05/06/2024
AfricanRoute
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT TANZANIA?
SELECT A MONTH BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THEIR POTENTIAL IMPACT ON TOURS DURING THAT PERIOD.
JANUARY:
January falls into Tanzaniaโs short dry season, although occasional rain showers should still be expected. Average high temperatures of 29ยฐC/84ยฐF can be experienced, dropping to 16ยฐC/60ยฐF at night. Humidity levels can be high in January, however as the Ngorongoro Crater is at high altitude it is less sticky here than in other parts of the country. Despite favorable weather conditions, January sees fewer visitors than later in the year, making it a good time of year to safari in Tanzania and avoid the crowds.
FEBRUARY:
Tanzaniaโs short dry season continues into February, with average high temperatures of 29ยฐC/ 84ยฐF, dropping to 16ยฐC/60ยฐF at night. Occasional rain showers should still be expected, particularly in Tanzaniaโs western parks. February is the best time of year to see wildebeest calving in Tanzania. This typically occurs in the lush short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti, where millions of wildebeest congregate to graze and give birth.
MARCH:
March, April and May in Tanzania are part of the long rainy season. Tropical downpours typically occur in the afternoon and tend to be heavier beside the coast. Humidity levels are high and daytime temperatures are creeping up with average highs of 30ยฐC/86ยฐF. Whilst safari game drives are still possible, particularly during drier mornings, road conditions are less than ideal and some properties close for the season.
APRIL:
Tanzaniaโs rainy season continues into April. Expect it to be wet, cloudy, and particularly humid, especially in the southern and western parks. April is typically the wettest month of the year in Tanzania. The game viewing is more challenging as the animalโs shelter from the rain and muddy tracks make travelling difficult. Many properties will be closed for the season. Average high temperatures of 30ยฐC/86ยฐF, drop to 16ยฐC/60ยฐF at night. In April, the wildebeest typically begin their great migration to the hills in the north.
MAY:
May is still officially rainy season in Tanzania, although longer dry and sunny spells are not uncommon, especially towards the end of the month as dry season approaches. Expect average high temperatures of 27ยฐC/81ยฐF, and average low temperatures of 16ยฐC/60ยฐF. By May, the Serengetiโs wildebeest are all heading north in search of water and fresh grazing.
JUNE:
June is the start of the long dry season in Tanzania, which continues through to the end of October. Expect clear skies and sunny days, lower humidity levels and average high temperatures of 27ยฐC/81ยฐF, dropping to 15ยฐC/59ยฐF at night.
JULY:
Dry season continues in July with clear skies and sunshine. In fact, July is typically the driest month of the year in Tanzania. Average high temperatures of 26ยฐC/79ยฐF, and average low temperatures of 14ยฐC/57ยฐF can be expected, though temperatures at higher altitudes (such as the Ngorongoro Crater) can be chilly in the evening and early morning. The wildebeest migration continues moving northwards through Grumeti Reserve and the Serengeti. Favorable weather conditions and good game viewing opportunities make July an excellent time of the year to visit Tanzania for a safari holiday.
AUGUST:
As dry, warm weather conditions continue across Tanzania in August, watering holes and rivers begin to dry up and the foliage becomes sparse, making August an excellent month for game viewing and taking a safari in Tanzania. Consequently accommodation is at a premium, both in terms of price and availability. Advance booking is recommended! Expect average high temperatures of 27ยฐC/81ยฐF, dropping to 15ยฐC/59ยฐF at night, though temperatures at higher altitudes (such as the Ngorongoro Crater) can be chilly in the evening and early morning.
SEPTEMBER:
September is another excellent month to visit Tanzania on a safari holiday, as the long dry season continues. Expect clear, rain-free skies and plenty of sunshine. Average high temperatures of 28ยฐC/82ยฐF, and average low temperatures of 15ยฐC/59ยฐF can be experienced, though temperatures at higher altitudes (such as the Ngorongoro Crater) can be chilly in the evening and early morning. Availability and prices are better towards the end of September, and with the end of European school holidays, game viewing is less crowded. Wildebeest and zebra begin to make their way back from Kenyaโs Maasai Mara into the northern Serengeti during September, risking their lives to cross the Mara River.
OCTOBER:
October is officially the last month of Tanzaniaโs long dry season. Temperatures start to rise slightly in October with average highs of 29ยฐC/84ยฐF, and average low temperatures of 16ยฐC/60ยฐF. As the dry season comes to an end, occasional rainfall can be expected towards the end of the month, so it is worth packing a light waterproof coat. Favorable weather conditions and fewer visitors than previous months, make October an excellent month of the year to visit Tanzania for a safari holiday.
NOVEMBER:
November is the start of Tanzaniaโs short rain season. Rain falls typically in short, sharp showers but it is not likely to have a negative impact on your holiday. Expect average high temperatures of 28ยฐC/82ยฐF, and average low temperatures of 16ยฐC/60ยฐF. By November, the wildebeest are returning to the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti to enjoy the fresh green shoots that start to appear this month.
DECEMBER:
Weather conditions in December are similar to those in November. Rainfall should be expected but typically comes in the form of short, sharp showers. After months of dry weather, the short rains bring a much-needed lush greenness to Tanzaniaโs landscape. Average high temperatures of 28ยฐC/82ยฐF, and average low temperatures of 16ยฐC/60ยฐF can be experienced. December is a popular time of year to visit Tanzania: expect an increase in accommodation prices and book well in advance.
