Best Time To Visit Tanzania
Best Time to Visit Tanzania
Tanzania is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit largely depends on what you want to experience, be it wildlife safaris, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, or enjoying the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar. The climate is generally tropical but varies due to elevation and proximity to the coast. Below is a detailed guide to the best times for different activities and regions.
Weather Overview
Tanzania has two main seasons:
- Dry Season (June to October)
- Wet Season (November to May)
The year is further divided into the short rains (November-December) and the long rains (March-May).
| Season | Months | Temperature (Avg.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | June to October | 20°C – 30°C (68°F – 86°F) | Safaris, Kilimanjaro hikes, beach holidays |
| Wet Season (Long) | March to May | 23°C – 28°C (73°F – 82°F) | Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, birdwatching |
| Wet Season (Short) | November to December | 24°C – 30°C (75°F – 86°F) | Short rains, good for birdwatching |
Best Time for Specific Activities
A. Wildlife Safaris
The dry season (June to October) is the best time for safaris, as animals gather around water sources, and the vegetation is thinner, making wildlife easier to spot.
| Park | Best Time to Visit | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Serengeti National Park | June to October | Great Migration (July – October) |
| Ngorongoro Crater | June to September | Excellent wildlife viewing and cooler weather |
| Tarangire National Park | June to October | Elephants gather, easy to spot |
| Ruaha National Park | June to October | Dry, animals near water sources |
| Selous Game Reserve | June to October | Fewer crowds, excellent game viewing |
Note:
- The Great Migration in the Serengeti can also be seen from late January to March, when wildebeests give birth.
B. Mount Kilimanjaro Hikes
The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons, either from January to March or June to October. During these periods, trails are more accessible, and the weather is clearer.
| Months | Condition | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| January – March | Cooler, dry season | Fewer crowds, great for those seeking solitude |
| June – October | Warm and dry | Ideal for summit visibility |
| April – May | Rainy season, trails can be slippery | Avoid due to poor weather |
C. Zanzibar Beach Holidays
Zanzibar is best visited from June to October when the weather is dry and pleasant, perfect for beach activities and diving.
| Months | Weather | Beach Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| June – October | Dry, sunny | Perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving |
| December – February | Warm, humid | Good for beach time, less crowded |
| March-May | Rainy season | With heavy rains, some beach resorts may close |
Month-by-Month Breakdown
Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect during each month:
| Month | Climate | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| January | Warm, start of the short dry season | Wildebeest calving season, fewer crowds |
| February | Warm, dry | Zanzibar beaches, Serengeti calving season |
| March | Start of the long rains | Birdwatching, fewer tourists |
| April | Heavy rains | Avoid unless you love lush landscapes |
| May | End of the long rains | Good for budget travelers |
| June | Dry season begins | Safaris, Kilimanjaro climbs |
| July | Cool, dry | Serengeti migration, ideal beach weather |
| August | Dry, pleasant | Great for safaris and Zanzibar |
| September | Dry, warm | Ideal for safaris, beach activities |
| October | Warm, end of dry season | Safaris, beaches, fewer crowds |
| November | Short rains start | Birdwatching, fewer crowds |
| December | Short rains | Zanzibar holidays, warm and humid |
Special Events and Festivals
Here are some key events to plan your trip around:
- Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF): Held annually in July in Stone Town, showcasing African art, music, and film.
- Serengeti Migration: Peaks between July and October, though the Serengeti wildebeest migration can be seen year-round in different areas.
- Kilimanjaro Marathon: Held in late February or early March, ideal for sports enthusiasts.
Summary: Best Time to Visit Tanzania by Activity
- Best for Wildlife Safaris: June to October
- Best for the Great Migration: July to October (Wildebeest river crossings) & January to March (Calving season)
- Best for Mount Kilimanjaro: January to March & June to October
- Best for Beach Holidays: June to October
Each season offers unique experiences, so whether you want to enjoy a wildlife safari, relax on a beach, or hike up Africa’s tallest mountain, Tanzania has something for everyone!
Tour Destinations
Tanzania is home to some of Africa's most renowned safari destinations, each offering unique landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unforgettable experiences
Serengeti National Park
Covering an expansive area of approximately 14,750 square kilometers (5,700 square miles), the park is renowned for its stunning landscapes, incredible biodiversity, and the annual Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras
Kilimanjaro National Park
The park boasts diverse ecosystems ranging from lush rainforests to alpine deserts. Visitors can encounter a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, and monkeys, as well as unique flora like the giant groundsels and lobelias that are adapted to the high-altitude environment
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The Ngorongoro Crater is renowned for its rich biodiversity and dense wildlife populations. The crater floor is home to approximately 25,000 large animals, including the Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos
Lake Manyara National Park
One of the park's main attractions is its abundant wildlife. Lake Manyara National Park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, a rare behavior that adds a unique charm to the safari experience
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire is famed for its large elephant herds, which can number in the hundreds. The park's varied landscapes, including grasslands, swamps, and baobab-dotted plains, support a diverse range of wildlife
Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park, located in northern Tanzania, is a small but diverse park that offers a variety of ecosystems and stunning landscapes. Covering approximately 137 square kilometers (53 square miles)
Top Pick Tanzania Tour Packages For You
Tanzania boasts Africa’s renowned parks, promising unforgettable luxury safaris. With expertly crafted itineraries, immerse yourself in the finest national parks for a tailored wildlife adventure.