Best Time to Visit Tanzania
Best Time to Visit
Tanzania is the envy of most safari countries, as you can visit this destination all year round. However, the best time to visit for wildlife is during the dry season, between June and October, particularly for the peak of the wildebeest migration.
January
Best
January marks the start of Tanzania’s short dry season, though afternoon showers remain possible. Accommodation availability is high and rates are low. It’s also the beginning of the Great Migration calving season, attracting predators. The landscape is lush and green, teeming with migratory birds. However, wildlife viewing in the southern parks can be challenging due to dense vegetation.
Low season
Max. temperature 29°C
Dry
Calving season
Great for photography
Low rates
February
Best
February in Tanzania is hot and dry, making it a great time to visit with fewer crowds and lower rates. It’s the peak of the wildebeest calving season, drawing intense predator activity. Birding is excellent, especially in Nyerere and Ruaha. Lush landscapes offer ideal conditions for photographing newborns. Zanzibar experiences its hottest weather during this time.
Low season
Max. temperature 29°C
Dry season
Calving season
Hottest month
March
Good
March in Tanzania marks the beginning of the long rains, making it one of the wettest months. Tropical afternoon downpours are common, so waterproofs are essential. The landscape is lush with blooming flowers and dramatic skies, perfect for photography. Fewer tourists mean excellent availability and great value at lodges and camps that stay open during this quiet season.
Low season
Max. temperature 30°C
Hottest month
Calving season
Birdlife
April
Mixed
April is the peak of Tanzania’s wet season, with long rains bringing high humidity and mosquitoes. Most properties in the southern and western parks are closed or inaccessible. However, prices are significantly reduced; sometimes half of high season rates. Despite the weather, it’s a great time for photography, with migration herds and their young moving through the lush, rain-soaked landscapes.
Wet season
Max. temperature 28°C
Heavy rain
Migration heads north
Low rates
May
Mixed
May in Tanzania marks the end of the long rains, with drier conditions emerging late in the month. It’s an excellent time to witness the Great Migration as herds move north. Zanzibar experiences its heaviest rainfall, birdwatchers can enjoy sightings of migratory species. The Serengeti offers fantastic wildlife photography opportunities, with dramatic skies and dynamic animal movement enhancing every shot.
Wet season
Max. temperature 27°C
Afternoon downpours
Mega-heard moving North
Migratory birds
Epic Serengeti photo ops
June
Good
June marks the start of Tanzania’s dry season, bringing clear skies, sunshine, chilly mornings, and cool evenings. It’s a fantastic month for both safari and beach holidays, with little to no rain and fewer mosquitoes. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals gather near water sources and the bush thins out. A key highlight is the wildebeest crossing the Grumeti River.
Dry season
Max. temperature 27°C
No rain
Wildebeest mega herds
Add some beach time
Book in advance
July
Best
July is one of the best times to visit Tanzania, with dry, warm weather and outstanding wildlife viewing. It’s peak season, so booking early is essential. Wildlife highlights include the Great Migration in the Serengeti, chimpanzees in Mahale, and elephants in Tarangire. As the driest month, July sees little rain, though dusty roads and crowded areas are common.
Peak season
Max. temperature 27°C
No rain
Wildebeest river crossing
YZ favorite month
Book in advance
August
Best
August is the ultimate month for wildlife viewing in Tanzania, with dry, warm days and cool nights; perfect safari weather. Wildlife gathers at dwindling water sources, offering exceptional sightings. While the north is popular, the south remains quieter yet equally rewarding. Highlights include large elephant herds in Tarangire and overall superb game viewing across the country’s top parks.
Peak season
Max. temperature 28°C
No rain
Wildebeest river crossing
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Book in advance
September
Best
September marks the end of Tanzania’s dry season, with wildlife densely gathered around water sources. The Great Migration begins its return from Kenya, offering a chance to witness dramatic river crossings. Northern parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro can be crowded, but southern parks remain quieter and are ideal for avoiding the crowds. It’s also a top month to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
Peak season
Max. temperature 28°C
No rain
Wildebeest river crossing
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Book in advance
October
Best
October is a fantastic time to visit Tanzania for both safari and beach holidays, with warm, clear days and the chance of rain later in the month. The mega-herd is spread across the northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara, while wildlife gathers around limited water sources. Peak season continues, so availability is limited and rates are high in the main parks.
Peak season
Max. temperature 29°C
No rain
Mega-herd moving month
Add some beach time
Book in advance
November
Best
November brings the start of Tanzania’s short rains, mostly falling overnight. With fewer tourists, property availability is good and rates are lower. It’s a key month for the Great Migration as herds move toward the southern short-grass plains. November also offers excellent chances to see whale sharks off Mafia Island. Rising humidity brings more mosquitoes during this time.
Short rainy season
Max. temperature 28°C
Mega-herd moving month
Low rates
November
Best
December marks the start of Tanzania’s emerald season, with increasingly lush landscapes and large wildebeest herds preparing for calving across the Serengeti. It’s a popular holiday destination, so early booking is essential. Birders can enjoy thousands of migratory species arriving. Meanwhile, Zanzibar experiences hot, dry, and humid weather, with temperatures soaring into the early 40s.
Short rainy season
Max. temperature 28°C
Great birdlife
Book in advance
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