Best Time To Visit Tanzania

Tanzania Seasons - The Highs & Lows

Get the best of every season - find out when Tanzania truly shines.

“Similar to the journey of life, Tanzanian Seasons face the highs and lows as well – Here’s how!”

Implying the country has two distinct seasons – the High season or the dry season from mid-June to mid-October and the Low season or the wet rainy season from January to February and again from November to December.

Best Time For Safari In Tanzania is during the high seasons as the weather is pleasant serving greater wildlife visibility. You can look out for extraordinary wildebeest movement in the Serengeti during June and July. These are the Best Month For Tanzania Safari. An exceptional time to witness wildebeest calving in February.

You can plan for your Zanzibar Beach Holiday, small day trips, or an expedition on Kilimanjaro in the High season. It is better to climb in the dry season as the mountain offers some drastic challenges during the wet season. The high seasons are generally considered the Best Season To Visit Tanzania.

Tanzania Climate - An Area-Wise Analysis

From coast to savanna, know what weather to expect in every part of Tanzania.

Tanzania posited just south of the equator offers a tropical climate. For most of the country, the temperatures rarely drop below 20C-except the highland area.

It is always rainy season somewhere in Tanzania except the winter months. There is a major rainfall from December to April In the north and northeast, while the rest of the country experiences rains between October and December and again from March to May.

A destination wise analysis of Temperature and Precipitation has been done below:

As you can see in the above table the average temperature is lowest on Mount Kilimanjaro with an average rainfall of 68 mm-296 mm. The highest Temperature is witnessed in Dar es Salaam where the rainfall varies from 23 mm-256 mm.

Tanzania Temperature:

The below graph analyses the average temperature especially in the region of Arusha:

As you can see in the above graph the highest temperature is witnessed in October, November and December. The Lowest temperature is witnessed in the Months from June – September.

Tanzania Rainfall

The following graph analyses the rainfall pattern in the country especially in Arusha

As you can see in the above graph the highest precipitation is experienced in April. March, April and May is the period of high rainfall with precipitation ranging from 80 – 160mm. Another short rainy season is from November – December when the rainfall ranges from 70 – 80 mm.

Month By Month Climate Guide Tanzania

Find out what to expect every month with our simple Tanzania Climate guide

How is it like to visit Tanzania in January?

The temperature is getting higher, there is a chance of rain, and the humidity has already started building. As rates are lower and safari is excellent this period is still great for your Tanzania Safari Tours. The migration herds are in the southeast of the Serengeti at this time of year for the calving season.

How is it like to visit Tanzania in February?

The migratory season continues in Ndutu even in February. The weather is hot and humid with a chance of rain.

How is it like to visit Tanzania in March?

This is the period when the migrating herds start to leave Ndutu and head west towards Grumeti River. This is the Low season and is the period just before the heavy rains. You can take advantage of the great prices during this time of year.

How is it like to visit Tanzania from April - May?

You should avoid this period as it rains torrentially in Tanzania during this time.

How is it like to visit Tanzania in June?

The arrival of the green season witnesses the lush grasses and bush making a wonderful time to travel - particularly for bird watchers. The parks are full of migratory birds especially in the south and the migration continues in the Grumeti area.

How is it like to visit Tanzania in July?

Marking the beginning of the peak season, July to October is a busy period in Tanzania. The Great Migration in the north of Serengeti starts moving towards Kenya, and the elephant starts to gather in Tarangire. With drier lands increasing temperature, game viewing becomes more fun during this time. Temperatures are in the high 20°Cs to early 30°Cs and the humidity are low.

How is it like to visit Tanzania in August?

August is another Peak season in Tanzania. The Migration is still in the north and the land becomes more parched, resulting in more predictable animal behaviour. Game spotting in Ruaha becomes much easier as the dense bushes start drying out.

How is it like to visit Tanzania in September?

Marking another Peak season, September is the end of the migration which is still in the north, marking herds on both sides of the Kenya and Tanzania borders with a high number of an elephant in Tarangire.

How is it like to visit Tanzania in October?

The migration is now in Kenya, but October is another peak season as the game viewing in central Serengeti is still very good.

How is it like to visit Tanzania in November?

November marks the beginning of short rains. You can take advantage of this low season as the rates are lower but it is still a popular time to travel. There is however a risk of rain during the day as well. As the Migrating herds are starting to travel south from Kenya you will see crossings in the north of the Serengeti.

How is it like to visit Tanzania in December?

