Best Time to Visit Tanzania
Tanzania offers unique experiences throughout the year, depending on the activities you're interested in. From safaris and wildlife viewing to trekking Mount Kilimanjaro or relaxing on Zanzibar’s beaches, here's the ultimate guide to the best times to visit Tanzania based on different experiences.
1. Best Time for Safari: Dry Season (June to October)
Why: The dry season is the most popular for safaris because animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. The dry weather also means fewer mosquitoes and lower chances of rain, perfect for game drives.
Weather: Warm and dry, cooler evenings and nights. Daytime temperatures range from 30°C (86°F), dropping to 20°C (68°F) at night.
Best Parks: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Mikumi
Wildlife: Ideal for spotting the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino). The Serengeti also sees the Great Migration.
Crowds: High season, especially in July and August. Book accommodations and tours in advance.
2. Best Time for The Great Migration (June to October)
Why: Witness the spectacular Great Migration when wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara in search of fresh grazing land.
Weather: Warm, dry weather perfect for game drives.
Best Parks: Serengeti, Maasai Mara (Kenya)
Wildlife: Watch predators in action as they follow the herds of wildebeest and zebras.
Best Months: June to October (Peak migration months are July to September)
3. Best Time for Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking: Dry Season (June to October, January to March)
Why: Dry months offer clearer skies and less rainfall, making trekking conditions more favorable. Cooler temperatures at higher altitudes are easier to manage.
Weather: Mild and dry on lower slopes, freezing temperatures at the summit.
Best Time to Climb: January to March, June to October
Crowds: Moderate to high, especially during holidays and the dry season.
4. Best Time for Zanzibar Beach Holiday: Dry Season (June to October, December to March)
Why: Zanzibar’s beaches are ideal during the dry season when sunny weather and clear waters are perfect for water sports and relaxation.
Weather: Hot and sunny, with temperatures around 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F).
Best Beaches: Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani
Activities: Snorkeling, diving, swimming, dhow boat trips, relaxing on the beach
Best Months: June to October, December to March
5. Best Time for Bird Watching: Green Season (November to April)
Why: The wet season (especially the short rains in November and December, and long rains in March to May) is ideal for birdwatching, as migratory birds arrive, and the landscape is lush and green.
Weather: Warm and rainy, with frequent afternoon showers.
Best Parks: Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Selous Game Reserve
Birds: Over 500 species, including flamingos, egrets, and storks.
Best Months: November to April
6. Best Time for Budget Travel: Shoulder Season (November, March to May)
Why: The shoulder season offers the best value for money. Prices for tours and accommodations are lower, and fewer tourists make for a more private experience.
Weather: Variable with occasional showers but manageable for activities.
Best Parks: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Selous
Crowds: Low season, fewer tourists.
Best Months: November, March, April, May
7. Best Time for A Cultural Experience: Year-Round
Why: Tanzania’s rich cultural diversity can be explored throughout the year, from Maasai villages to Swahili culture in Zanzibar.
Weather: Varies by region, but cultural experiences are available year-round.
Best Regions: Zanzibar, Arusha, Maasai Mara, coastal areas
Activities: Village visits, cultural tours, traditional dances, historical sites (Stone Town in Zanzibar)
8. Best Time for Wildlife in Tarangire: Dry Season (June to October)
Why: Tarangire National Park is best visited in the dry season when large herds of elephants gather around the park’s water sources. It’s also great for birdwatching and spotting other wildlife.
Weather: Warm and dry, with clear skies.
Best Wildlife: Elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and over 500 bird species.
Best Months: June to October
Tanzania Weather Overview (Monthly Temperatures)
| Month | Max Temperature (°C) | Min Temperature (°C) | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C (86°F) | 20°C (68°F) | Warm and dry, ideal for safaris and trekking. |
| February | 30°C (86°F) | 21°C (70°F) | Hot and dry, great for safaris and beach trips. |
| March | 29°C (84°F) | 21°C (70°F) | Start of the long rainy season, warm with showers. |
| April | 28°C (82°F) | 20°C (68°F) | Rainy season, cooler evenings, not ideal for safaris. |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 19°C (66°F) | Long rains continue, cooler and quieter. |
| June | 28°C (82°F) | 18°C (64°F) | Dry season begins, great for safaris and trekking. |
| July | 29°C (84°F) | 17°C (63°F) | Dry and cooler, perfect for safaris and hikes. |
| August | 27°C (81°F) | 17°C (63°F) | Dry, great for safaris. |
| September | 29°C (84°F) | 18°C (64°F) | Warm and dry, best time for wildlife viewing. |
| October | 30°C (86°F) | 19°C (66°F) | Warm and dry, best time for safaris. |
| November | 29°C (84°F) | 19°C (66°F) | Short rains begin, perfect for bird watching. |
| December | 30°C (86°F) | 20°C (68°F) | Warm and dry, good for beach holidays and safaris. |
