Unlike most African safari destinations, which experience high temperatures, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge enjoys a mild climate. Summertime is from about October to March. Winter is from about April to September.

Rainfall: The wet season is from November to May with "short rains" from November to December and "long rains" from March to May. The dry season is from June to October, with chilly nights. Rainfall is about 700mm on the crater floor and over 1 500mm on the rim.

Temperature: There are misty, wet mornings and evenings most of the year. Early mornings and evenings can be cold (± 10°C/50°F). Days are warm, but not as warm as at the other Tanzanian camps. The minimum temperature is 8°C/42°F while the maximum temperature is 30°C/86°F. Average daily temperature is ± 22°C/72°F. The coldest month is July.

Altitude: Although lying just 3° south of the equator, Ngorongoro's climate is tempered by altitude, with the rim lying at 2 200m above sea level, and the crater floor some 500m below.

The lodge is open throughout the year and all-year-round game viewing is excellent. "Long rains" fall in March, April and May. From June to December, the migrating animals pass through the area, and through the surrounding area in January. Thousands of wildebeest calve in February and March.