Tanzania: when to go?
tropical climate
Tanzania offers a tropical climate with two distinct seasons that shape the country's rhythm. The long dry season runs from June to October, the ideal period to explore the northern national parks such as Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Temperatures remain pleasant (22-28°C) and virtually no rainfall creates optimal conditions for safaris. From December to February, the short dry season is particularly favorable for visiting Zanzibar and enjoying the Indian Ocean beaches. The long rains from March to May transform the landscape but make travel difficult on park trails. Although stunning for photography, this period is less recommended for a first visit. The coastal region benefits from a milder microclimate year-round thanks to marine trade winds.
- Best period
- January to February, June to October
- Good alternatives
- November to December
- Rainy season
- March to May
Year-round overview
Select a month to plan your trip
Climate in numbers
Monthly temperatures and precipitation
Temperature (°C)
Precipitation (mm)
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Climate zones
Climate varies by region. Discover the unique characteristics of each zone.
Tanzania's general climate
IdealTropical climate influenced by altitude and proximity to the Indian Ocean. The central plateau experiences more pronounc...
North Safari
IdealKilimanjaro
IdealZanzibar
IdealWild South
IdealUnknown West
IdealMonth by month
Find detailed climate information for each month of the year.
Temperature
14° — 32°C
Precipitation
100 mm
Average temperature
4°C
Rating
Good
By climate zone
Ideal period for Zanzibar and the coast. Excellent for all safaris with lush vegetation.
Temperature
14° — 33°C
Precipitation
96 mm
Average temperature
4.2°C
Rating
Good
By climate zone
End of calving season in the Serengeti. Perfect temperatures for all activities.
Temperature
15° — 33°C
Precipitation
158 mm
Average temperature
4.2°C
Rating
Average
By climate zone
Start of heavy rains. Difficult road access, many camps closed.
Temperature
15° — 31°C
Precipitation
223 mm
Average temperature
4°C
Rating
Average
By climate zone
Peak rainfall season. Many lodges closed, roads impassable in the parks.
Temperature
14° — 30°C
Precipitation
131 mm
Average temperature
3.8°C
Rating
Fair
By climate zone
Progressive end of rainfall. Lush nature but paths still muddy.
Temperature
12° — 29°C
Precipitation
28 mm
Average temperature
3.5°C
Rating
Ideal
By climate zone
Beginning of peak safari season. Dry and cool weather, ideal for the great migration.
Temperature
11° — 28°C
Precipitation
17 mm
Average temperature
3.3°C
Rating
Ideal
By climate zone
Peak high season. Perfect weather, great migration at the Serengeti.
Temperature
11° — 29°C
Precipitation
16 mm
Average temperature
3.5°C
Rating
Ideal
By climate zone
Excellent for safaris. Mara River accessible, spectacular crossings.
Temperature
12° — 31°C
Precipitation
18 mm
Average temperature
3.7°C
Rating
Ideal
By climate zone
End of the great migration. Optimal conditions for all northern parks.
Temperature
13° — 33°C
Precipitation
42 mm
Average temperature
4°C
Rating
Good
By climate zone
Last beautiful days before the rains. Rising temperatures but pleasant.
Temperature
14° — 33°C
Precipitation
107 mm
Average temperature
4.2°C
Rating
Fair
By climate zone
Brief afternoon showers. Still passable but beginning of low season.
Temperature
14° — 32°C
Precipitation
112 mm
Average temperature
4°C
Rating
Fair
By climate zone
Return of good weather. A great time to avoid high season crowds.
Frequently asked questions
Everything about the climate and the best time to visit Tanzania
The best months to visit Tanzania are January, February, June, July, August, September, October. This period offers favourable weather and ideal conditions for exploring the country at its best.
Yes, the tropical climate of Tanzania remains warm and humid year-round (average temperature 26.0°C). Seasonal variations mainly concern rainfall rather than temperatures.
The rainy season in Tanzania mainly affects March, April, May. Showers are generally short and intense, often occurring late in the day, followed by beautiful sunny spells.
Absolutely. Traveling in Tanzania during the rainy season even has its advantages: lush landscapes, fewer tourists, more favorable rates. Our local agency adapts itineraries based on actual weather conditions.
Underwater visibility in Tanzania is optimal during the dry season, between January, February, June, July, August, September, October. Water temperature remains pleasant year-round (around 28-30°C). Our agency guides you to the best spots according to the season.
If your travel dates don't match the ideal season in Tanzania, the Nomadays network brings together more than 100 local agencies worldwide. Get in touch to find out which destination would be ideal for your dates.
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