A Tanzania Seasonal Guide for Visitors

Tanzania is a true wilderness experience, where vast horizons and thousands of migrating animals create drama for enthusiastic safari-goers to experience. From the Serengeti’s scenic beauty to the dizzying heights of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania has something for everyone. But when is the best time to visit Tanzania? When planning your trip, considering the tropical climate in Tanzania is very important. Our tropical seasonal guide will help you learn more about the weather in Tanzania, and how to plan your visit around seasonal changes!

The Weather in Tanzania: What To Know Before You Go

The tropical climate in Tanzania is generally comfortable year-round, although this can vary significantly by region. The country’s tropical coastline stays quite hot and humid with heavy and reliable rainfall, especially during the rainy season. However, the country’s central plateau is cooler and arid most of the time.

If you are searching for a Tanzania seasonal guide, your research will uncover a list of four seasons: the dry season, the short rainy season, the short dry season, and the rainy season.

• Dry Season (June - October): Dry weather, ideal game viewing, peak time to see the Great Migration. Very little rain, low humidity with cool nights. The dry season is widely considered to be the best time to visit Tanzania.
• Short Rainy Season (November-January): Unpredictable rainfall, yet the rainfall does not last long and will rarely interfere with safaris.
• Short Dry Season (January - March): Best time to see the wildebeest calving in the south Serengeti and plan a Great Migration safari.
• Rainy Season (April - May): Heavy rains, fewer tourists, lush greenery. The rain can potentially disrupt safari activities in some parks, leaving tourists stranded.

The tropical climate in Tanzania is a rainy one – so much so that the rains that fall during the two different rainy seasons have different names! The heaviest rains, which fall in April and May, are called masika. The rains that fall during the shorter rainy season, from November to mid-January, are called vuli. The weather in Tanzania can be unpredictable during the short and long rainy seasons, but your safari guide will give you a packing list to help ensure you have the items you need to stay comfortable come rain or shine!

Book Your Safari with Our Tropical Seasonal Guide

The best way to visit Tanzania is to book a small group tour or safari with a professional tour company. These guides will know the best time to visit Tanzania based on weather and the animals (or sights) you are interested in seeing during your trip. However, there are a few easy rules of thumb to follow when planning your adventure in Tanzania.

In general, the best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry season, from June to October. This is when the weather is dry, the wildlife is most active, and you can see the highlights of the annual Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti National Park. The Southern and Western Circuit parks are best visited during the country’s Dry Season to avoid muddy conditions, while mild weather in other parts of the country means the popular Northern Circuit parks can be visited year-round.

The only time you may want to consider avoiding a trip to Tanzania is between April and May, when the tropical climate in Tanzania brings heavy rains and wildlife viewing can be disrupted.

Month by Month: A Tanzania Seasonal Guide

The weather in Tanzania can be unpredictable, but our month-by-month tropical seasonal guide will help you plan out the best time to visit Tanzania. Keep reading to learn more about the tropical climate in Tanzania!

Month	Weather Highlights
January	End of the short rainy season; Tanzania’s short, dry season begins. High temperatures can average into the high 80s F, while evening lows can drop to the upper 50s F. Visitors will enjoy clear, sunny days.
February	The warmest month in Tanzania! Temperatures can reach the upper 80s F in some areas. Travelers may encounter occasional rain showers, but nothing to disrupt their trip.
March	The beginning of the month is dry, but very quickly transitions to rain. This month brings high humidity and temperatures in the mid-80s. Nighttime temperatures generally do not drop below 60 F, and afternoon downpours are common. March is a month where the tropical climate in Tanzania is on full display.
April	The rainy season continues, with heavy afternoon rain showers. This month is not considered the best time to visit Tanzania.
May	The heavy rain continues, creating lush, green scenery. As the month goes on, the weather in Tanzania transitions to its drier period.
June	The Dry Season has begun, and some evening temperatures can feel downright cold! Depending on where you visit, it can even be in the mid-40s when you wake up for a morning game drive.
July	July is another cool, dry month in Tanzania. It can be quite cold at night and in the early mornings, especially at higher elevations.
August	The month of August is mild, with lows in the mid-50s F and highs in the upper 70s and low 80s F.
September	September temperatures are comfortable during the day with highs in the low to mid-80s F, while nights and early mornings are much cooler. Most tour operators will recommend that you pack a jacket or sweater, long pants, a hat, gloves, and a scarf for these conditions. But, as the day goes on, you will probably shed your outer layers for something lighter!
October	Cool and sunny, with relatively mild daytime temperatures and cool evening temperatures.
November	According to our tropical seasonal guide, the short rains begin in November. These rains are lighter, but less predictable than the long rains. Travelers will need to pack rain gear to accommodate the changes in weather in Tanzania during this month.
December	The short rain continues, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s F to low 80s F. Light rain is possible each day, illustrating how variable the tropical climate in Tanzania can be each day.

The Best Time to Visit Tanzania for A Safari

Tanzania’s biggest tourist attraction is the Great Migration, which occurs year-round across the Serengeti. Many people plan their Tanzanian safari between July and September for a chance to witness huge herds of wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara River and fighting to survive as crocodiles attack. But this isn’t the only time to see wildlife in Tanzania. An experienced tour operator can help you plan your trip around the weather in Tanzania so that you can see the wildlife that interests you.

• Dry season (June to October): Tanzania’s Dry Season is best for general wildlife viewing and is the peak time to see wildebeest and zebras during the Great Wildebeest Migration. The only downside to visiting during this time is that it is also the peak tourist season and most game parks will be crowded.
• Green Season: While the rainy season can bring challenges like muddy roads and potential delays, it also offers the advantage of fewer crowds and potentially lower prices.
• Calving Season: If you're interested in seeing baby animals, January and February are good times to visit, particularly in the Ndutu region of the Serengeti.

Visiting Tanzania with Gondwana Ecotours

No matter the weather in Tanzania, Gondwana Ecotours is always ready for adventure! Book now and start planning your safari circuit with our knowledgeable guides, who can help you decide when the best time to visit Tanzania is for you. From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, you won’t miss a beat if you plan ahead and keep our Tanzania seasonal guide in mind when booking your tour.