Best Time to Visit Tanzania: A Detailed Guide to Tanzania Seasons

Your Tanzania safari experience will mainly depend on the time of the year. While you can visit Tanzania at any time of the year, the best time is during the dry season (June – October). This is the time you are more likely to enjoy safaris and explore the top destinations in the country. 

How is the General Weather in Tanzania?

The weather in Tanzania is quite distinct. It comprises two rainy seasons in a year. The long rains start in April, lasting for two months to May. The short rains also last for roughly two months from November and December. In between these two seasons provides the best time to visit Tanzania. 

The long rains often include tropical downpours, especially in the afternoon. This causes some safari camps to close and some of the roads may be impassable. The short rains are usually not as heavy, but they bring occasional brief showers that affect the tourism experience. 

Although Tanzania experiences seasonal rains, days in most safari areas are warm throughout the year. The evening is usually, with temperatures in Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro dropping to below freezing. However, the lakesides and the Indian Ocean coast remain hot and humid. 

Since Tanzani’s weather is generally friendly, you can choose to visit at any time of the year depending on what you want to experience. However, the dry season is the best time for first-time safari goers. It is easier to track and spot animals during this time of the year, and most destinations are one.

Tanzania Peak Vs Green Season

Visiting Tanzania for a great experience usually depends on the season. The varied weather conditions between the dry and wet seasons decipher the wild animals that you will encounter. While each season has its own positives and negatives, the kind of experience you get in spotting wild animals is different. Here is a quick summary of how the dry and green seasons in Tanzania compare. 

Tanzania Safari Peak/High Season

Safari Adventures’ high season in Tanzania starts in June and runs through to October. With many tourists streaming into the country, the rates are the highest and most safari sites are crowded. Therefore, you may need to book well in advance for a better experience. While you will get to experience great photography conditions, you may not see as many migrant birds or baby animals. 

Tanzania Safari Green/Low Season

The Low Tanzania safari season occurs between January and March, and from November to December. The weather is generally hot and occasionally wet. It also gives you the greenest and most scenic landscapes of the year. Since the number of tourists is usually low, you get the lowest rates and no need to book too far in advance. It is also a fantastic time for bird-watching and viewing many baby animals around. 

Although the two seasons are relatively different, the tropical climate in Tanzania is constant throughout the year. Due to the country’s proximity to the equator, daytime temperatures usually range from 25⁰C to 32⁰C. Evenings and early mornings are noticeably cooler in some regions. However, the amount of rainfall between the seasons is what affects the Tanzania safari experience. 

Best Time to See the Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti

Among the top attractions in Tanzania is the Wildebeest migration. Although the migration happens year-round as a circular journey for the animals, the river crossings are more difficult to predict, but they usually occur between May and September. Depending on what you want to see at the Serengeti, the best time to visit is as follows: 

• Mara River Crossings – July to September
• Calving or Birthing Season – January to March
• Rutting (animal’s sexual excitement and males battling for mates) – January to March
• Intense Big Cat Action – January to March
• Grumeti River Crossings – May to July

Monthly Guides on the Best Time to Visit Tanzania 

The time you choose to visit Tanzania will greatly affect your experience. Although a trip to Tanzania is the best during the dry season, there is almost something to do throughout the year. With many National Parks to choose from, you can always be sure of a great experience. 

The best time to travel to Tanzania will also be determined by the kind of wildlife you want to see. For instance, if you want to see the birth of wildebeest and zebra, the best time would be December to February. However, for spotting a variety of wildlife and the best photography experience, June to October offers the best weather conditions. The following is a breakdown of what to expect from January to December in Tanzania. 

Quick Fact

• Best Time for Tanzania Safari: June to October in all parks, and between January and February in Serengeti to watch wildebeest calving 
• Tanzania Tour High Season: Between July and March for the Northern Circuit Parks, and June to October for the Western and Southern Circuit Parks 
• Tanzania Tour Low Season: April and May is the lowest season, with many lodges in the Western and Southern Circuit Parks remaining closed
• Best Weather for Tanzania Safari: June to October when Tanzania experiences little to no rainfall
• Worst Weather for Tanzania Safari: From March to May when the country experiences high rainfall and the wet season is at peak

Visiting Tanzania Between January and March – Beach Holidays and Calving Season 

January in Tanzania offers the perfect weather for a tropical beach holiday at the coast. You can choose a vacation to Zanzibar island to relax by the sandy beaches and engage in water sports like snorkeling. You can also go for a safari in the Serengeti and watch as herds give birth to their calves in numbers. 