You may experience short rains generally at night. As the temperatures and humidity start to build this period is good for Tanzania Safari as the migrating herds in the north start travelling south to Ndutu. This is also the festive season and is therefore very busy.

Winter Activities In Tanzania

Winter brings new adventures in Tanzania-find out what's waiting for you!

During the winter months, the average rainfall in Tanzania is about 95 mm. Rise in humidity is what visitors have to expect during these months.

Witness the wildebeest calving

Dry and hot periods are the summers of the Northern periphery of Tanzania. You can witness the most beautiful period of wildebeest calving in the Serengeti National Park. This is the period when the wildebeests would have migrated to the south from Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya as a part of the wildebeest migration cycle. There are around 10,000 newborns that take birth in the park at a given point of time.

Sauti za Busara Music festival

The Sauti za Busara festival in Zanzibar is one of the biggest music festivals in Africa. This music festival offers sounds of wisdom as it is known in the local Swahili. A festival is a four-day event which is conducted annually. Artists from across the Continent participate to promote the pan -African artistry to the rest of the world in this festival.

Run a Marathon

In the vicinity of Kilimanjaro foothills, a marathon is organized in March. Tanzania Government promotes sports and athletics through these marathon activities. The participants come from across the world annually joining the event. The first ten winners take home a cash prize and a medal.

On some spicy meat at the barbeque festival

Family recipes are what determine the rich African culture and traditions. Amazing food and the family recipes are celebrated in the barbeque festival called Nyama Choma where grilled meat which is a major part of African cuisine is prepared in the most aromatic and fiery style. The delicious food components that are celebrated at the festival is a great attraction for all travellers.

Wander the House of Wonders

Visit the House of Wonders which is an ancient building that has received electricity and luxuries like elevators first in the history of Tanzania. Displaying the gorgeous architecture of a mixture of British, Persian, Portuguese and Zanzibari style of engineering, the building a beautiful attraction for many in the winter months.

Summer Activities in Tanzania

Endless summer excitement in Tanzania-enjoy sunny days with thrilling activities!

In the afternoon hours the temperature in Tanzania ranges from 20°C/68°F and 30°C/86°F, and varies according to the altitude and location. This is the Best Time To Visit Tanzania as you can explore the following activities:

Visit the Ngorongoro Crater

You can visit the Ngorongoro Crater which is inscribed in the UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list. Once a gigantic volcano that erupted 3 million years ago, this crater today stands as one of the largest inactive calderas on Earth, hosting beautiful scenery and many wildlife species, such as the black rhinos, elephants, hyenas, leopards, and the majestic black-manned lions.

ne with nature at Serengeti National Park

One of the most beautiful national parks that Africa has to offer is Serengeti. It is so popular that sometimes Best Safari In Tanzania and Serengeti are used interchangeably. Home to some of the best wildlife on Serengeti offers some of the best views all around the year, but the Best Time To Visit Tanzania especially Serengeti is during summer in Tanzania.

Spend your time on the turquoise beaches of Zanzibar

For water sports enthusiasts, there is good news! When the temperature goes soar in Tanzania, you can beat the heat by taking time out and relaxing on the Zanzibar islands. The crystal clear and blue and turquoise-hued water of the island is great for family outings and spending time on the beach.

Conquer Mount Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is the perfect destination for any adrenaline junkie or an experienced mountain climber. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro up to 19,340 feet that host about 75,000 people every single year is a great experience.

Witness the Great Migration

Serengeti is known for the “The Great Migration” where over 2 million ungulates follow the rain and make their way to explore other pastures. You can easily witness the wildebeests, zebras, eland and gazelles across the savannah in Tanzania. It is truly a wonderful experience. The Best Time To See Serengeti Migration is from July to September.

Everything Set for Your Perfect Safari Trip!

Your safari trip is ready-just bring yourself and enjoy every magical moment.

Now that you have all the information on the perfect time to visit Tanzania, it’s time to get packing! Choose from our exclusive Safari Packing List Tanzania to make sure you carry all the right items for your trek. At Jerry Tanzania Tours, our Tanzania Safari Cost is affordable yet we offer luxurious safaris. Enjoy delicious and authentic Tanzania Food throughout your trip and make sure to apply for your Tanzania Visa ahead of time to avoid any last-minute hassles.

Contact Jerry Tanzania Tours now to start planning the best bespoke travel itinerary that adds great value to money. Tanzania is waiting for you! And so are we. Call us now!

Best Time To Visit Tanzania FAQ's

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