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Tanzania

When to Travel to Tanzania

January to March

Excellent travel time

Good travel time

Fair travel time

Poor travel time

In January, Tanzania’s coast, especially Zanzibar, offers ideal conditions for a tropical beach holiday with its powder-soft sand beaches and azure waters, perfect for relaxation. It also marks the beginning of the Wildebeest Migration as herds move into the southern Serengeti to give birth.

February brings hot and humid weather, initiating the calving season for thousands of wildebeests, leading to the birth of around 500,000 calves.

March experiences exceptionally high temperatures with early dry conditions followed by the onset of the “long rains.” The landscape turns lush green, contrasting with the dry terrain of summer. Short, sharp rainfall occurs in the Ngorongoro Highlands in the late afternoon, making mornings pleasant. March is also ideal for conquering Mount Kilimanjaro.

April & May

April is the wettest month of the year in Tanzania, with afternoon thundershowers and frequent nighttime storms. Western and southern parks experience high humidity, yet accommodations and tours provide excellent value for money during this period.

May begins with continued rainfall but gradually dries up by the end of the month, heralding the onset of the dry season in June. This period sees the Great Migration journeying from the southern Serengeti to the western corridor.

June to August

June is the prime time for luxury Safaris in Tanzania, with dry conditions and increased wildlife sightings as vegetation recedes. The Wildebeest Migration gathers at the Grumeti River, preparing for crossings.

July is peak Safari season, ideal for combining a Kenya and Tanzania Safari. The Great Migration reaches the northern Serengeti, ready for challenging river crossings.

August remains peak season with excellent wildlife viewing and ongoing Mara River crossings during the Great Migration.

September & October

In September, tourist crowds thin out, and the absence of rain keeps humidity low, reducing mosquito activity. It’s an ideal time for Kilimanjaro trekkers and elephant enthusiasts flock to Tarangire National Park. Fishing season kicks off in Tanzania’s lake regions.

October brings the first rains and thunderclouds. Mahale Mountains National Park offers prime chimpanzee encounters, while Lake Tanganyika reaches its warmest. It’s also the best time for climbing Mount Meru in Arusha National Park.

November & December

November is underrated for Safaris in Tanzania, with occasional afternoon thundershowers. Game viewing in northern parks is excellent, offering a chance to explore lesser-known destinations.

December brings the start of the “short rains,” quieter initially before the holiday rush. It’s prime time for birdwatching as migratory birds arrive, particularly in Nyerere and Tarangire National Parks. The Great Migration returns to the southern Serengeti, ideal for witnessing feasting and calving.