Kruger's packing problem is the gap between dawn and noon. In winter, open game drive vehicles leave camp near 7°C (45°F) and come back in close to 28°C (82°F) heat. You need warm layers you can strip off, in neutral colors.
Kruger weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 34°C93°F | 33°C91°F | 32°C90°F | 31°C88°F | 29°C84°F | 28°C82°F | 28°C82°F | 29°C84°F | 31°C88°F | 30°C86°F | 33°C91°F | 33°C91°F |
| Low | 21°C70°F | 22°C72°F | 20°C68°F | 16°C61°F | 11°C52°F | 7°C45°F | 7°C45°F | 10°C50°F | 15°C59°F | 16°C61°F | 19°C66°F | 20°C68°F |
| Rain days | 11 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 13 |
Season by season
Summer
December–FebruaryHot and wet. Highs are 33°C (91°F) in December and February and 34°C (93°F) in January, with lows of 20–22°C (68–72°F). February is the wettest month with 14 rain days. These numbers are from Skukuza, the main rest camp. Pack light, breathable neutral clothing, a rain jacket and strong insect repellent.
Autumn
March–MayDrying out and cooling. Highs ease from 32°C (90°F) in March to 31°C (88°F) in April and 29°C (84°F) in May, while lows fall from 20°C (68°F) to 11°C (52°F). Rain days drop to 3 by May. Bring a fleece for early drives.
Winter
June–AugustDry, sunny and the classic game-viewing season. Highs stay at 28–29°C (82–84°F), but lows drop to 7°C (45°F) in June and July and 10°C (50°F) in August, with 1–2 rain days a month. Dawn drives in open vehicles are cold, so pack a warm jacket, a beanie and gloves.
Spring
September–NovemberHot and dry before the rains. Highs are 31°C (88°F) in September, 30°C (86°F) in October and 33°C (91°F) in November, with lows of 15–19°C (59–66°F). Rain picks up to 7 days in November. Pack sun protection and lots of water.
What to bring to Kruger
0 of 25 packed- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
South Africa's Type M and N sockets catch many travelers out, so bring an adapter that covers them.
- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Kruger is a malaria area, and picaridin repellent is a key part of avoiding bites at dusk.
- A warm wrapClothing
Winter dawn drives start near 7°C (45°F) in an open vehicle, and a warm wrap is easy to shed by mid-morning.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Afternoons hit 28–34°C (82–93°F) year-round, and an insulated bottle keeps water cool on long drives.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
Charge points can be limited in camps, so keep a power bank for photos on game drives.
- Peak Design Capture Clip V3Camera & Photo
Keeps a camera ready on your strap when a leopard appears on the road.
- Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel PillowSleep & Comfort
Most trips to Kruger start with a long-haul flight to Johannesburg.
Clothing
- Neutral-colored shirts · 4Khaki, olive or tan; bright colors stand out
- Long-sleeve shirt · 2Repellent plus sleeves at dusk
- Fleece · 1Early drives from March on
- Warm jacket · 1Jun–Jul dawn drives near 7°C
- Beanie and gloves · 1 setWinter dawn drives in open vehicles
- Light rain jacket · 1Dec–Feb, 14 rain days in February
- Wide-brim hat · 1
Footwear
- Closed walking shoes · 1 pairGravel camp paths and walking safaris
- Camp sandals · 1 pair
Gear
- Binoculars · 1
- Soft duffel bag · 1Hard cases are awkward in safari vehicles
- Sunglasses · 1
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen · 1
- Malaria prophylaxisAsk a doctor; risk highest in summer
- Lip balm · 1
Documents and money
- Passport
- Travel insurance
Tech
- Camera with zoom lens · 1
What shoes should you pack for Kruger?
Closed, comfortable walking shoes. You spend most of the day in a vehicle, but camps have gravel paths, and walking safaris need sturdy shoes. Add sandals for camp.
What do people wear on safari in Kruger?
Neutral colors: khaki, olive, tan and brown. Bright colors and white stand out to animals and show dust. Camp dinners are casual, and layers matter more than style.
Do you need malaria pills for Kruger?
Kruger is a malaria area, so talk to a doctor or travel clinic about prophylaxis before you go. Risk is highest in the wet summer months. Use repellent, wear long sleeves at dusk and sleep under a net or in screened rooms.
What plugs does Kruger use?
South Africa uses Type M and N sockets, with some Type C, at 230V. US, UK and EU visitors need an adapter, and the large round-pin Type M is the one most often missing from universal adapters.
Tours and things to do in Kruger
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Kruger.
What should you leave at home for Kruger?
Bright and camo clothing, hard-shell suitcases and a drone. Bright colors spook animals, hard cases are awkward in safari vehicles, and drones are not allowed in the park.
Packing for Kruger: questions people ask
What should I wear in Kruger in July?
Layers. July averages a 28°C (82°F) high and a 7°C (45°F) low, so dawn drives are cold and afternoons are warm.
When is the rainy season in Kruger?
Summer, roughly November to March. February is the wettest month at Skukuza with 14 rain days.
Is Kruger a malaria area?
Yes. Ask a doctor about prophylaxis, and use repellent at dusk.
What colors should I wear on safari?
Neutral khaki, olive and tan. Avoid bright colors and white.
What adapter do I need for South Africa?
One that covers Type M and N. Many universal adapters do not include the large Type M plug.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.