Weather in November
The short rains usually arrive in the second half of November — typically brief afternoon thunderstorms rather than all-day rain. Mornings remain mostly clear. Daytime temperatures sit at 25–28°C (77–82°F).
The first 7–10 days of November are often dry. By month-end, brief afternoon rain is common across the northern parks.
Rain ends quickly and intensely — most game drives can continue around the showers.
Wildlife in November
The Great Migration is moving south through the central Serengeti toward the southern plains for the calving season. Predator activity continues.
Tarangire elephant numbers begin to disperse as water becomes widely available again. Birdlife in Tarangire and Lake Manyara reaches its annual peak — over 200 migrant species flood in from Europe and the Middle East. Many resident birds are in breeding plumage.
Ngorongoro Crater is excellent year-round. Ruaha and Nyerere still relatively dry — they enter their wet season slightly later than the north.
Best parks for November
- Lake Manyara — peak birding, flamingos, migrants
- Tarangire — birding peak, elephants dispersing
- Central Serengeti — herds moving south, predator action
- Ngorongoro Crater — year-round wildlife
- Ruaha — still dry, peak game continues
Crowds and costs
November is one of the quietest months. Crowds drop sharply from late October. Lodges typically run at 40–60% occupancy. Some camps that closed in April–May reopen briefly for the migration south.
Prices drop to near-green-season rates — 30–40% below August. The first half of November is the best-value window before any short-rain risk.
What to pack
Standard safari kit plus reliable rain protection: waterproof jacket, dry-bag for camera gear, quick-dry clothing. Light fleece for cooler evenings. Insect repellent — mosquito activity increases as the rains arrive.
When November becomes risky
The last 10 days of November can see prolonged rain, particularly in years when the short rains arrive early. For first-timers, target 1–20 November rather than late month.