Best Time to Visit Tanzania

While there is no wrong or right time to visit this spectacular country, the dry months that last between June and October are ideal for safari tours at the popular National Parks of Tanzania.

The dry season leads to water shortage in the wild, which draws all the wild animals to the water sources, giving you a chance to spot different wild animals. This is exactly why tourists prefer this season for their visit.

This is also the best time to visit Zanzibar Tanzania because the dry weather makes it convenient to spend time along the beaches. Again, this season is ideal for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, as the skies are clear and the weather is pleasant.

Alternatively, you can try climbing Mount Kilimanjaro between January and March, which is another spell of dry season.

If you want to avoid the crowd, you can opt for the green season that lasts between March and May. However, the rainy season in Tanzania comes with long hours of rain that can easily ruin your trip.

The primary reason for tourists to visit Tanzania is outdoor activities and wildlife sightings. However, you can relax on the beaches or visit key attractions at the economic and cultural hub of the country.

The following seasonal breakdown will help you decide the best time to visit Tanzania from India or any other place.

Peak Season in Tanzania

If your idea of a vacation to Tanzania is centred around watching animals in the wild, then June to October is when you can visit this country. This is the high season for tourists to crowd the prominent National Parks and other major attractions in Tanzania.

This is also the best time to visit the Serengeti and other popular locations to watch the wild animals migrate. Visitors also plan their trip to Zanzibar islands or Mount Kilimanjaro during this season, making it very crowded this part of the year.

Therefore, advance booking is the only way to enjoy a comfortable trip during the peak season.

Shoulder Season in Tanzania

November to March is when there are fewer tourists around. During this shoulder season, you have the advantage of viewing games (safaris) without having to deal with thick crowds. The rains that occur during the shoulder season are short, having no significant impact on tours.

Wildlife enthusiasts can plan their trip at this time to watch different species in the wild and give birth to young ones. This is the best time to visit coastal areas as well, as the weather is dry and hot.

Low Season in Tanzania

In Tanzania, the low season runs between April and May. Due to the long hours of rain, travelling around can get difficult. However, this is a good time to watch the lush green landscapes of Tanzania.

This is the most appropriate time to visit this country if you have a limited budget. But keep in mind that during this time several camps and lodges remain closed. So, plan accordingly.

Tanzania is a land of diverse climatic conditions all year round. Based on your preference of activity, you can select the best time to visit Tanzania.

Here is what you can expect each month of the year in Tanzania.

January in Tanzania

January is the shoulder season in Tanzania because most tourists come to watch the wildlife, and the humidity level in these areas is pretty high in January. But it is a dry month, which gives you ample freedom to explore the wildebeests’ calving season without crowds hovering around.

Alternatively, you can spend your time on the beaches of Zanzibar, where the water is sparkling and the sand is powder-soft.

Average Temperature: 20.4°C -29.2°C

Best Places to Visit:

Ndutu Plains in Ngorongoro Conservation Area to witness wildebeests birthing young ones

South Serengeti to watch the Great Wildebeest Migration begin

Usambara Mountains for trekking

Zanzibar islands for a relaxing time on the beach

Things to Experience:

Ngorongoro Festival that celebrates the Maasai tribe’s tradition through exhibitions, dance and music

Watch more than 500 species of birds, including hornbills, at the Ruaha National Park

Tanzania in February

The scant rainfall and low rate of tourism make February an ideal time for visiting Tanzania. In the plains, 500,000 (approximately) calves are born to the wildebeests, which is amazing to witness.

While the migration continues in the Ndutu plains, the greenery of Tanzania will astound you. Also, if you want a relaxed time enjoying activities like snorkelling and diving in turquoise waters, head for the coastal destinations.

Average Temperature: 20.3°C -29.5°C

Best Places to Visit:

Pemba, Mafia or Zanzibar islands for diving, snorkelling and whale watching

Ndutu Plains to watch the huge population of young calves migrating

Things to Experience:

Island hopping and swimming in the coastal areas

Hiking trails along the Materuni Waterfall and Mount Kilimanjaro

March in Tanzania

The first half of March is similar to February with respect to weather conditions. It is dry and pleasant. However, in the latter half of this month, heavy rainfall, usually in the mornings, can disrupt travel plans.

The UV index also reaches high levels, which is why carrying UV protection is a must when touring Tanzania during this time. Safaris, beach trips and trekking are limited to the first half of March.

