off as the floor warms up.
At about 2,300 m the air is thinner. If you have heart or breathing problems, ask a doctor before you go. Malaria risk applies year-round below 2,500 m, so ask a doctor or travel clinic about protection.
Plan your drive with the road in mind too. Overland driving after dark is discouraged, so build the day around daylight. See getting there from Arusha and the crater rules.
Best time to visit Ngorongoro: frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit the Ngorongoro Crater?
The dry months from June to October are the usual choice because rain is rare. The crater can be visited all year, though.
When is the calving season?
At Ndutu it typically runs from about January to March, with the peak often in February. Herd positions change with the rain, so nothing is guaranteed.
Is the rainy season a bad time to go?
It is a trade-off. The long rains from March to May are the wettest period, and roads can be muddy. Many trips still run, so ask your operator about conditions.
How cold does it get on the crater rim?
Much cooler than the floor, with cold early mornings. There is no monthly rim table here, so pack warm layers and do not use the Arusha table as a rim forecast.
Does the Arusha table show the crater climate?
No. It shows monthly weather observed in Arusha in 2025 and is only a guide to the rhythm of dry and wet months.