Best time to visit Tanzania

Last updated May 25th, 2023.

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While welcoming less visitors than Kenya, its northern neighbour, Tanzania has some of the best safari possibilities in Africa. So, when is the best time to visit Tanzania?

Reasons for heading to Tanzania

It’s in Tanzania that you’ll find the Serengeti, perhaps the most famous and important of national parks in the country.

But other natural attractions include the Ngorongoro Crater, and Nyerere (formerly Selous) – one of the largest national parks in Africa.

Convinced by Tanzania? Because I’ve still got to mention Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest peak. And a stunning Indian Ocean coastline that includes the exotic islands of the Zanzibar archipelago.

East Africa’s sleeping giant, below you’ll find all you need to know about the best time to visit Tanzania.

The seasons

Despite being close to the equator, Tanzania has four relatively distinct seasons. But they are not the same as the four-season climate of temperate Europe and North America, as I’ll now explain.

The hottest and most humid time of year on the great plains is between November and February. This makes the Christmas period a popular time to visit Tanzania, since temperatures don’t usually get to uncomfortable levels.

During these months, temperatures instead linger between 25° and 31°C. Rain does occur midway into this period with the short rains, lowering temperatures and meaning there can be clouds amid the blue sky.

The months from June to October are also dry, and also a little cooler, with temperatures averaging around 20°C. It can get significantly cooler on Tanzania’s mountain peaks, with temperatures regularly dropping below zero at night.

The months of April and May are something of a wash out with the long rains. But even now, choose carefully and a safari is still not out of the question.

Best time to visit Tanzania for safaris

The first months of the year sit within one of Tanzania’s dry seasons, meaning animals cluster around remaining waterholes. The permanent water sources of Tarangire National Park offer a wealth of species at this time of year.

But the main attraction has to be the giant wildebeest herds of the Great Migration forming in the southern Serengeti.

What’s more, the accompanying zebra begin to give birth in January and the wildebeest in February. The plains are therefore awash with new life – something like 6,000 new calves every single day. All this activity attracts the region’s predators too, from lions to hyenas.

The long rains

The long rains of April and May put many safari goers off. They can certainly be disruptive to wildlife viewing, with unsurfaced roads in national parks becoming impassable.

However, they provide some of the best light conditions of the year for serious photographers. And as the grasses sprout new shoots, Tanzania’s national parks turn beautifully emerald in colour. With fewer visitor numbers than at other months of the year, you might have this spectacle all to yourself.

The Great Migration has moved north into Grumeti Game Reserve by this time. Here the wildebeest must face one of their toughest challenges – the crossing of the crocodile-infested and flooded waters of the Grumeti River.

The green season

The grass growth can make wildlife viewing more of a trial than during earlier months of the year. What’s more, the ready access to water from the end of May means animals are more spread out.

The latter half of this period, around September, begins to see the arrival of migratory birds. They fly south to sit out the cold northern winters somewhere more pleasant.

In the far north of Tanzania, and into the unfenced border into Kenya, the herds of the Great Migration are tackling another significant river crossing – that of the Mara River. Its a river they have to cross multiple times each year.

One of the most celebrated aspects of the entire migration, witnessing the crossings is an unforgettable experience. That said, the fight between safari vehicles for the best vantagepoints can be fierce. In contrast, the south of the country is much less busy at this time of year.

The short rains

November to December/January are typified by scattered showers, which tend to fall during the night. Together with low season rates, these months can be another good time to visit Tanzania’s national parks. Campsites and lodges fill up midway through the short rains as people arrive for the Christmas and New Year periods.

Best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro

The multi-day hike to the summit of Africa’s highest peak is one of the world’s best climbs. The first months of the year, December to mid-March, are generally considered the best to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

The mornings on its slopes are generally dry and clear, with cloud cover forming in the early afternoon. Mid-June until the end of October, taking in the dry period between the two rainy seasons is another good possibility.

Best time to visit Zanzibar and Pemba

Lying just off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar and Pemba share a similar seasonal pattern to the mainland.

Beach holidays are therefore best during December to February when it’s hot and dry, or June to October when it’s less humid.

Water conditions are best for snorkelling and scuba diving in February and March, as well as in July and August.

The best time to visit Tanzania

Although Tanzania’s seasons might seem complicated, that’s not really the case. Whether you plan to go on safari, climb Mount Kilimanjaro or head to Zanzibar, the best time to visit Tanzania is during one of the two long periods of dry weather. Depending on your holiday wish list (and budget) you might also want to consider the short rains.