Lions aren’t like bears or hedgehogs. You won’t read a lion story about hibernation and settling down for a long winter’s nap. That said, when the temperature cools, lions do make some changes to their food intake, activity levels and overall behaviour in order to survive effectively. A lion’s strategy for enduring the winter are subtle and effective but might be easily missed without continued observation.

Experts have spent a considerable amount of time studying these beautiful, powerful and courageous animals, so let’s take a closer look at how lions prepare for winter.

They Keep Going

Lions rarely experience the harsh winters that force animals into long periods of inactivity. In parts of Asia it can get chilly, but in sub-Saharan Africa where most lions live, the temperature doesn’t drop the way it does here in the UK. That means lions are easily able to cope with cooler spells and continue their day to day activities. This includes hunting, socialising and defending their territories. 

They Stay Put

Huge migrations of plant-eating animals take place seasonally in Africa. Wildebeest, zebras and gazelles move in their thousands between the Maasai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania looking for fresh food and water. In what we call the winter months - November to February - these animals are moving south to have their young. Lions inhabit regions where there is continuous access to these migrating creatures, meaning they don’t have to move to warmer or cooler areas to find food. 

They Adapt Their Behaviour

While lions don’t hibernate, they do adapt their behaviour in order to cope when it gets cooler. Areas like the Serengeti get colder at night during the dry season (June to October), with temperatures averaging around 13-15°C. To stay warm during these chillier nights, they often huddle together, sharing body heat to stay warm. They may also seek sheltered areas like thickets or rocky outcrops to avoid windy weather. After a cool night they spend time basking in the morning sunshine to absorb its warmth. 

In captivity, keepers looking after lions will often provide heated dens for them to retreat to, as temperatures in Europe and the USA get much colder than in sub-Saharan Africa. They are also given more food, since they are using more energy to stay warm. 

Helped by Physical Traits 

When you think of a lion or read a lion story book, you’ll likely think of a powerful creature with a big, thick mane. Only male lions have this feature, however, and while in the wild the mane acts as a symbol of dominance, in cooler climates and captivity, a thicker mane provides plenty of insulation around the neck and head - parts of the body that lose heat quickly. Lions may also grow slightly denser fur in colder weather to provide added insulation. 

Discover The Lion Inside

If you and your family are fascinated by lions and enjoy all sorts of lion stories, don’t miss The Lion Inside live on stage. This heartwarming lion and mouse story, written by Rachel Bright and illustrated by Jim Field, will resume its stage run in 2026 so be sure to check tour dates soon.