In general the climate is as near perfect as you can get with dry season daytime temperatures similar to those of Hong Kong or Japan in the autumn, but with sunny blue skies and much less humidity. Daytime temperatures average 20 to 25 degrees centigrade.
During the southern African winter period from June through August, early morning and night-time temperatures in some areas can drop close to freezing or even just below in exceptional cases. However, don't let this dissuade you from a safari at this time of year, as by mid-morning temperatures are back in the low to mid-20s and warm enough for shorts and a short-sleeved shirt.
In East Africa climate variations are determined by altitude, but in essence the area is dry except for the months of April and May, during the long rains, and November, which is the short rainy season. The Central Highlands and Rift Valley have a pleasant climate, averaging about 20 degrees centigrade with cool nights. June and July are the coolest months in East Africa and temperatures can be very chilly at night and first thing in the morning, particularly in areas of high elevations such as the Ngorongoro Crater and the Laikipia Plateau.
In southern Africa rains occur sporadically during the period December through March with the dry season stretching from April through October/November.