Average Temperature: 20.1°C -29.5°C

Best Places to Visit:

Western corridor of the Serengeti National Park to witness the wildebeests migrate towards the Grumeti River

Prime time to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro

Things to Experience:

Wildlife photography, as the skies are mostly clear and the landscape is eye-catching

Encounter whale sharks while snorkelling in Zanzibar waters

Tanzania in April

Tanzania in April is less crowded because of the onset of heavy rainfall. The landscape of Tanzania comes alive during April as the scenery turns lush green in colour. This is one of the best times to visit the National Parks to witness vegetation in full bloom.

A trip to Zanzibar or the Mafia Archipelago is also a good idea in the month of April. You can consider sightseeing attractions like museums and other landmarks.

Average Temperature: 19.7°C -28.8°C

Best Places to Visit:

Tarangire National Park for Tanzania Birding Safaris

Serengeti National Park to watch The Great Migration move from west and north directions to the south of Serengeti

Things to Experience:

Watch green turtles hatch along the Mafia Archipelago shores

Watch the sunset view on the plains of Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site

May in Tanzania

May is when tourism is at its lowest point, meaning you can visit all important landmarks without worrying about crowds. This is a good time for game viewing as animals move towards water sources to quench their thirst.

This is also a good time to spot birds like cinnamon-chested bee-eaters, crowned hawk-eagles, ashy starlings, etc., in Tanzania’s National Parks. However, it is not advisable to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in May.

Average Temperature: 17.5°C-28.3°C

Best Places to Visit:

Arusha for its Summer Festival to get a taste of their culture

Usambara Mountains to experience the natural beauty of the land

Ngorongoro Crater to watch the wild animals without tourists flocking around you

Things to Experience:

Take part in the Ngorongoro Marathon

Take photographs of vibrant and colourful bird species

Tanzania in June

June marks the beginning of the dry spell in Tanzania, and the number of tourists begins to rise from this month. This month serves as the best time to witness The Great Migration event, as rains are infrequent and wildlife sightings are exceptional.

Humidity levels start dropping, making it easier to stay outdoors for long hours. This is the best time to visit the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, as these areas are heavily crowded during this part of the year.

The beaches of Zanzibar are also available in June for beach trips.

Average Temperature: 16.6°C -28°C

Best Places to Visit:

Tanzania Birding Safaris at the Ruaha National Park and Tarangire National Park

Selous Game Reserve for wild dogs and big cat sightings

Grumeti River for wildebeest sightings

Things to Experience:

Participate in the Bulabo Dance Festival and Karibu Travel and Tourism Fair

Climb Mount Meru in Arusha National Park

Enjoy wildebeests of Africa on Safari

July in Tanzania

July is the best time to visit Kenya and Tanzania as the wildebeests move between the Maasai Mara National Reserve of Kenya and the Serengeti National Park. The Great Wildebeest Migration crosses the Mara River to reach Kenya.

This is one of the best times to spot the Big Five - the Rhinoceros, the Cape Buffalo, the African Elephant, the African Lion and the African Leopard. The low levels of humidity result in tourists flooding into all the major attractions.

Average Temperature: 16.1°C -27.9°C

Best Places to Visit:

Lake Zone and the Serengeti National Park for the Serengeti Cultural Festival

Mount Kilimanjaro for climbing

Selous Game Reserve to spot wild dogs and other wild animals

Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park to watch the Big Five

Tarangire National Park and Ruaha National Park for bird sightings

Things to Experience:

Festivals and beach lounging in Zanzibar

Red and yellow ripe coffee cherries in the coffee fields of Tanzania

Tanzania in August

In August, the lack of rainfall makes the vegetation less dense, which helps you spot the wild animals during your safari tours. To experience a sensational wildlife viewing, you have to follow The Great Wildebeest Migration, as it moves past the Mara River.

The warm temperature minus humidity makes it possible to travel across the plains. However, if you are in the mood for some marine experience, you can spend time along the beaches of Zanzibar.

Average Temperature: 16.4°C -28.6°C

Best Places to Visit:

Lake Natron to watch Flamingo flocks move around for water and food

The Katavi National Park to catch a glimpse of crocodiles, elephants and hippos

Things to Experience:

Watch turtle-hatching and diving along the shores of the Mafia Archipelago

Get a chance to watch the Big Five across the scanty vegetation of the National Parks

September in Tanzania

September is a great month to visit Tanzania. This is an excellent time to opt for safaris, hikes and wildlife camping. September is dry with pleasant weather, making it possible to spend a good deal of time out in the wild.

