Weather in Ngorongoro Crater

While the weather in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is pleasant year-round, the climate inside the crater creates a truly idyllic paradise for anyone lucky enough to visit. That being said, the area does experience both a wet season and a dry season, so it's useful to plan ahead. Read our guide to visit at a time that fulfills your expectations!

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Temperatures

The average temperature in Ngorongoro Conversation Area (outside of the crater) is fairly consistent throughout the year, thanks to its mild temperate climate. Within the crater, you can expect much colder weather because of the higher elevation. Expect temperatures to drop by nearly 7°C (44°F) for every 1,000 metres climbed.

	AVG TEMP °C	AVG TEMP °F
January	18°C	65°F
February	18°C	65°F
March	19°C	65°F
April	18°C	65°F
May	16°C	62°F
June	15°C	60°F
July	15°C	58°F
August	15°C	60°F
September	17°C	62°F
October	18°C	64°F
November	18°C	65°F
December	18°C	65°F

Weather in Ngorongoro

The weather in Ngorongoro varies by your exact location within the conversation area, as well as what time of year you visit. As typical in the region of Tanzania, Ngorongoro experiences both a dry season and wet season. Learn more about what visiting during each time could mean for you:

Dry season in Ngorongoro (June to October)

Sunny, clear skies are the norm
Grass is short; an excellent time for wildlife spotting
Temperatures can drop significantly in the evening, meaning the crater rim can freeze at night
Water levels in lakes are lower, and therefore there are fewer opportunities to see birdlife

Wet season in Ngorongoro (November to May)

The landscape is lush and green, which can make it difficult to spot animals
Water levels are higher in surrounding lakes, making it a good time to see flamingos
Afternoon temperatures hover around 23°C (73°F) on the crater floor, while temperatures in the evening stay around 6°C (43°F) on the rim
Periods of 'short rains' occur through November and December while January and February are the driest months throughout the wet season

Best time to visit Ngorongoro

A unique feature of Ngorongoro is that there's really never a bad time to visit the conservation area and crater. Even throughout the wet season, particularly during the months of March, April and May when the rain is at its peak, Ngorongoro stands out as one of the best places in the world to go on a safari. The best time to visit simply depends on your own personal preferences.

Considered to be one of the planet's most spectacular natural events, the Great Migration passes through Ngorongoro between December and March. This is the perfect time to observe the magnificent wildebeest migration.