Africa When To Go

Generally speaking, the most crowded and most expensive time to visit West Africa is December to March; North Africa’s peak seasons are fall (Oct-Nov) and spring (Feb-April) for desert safaris, and June-August for the beach resorts of Tunisia. December to February is peak tourist time in East and Southern Africa.

May to October is the rainy season in most West African countries. June and July is usually low season in Southern and Eastern Africa. In the desert regions of the north, June-August is unbearably hot and many tour companies do not operate. January-February is low season for Indian Ocean islands.

In West Africa, the weather is still dry and warm in November and April, but there are fewer tourists. In North Africa, this is the case in May and October. In South Africa, August and September temperatures are still low, but wildlife visibility is good. October and November comprise shoulder season in East Africa.