Tanzania Weather

The two hot and dry seasons and the two rainy seasons define Tanzania’s climate, and these are the primary weather patterns that will impact your safari, beach vacation, or mountain trek. The changing weather patterns make it harder and harder to rely on forecasts, as is the case with many other regions in the world. However, we have put together these tips on Tanzania’s climate and weather to give you an idea.

What type of climate is it in Tanzania?

Tanzania, which is close to the equator, has a tropical climate with two rainy seasons and a protracted dry season. There are also variations in the area climate. Tanzania’s southern regions can get quite hot and dry, whereas the country’s northern regions have warmer weather. On the other hand, the seaside experiences the warmest and most humid weather. The year-round moderate temperatures at altitude are drastically reduced at night.

What times are winter and summer?

Tanzania doesn’t experience traditional summer or winter seasons. It does, however, have a five-month dry season in addition to two wet seasons. Technically speaking, Tanzania experiences two dry seasons.

Tanzania’s major dry season, which runs from June to October, is the greatest time to see wildlife. Although they arrive in November and December, the brief and frequently

unpredictable rains have less of an effect on a safari. January and February can have brief dry spells that can be both hot and gorgeous. During the extended rainy season that lasts from March to May, daily heavy rain is to be expected.

What are the Tanzanian temperatures like?

Tanzania’s dry season, which runs from June to October, brings with it the driest and most comfortable weather. The temperature ranges from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F), depending on where you stay. During the dry season, June is the coolest month while October is the warmest. November and December see a further increase in temperature. Generally speaking, the hottest and most humid months are January and February. The end of March through May is the wet season, which lowers the temperature once more. All year round, the weather will feel much colder at altitude.

Tanzania’s weather by month Tanzania’s

January–February weather January marks the beginning of a brief dry season sandwiched between the countries’ two rainy seasons. The ideal time of year to dive and snorkel on the coral reef is right now, right off the coast. Although the temperature and humidity increase, if you enjoy hot weather, this is a great time to visit the beach. Most national parks experience average temperatures of about 27°C (80°F). However, in high altitudes, like as Ngorongoro Crater, temperatures can drop significantly.

The early-year light rains create an ideal green nursery for thousands of wildebeest in the Serengeti National Park, and by February, the carving season is well under way. Tanzania is a wonderful place to visit during the migrating bird season. In the majority of the parks. Zanzibar is an excellent destination for you if you enjoy hot temperatures and do not mind high humidity.

The low season in Tanzania, which runs from March to May,

Tanzania’s long rainy season (also known as the low season) begins in March, when temperatures can soar. On the other hand, one of the greatest periods to hike Mount Kilimanjaro is up until mid-March. March is halfway through when exceptionally humid air, carried inland by the trade wind from the southeast, collides with craters, hills, and

mountains before being forced upward, where it condenses and pours heavily, usually in the afternoon.
Early April is not the best time to trek Kilimanjaro since mountain paths get quite muddy. Afternoon thunderstorms bring rain. This is the time of year when Mount Kilimanjaro, the Ngorongoro Crater, and even the Zanzibar archipelago experience a lot of rain. Most lodgings in the northern parks stay open even though it’s one of the wettest months; certain lodgings in the southern parks, however, may close.

A lengthy column of wildebeest winds northward in search of grass to begin the wildebeest rut, or mating season, in May. The wildebeest begin to assemble in the middle of May in the Serengeti National Park’s southwest corridor. When they reach the Grumeti River, enormous Nile crocodiles are waiting for the river crossing to commence.

The weather in Tanzania’s high season, which runs from June to October

The greatest time to travel to Tanzania is around June, when the dry season begins. The air is lovely and dry. By June, the huge wildebeest migration will be under way. Temperatures at night can drastically drop at altitude.

The famed wildebeest river crossing in the Mara River is best seen in July most of the time. Tanzanian landscapes begin to dry up, drawing wildlife to any available water source. In Gombe National Park, the beginning of July until the conclusion of the dry season is the best time to see chimpanzees.

Tanzania has exceptional game viewing in August, with enormous herds of elephants (200– 300 individuals) seen in Tarangire National Park and Ruaha National Park. It’s the ideal time of year to witness certain endangered species at Nyerere National Park, such the black rhino and African wild dog.

Similar to the other months of the dry season, September is a fantastic time to travel to Zanzibar. The fact that it falls around the time when turtles hatch on some of the beaches, however, makes it even better. Making this season ideal for a beach vacation after a safari.

There is usually decent weather in October for a trek up Mount Kilimanjaro. West of Tanzania’s Katavi National Park is a great place to see hippos.
As this is the peak season, don’t forget to make reservations in advance if you want to visit during this time.

November to December weather

it is quite unlikely that your vacation to Tanzania would be impacted by the brief rains that begin in November. Usually in the afternoon heat, there are brief downpours. Tanzania is stunning at this time of year, when migratory birds begin to return.

The scenery turns a vibrant green as the December brief rains persist. Divers can interact with whale sharks in the seas along the coast. This is generally a fantastic time to travel to Tanzania.

Tanzania’s south

In Southern Tanzania, the rainy season is longer than in the country’s northern region. Typically, the dry season lasts from June to November, after which a protracted rainy season begins. December is when heavy rains might begin and last until March. April and May may still have rain, although it will normally be lighter and less frequent. There will be times throughout the wet season when certain camps close. Thus, careful planning is essential.

Advice from our expert:
During the heavy, dry high season, select a niche park

The dry season in Tanzania offers the ideal weather conditions for a safari. In Tanzania’s north, certain parks can get very crowded. During this time, wildlife enthusiasts can choose to visit the south’s Nyerere National Park for a unique experience. There is a variety of species near the Rufiji River at this time of year. Game viewing is fantastic from a 4×4 vehicle, foot, or boat. Elephants, buffalo, and lions are all visible. Rare species including the sable antelope, wild hunting dog, and black rhino are also seen. In addition to all of this, there are far fewer outsiders than in the north.