Tanzania Month Per Month
Tanzania’s weather varies throughout the year, with distinct rainy and dry seasons that impact the best time to visit. Generally, the long dry season from June to October is considered the best for a Tanzania safari, with good wildlife viewing.
January
The start of January is high season in Tanzania so it might be busy and more expensive but once the Festive Season (Christmas and NewYear’s celebrations) are over, it gets much quieter. It is hot and you might experience some rainfall but this should ruin your Tanzania trip.
Safaris: This is a good time for safari in the north with the calving season as a highlight in the Ndutu Plains, this month is not ideal for visiting the southern and western parks
Mount Kilimanjaro : this is a great month for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro but be sure to not forget your extra – warm jacket and sleeping bag as temperatures at the top are the lowest of the year and there is a high chance of snow.
Zanzibar: Good time for Zanzibar with warm weather, although you might experience a bit of rainfall
February
This month is calm and hot and is a really good time if you like the heath.
Safaris: very good time for safaris in the north with the calving season still present in the Ndutu plains, this month is also not ideal for visiting the southern and western parks
Mount Kilimanjaro: usually February is even better than January so it is definitely a yes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in this month
Zanzibar: just January, there is no rain in February in Zanzibar so if you want to work on your tan and sunbathing on the beach, this is a perfect time for you.
March – May
The beginning of March can be very similar to February but around mid-March, rain season starts and its generally not recommended to visit Tanzania. If you are only coming for a short trip and have a strict itinerary.
Safaris: normally animals hide from the rain which can considerably reduce the number of sightings. Roads can be slippery or even in accessible and parts of the parks (or sometimes even the entire park) might be closed.
Mount Kilimanjaro: The southern routes are definitely not recommended as this is where it rains the most, the Northern routes such as Rongai get a lot less rain so if you absolutely have to travel during these months, it is best to choose one of the routes.
Zanzibar: if you want to go for swimming, this is not the best time
June
The rains are usually over and vegetation is super green. June is part of the cold season so check the clothing recommendations for where you are going.
Safaris: Animals are no longer in hiding from the rain but the vegetation is lush so they might be more difficult to see. Other than that, June is an excellent month to visit most parks in the entire country.
Kilimanjaro: with little chance of snow, this is a good time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Zanzibar: this is a great time for visiting Zanzibar that is if you don’t mind temperatures that are just a little bit lower at night
July-August-September
Gradually the vegetation becomes less green and just like in June, nights can get colder. This is a high season in Tanzania so prices for private excursions are high and there will be crowds in most place, so it is advisable to book early.
Safari: this is perfect time for safaris in terms of climate and animal sightings as the vegetation gradually gets more dry. These are busy months in the Northern Parks of Tanzania, so if you want to avoid crowds. It might be best to head to the southern parks.
August is the best bet for seeing the Mara River Crossing of the wildebeest in the Serengeti, they will be Kenya the rest of this time but there is still more than enough other animals to see.
Mount Kilimanjaro: This is a good time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with little chance of snow
Zanzibar: this is great time for visiting Zanzibar if you don’t mind temperatures that are just a little bit lower at night
October-November
Vegetation is now often very dry and it starts to get warmer and warmer, both during the day and at night. Days can be hot and nights are usually pleasant without having to wear many layers. The high – season is over.
Safaris: this is perfect time for safaris in terms of climate and animal sightings as vegetation is now usually super dry, the wildebeest of the Serengeti come back from Kenya during this time. This is a great month for safaris in all national parks.
Mount Kilimanjaro: This is a good time to climb Kilimanjaro with little chance of snow
Zanzibar: This is great time for visiting Zanzibar, temperatures are usually hot during the day and pleasant at night. Beaches on the west coast of the island are best pick if you are not a fan of big tidal difference and lots of seaweed.
December
This month usually marks the start of the short rain season and of course the Christmas Holidays also fall in this month making it an absolute high – season. It is best to book your holiday early, especially if you want to go to Zanzibar, this is usually very hot, both during the day and at night.
Safaris: This is perfect time for safaris in terms of climate and animal sighting in almost all the parks of Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro: the rain season has an effect on the mountain but during this time of the year, most of the rainfalls on the northern part of the mountain, the much more visited southern part of the mountain gets a lot less rain so its usually not a problem at all to climb Kilimanjaro over one of these routes e.g Marangu, Machame and Lemosho.
It is cold at the summit so bring appropriate clothes and gear.
Zanzibar: This is great time for visiting Zanzibar, temperatures are usually hot during the day and pleasant at night. The beaches on the west side of the island are the best pick if you are not a fan of big tidal differences and lots of the seaweed.
