Kruger National Park · Month comparison

November vs May

May ranks #1 overall vs November at #7. Dry season begins — clear skies, vegetation thinning fast, mornings cool 11C, perfect game viewing window opens.

November Kruger green bushveld with newborn impala and storm sky

November

#7 of 12 months

Best match

Green-season properly arrives — baby impala born en masse, dramatic skies, lodges 40% below peak, malaria risk rising.

  • ↑Impala lambing peaks Nov 15-Dec 1 — predator activity intense
  • ↑Dramatic thunderstorm skies for photography
May Kruger dry plains with leopard on rock and sparse trees

May

#1 of 12 months

Best match

Dry season begins — clear skies, vegetation thinning fast, mornings cool 11C, perfect game viewing window opens.

  • ↑Vegetation thin enough for excellent visibility — game congregating at remaining water
  • ↑Crisp dry air, 9 hours sunshine, golden-hour light photography ideal
FactorNovemberMay
Weather score
6
9
Value score
7
5
Crowd score
7
5
Events score
4
5
Atmosphere
7
9
Avg high temp31°C26°C
Monthly rain70mm12mm
Daily sunshine9hrs9hrs

November trade-offs

  • ↓Vegetation greening fast — visibility starting to drop
  • ↓Malaria risk rising — prophylaxis recommended
  • ↓Afternoon storms cutting last 60-90 min of game drives

May trade-offs

  • ↓Early dawn drives at 6C — fleece and gloves needed in open vehicles
  • ↓School holiday week (early May) brings short bump
  • ↓Lodge rates starting to climb week by week
See all 12 months for Kruger National Park →November in detail →May in detail →
Scores compare months within Kruger National Park. Climate data: Open Meteo ERA5 30-year normals (1991–2020). Methodology →