In February, the hot and humid weather marks the start of the calving season. Watch as thousands of wildebeest give birth to their young ones while the predators lie in the weight. With over 500,000 wildebeest calves being born during this period, it is a great period to watch the plains full of new life.

By March, the weather has become extremely hot in Tanzania. Although the long rains sometimes start late in March, the month is generally dry. The short and sharp afternoon rainfall in areas like Ngorongoro gives the plain a rich green canvas. This month also offers the right conditions to climb and conquer Mt. Kilimanjaro. 

Visiting Tanzania Between April and May – Lowest Rates 

April is the wettest month of the year in Tanzania. The rains usually come in the afternoon as thundershowers, with big storms being experienced at night. Most Southern and Western parks experience the highest humidity of the year during this month. However, most accommodation offer the lowest rates during this period. 

In May, things start to dry although it is still very wet. Activities are still minimal during this month, and the Great Migration is mostly trekking to the Western Serengeti from the southern parts. 

Visiting Tanzania Between June and August – Best Time Overall 

June marks the start of the dry season as the long rains come to an end. Going for game drives becomes more interesting with vegetation slowly receding. You get better views of the wildlife, and the expansive savannahs slowly turn green to yellow. The Wildebeest Migration has also stopped at the Grumeti River in search of water as they prepare for the risky journey of crossing it to the other side. 

Getting to July, the peak safari season is in full seasons. This is actually the best time to travel to Tanzania as the weather is great and you will have many game drive options. Some people also opt to combine their adventure in Tanzania with a Kenyan safari. Experience the main event of the Wildebeest Migration as they head to the northern parts of Serengeti and cross the treacherous waters to the Mara River to enter Kenya. 

The beginning of August is marked by more tourist crowds flocking to the northern safari circuit. This includes a trip to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire. With the weather still great, you will enjoy sensational wildlife viewing as the herds of the Great Migration start crossing the Mara River. 

Some of the things you need to remember during this period include:

• Watch the Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti 
• The best time to watch the Wildebeests crossing the Mara River in Northern Serengeti is between August and September 
• Animals are generally easier to spot in all Parks as they gather around rivers and waterholes
• Most of the days are sunny with clear skies
• With little to no rain, mosquitoes are fewer
• Being the high season, most parks tend to be crowded
• The nights and early morning can be quite cold, so bring some warm clothing 

Visiting Tanzania Between September and October – Conquering Kilimanjaro 

 September brings a great shift in Tanzania tourism as crowds start to dissipate. Although there is still no rain, the low humidity often brings fewer mosquitoes. However, it is a great time for hiking, especially if you want to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro.  A visit to the Tarangire National Park is also worthwhile as you watch elephants in large numbers. 

In October, thunderclouds start building as the short rains begin. The best places to visit during this month include the Mahale Mountains National Park for chimpanzee encounters. You will also love the warmness of Lake Tanganyika, visiting Arusha National Park, or the thrill of climbing Mount Meru. 

Visiting Tanzania Between November and December – Activities Slow Down 

As we get near the yearend, activities in Tanzania tourism start to slow down. November is an underrated month to go for a Tanzania safari since you will get great views and relatively lower rates for accommodation. Although this is still a rainy month, it only gets periodic thundershowers in the afternoon. The best places to visit include the northern parks, which offer great game viewing all year round. 

Getting into December, the country generally quiet between the Christmas and New Year holidays. Without many activities, this is a perfect time for birdwatching, especially in Tarangire and Nyerere National Parks. The Great Migration has also returned to Southern Serengeti as you can witness them festering in the short grass as they prepare to calve and bring new life. 

This period also marks the start of the Wet season that extends to May. A few things you may need to note:

• The scenery is generally green and beautiful
• You can still see plenty of wildlife, especially in the Northern Circuit parks
• January and February as the best months for watching wildebeest calving and the predators in action in Southern Serengeti ‘
• April to May is the low season, with the lowest rates and less-crowded parks.
• November to April are the best time for bird watching as migratory birds arrive in the parks.
• March to May is the pack of Wet Season.
• The short afternoon showers during the Wet Season often interfere with safari activities.

Book Your Next Tanzania Trip with Bobbytours

Finding the best time to visit Tanzania is just one part of the equation. The next is figuring out the best destination and activities to be involved in. That’s why Bobbytours offers personalized packages to make sure you get the best out of your Tanzania tour. Book your next tour with Bobbytours and experience Tanzania is wholesome, from the stunning landscape and rich wildlife to diverse cultures and more. 

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