Herds can be spotted on both sides of the Tanzania and Kenya border. The northern parks are crowded in September, so it is wise to visit the southern parks this month. This is the best time to visit Zanzibar in Tanzania to enjoy a hot air balloon safari. It is also a good time to conquer the mountain peaks of Tanzania.

Average Temperature: 17.4°C -29.7°C

Best Places to Visit:

Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area for spotting wild animals

Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru for climbing the mountain

Zanzibar to watch green turtles hatch, as this is the last month for this experience

Lake Tanganyika for boating, swimming and snorkelling

Mahale Mountains National Park for chimp trekking

Things to Experience:

Ride on a hot air balloon to explore Zanzibar and neighbouring areas

Opt for a Lake Manyara Safari to watch tree-climbing lions

Fishing in the lake regions of Tanzania

Tanzania in October

There is a chill in the air in the mornings of October. The days are pleasant and dry in this last month of Tanzania’s peak season. Weather patterns may change quickly, causing high winds and rainfall as October proceeds.

Although most of the wild animals have moved in October to Kenya, the rainfall causes many animals to flock around the National Parks. Zanzibar and other islands are also open to tourists for beach activities.

Average Temperature: 18.7°C -30.4°C

Best Places to Visit:

Ngorongoro Crater to watch the African wildlife

Tarangire National Park for spotting wild dogs, cheetahs, elephants and East African oryx

Arusha National Park to climb Mount Meru

Mahale Mountains National Park to encounter chimpanzees

Things to Experience:

The city life of Tanzania by exploring marketplaces and prominent cities

Water-based activities including swimming and fishing at Lake Tanganyika

November in Tanzania

November is the month of short rains in Tanzania. This gives you ample sunlight hours to explore the plains for African wildlife. This month, The Great Migration moves back to the southern parks of Tanzania.

November is when the calving season begins, as you can spot newborns throughout the plains. Alternatively, you can opt for diving or snorkelling underwater along the coastal destinations of Tanzania.

Average Temperature: 19.3°C -30°C

Best Places to Visit:

Hike to Ol Doinyo Lengai (an active volcano in Tanzania)

Zanzibar, Mafia and Pemba to explore coral reefs and marine creatures

Selous Game Reserve to spot wild dogs and other wildlife

Things to Experience:

Bird watching migrating bird species at the Tarangire National Park

Groove to the music at various music festivals

Tanzania in December

December is the month of slim chances of rainfall in Tanzania. As this country turns emerald green in colour, outdoor activities like safaris are encouraged in December.

The Christmas season also ushers in hordes of tourists for different festive celebrations and safari tours. This is a good time to visit Ndutu Lake in the south of Serengeti to watch native birds.

Average Temperature: 19.8°C -29°C

Best Places to Visit:

Local villages for celebrating festivities

Nyerere National Park and Tarangire National Park to watch migratory birds arrive

Mount Kilimanjaro to conquer (after the middle of December)

Maswa Game Reserve to get a glimpse of hyenas, cheetahs and giraffes enjoying their natural habitat

Things to Experience:

The Tanzania Birding Tours to watch different bird species around the Parks

Natural game drives during your safari tours

Tanzania is known for its outdoor adventures, which is why it can get risky when in this country. Minor accidents may turn into chaotic situations without travel insurance to help you handle the situation.

With Tata AIG’s international travel medical insurance, you can rest assured that your family will be covered in case of medical emergencies. Additionally, we provide options like cashless hospitalisation facilities and all-day medical assistance.

Visit our website to get a travel insurance quote before you plan a trip to Tanzania.

Choosing the best time to visit Tanzania is completely up to you. The high season is ideal for game viewing and wildebeest migration, but the cost of travel is high during this time. The low season is frequented by rainfall and limitations in the availability of accommodations and safaris. Opting to visit Tanzania in the shoulder season offers good gaming views with fewer crowds.

Irrespective of which season you choose to travel, with travel insurance to protect you, a trip to Tanzania will be an unforgettable experience.

Can I witness snowfall in Tanzania?

Yes, but it only snows on mountain summits in Tanzania during winter.

Is there a rainfall pattern in Tanzania?

Rainfall season lasts between November and May in East and North Tanzania, and the southern part of Tanzania experiences prolonged precipitation from December to May.