Tarangire Weather and Climate 

Before heading to Tanzania for your holiday safari, you might be wondering what to expect for weather and climate while travelling through Tarangire National Park. The climate in Tarangire is similar to the other parks in the northern circuit including Lake Manyara and Serengeti.

The overall weather is very temperate and mild. Most travellers find the climate comfortable and enjoyable. You might need a few warm clothing items if you are doing night or early morning game drives, but it never gets too cold to be uncomfortable. 

Even on days when the sun is shining brightly, the temperature is still comfortable enough to where you won’t be sweating profusely. Overall, you’ll be able to enjoy the great outdoors that Tarangire has to offer no matter what time of year you visit. 

Tarangire Seasons 

Tarangire has two major seasons. The dry season runs from June to October and the wet season runs from November to May. The wet season then has a few shorter seasons within it.

November and December are the “short rain” months. In this season it doesn’t rain all day so the weather shouldn’t affect your trip too much. In the two months combined, it only rains for about 4 weeks so some days see no rain at all. 

January and February either see very light rain or they are dry months. It can be hard to predict, so prepare for a little rain if you are coming during these months. The short rain spells, if they come, should not interfere with your trip. 

March, April, and May are the “long rain” season. It rains almost every day, but not all day. The sky is cloudy for most of the day though and sometimes the rain can bring in a cold front. Walking safaris can be hard during this time since you might need to walk in the rain or mud. 

During the dry season, it seldom rains. The days can be sunny or they can be slightly overcast. Depending on the year, the rains can start in mid to late October, but they usually begin in November. 

What to Expect During the Dry Season 

Tarangire has a long dry season from June to October. July and August are the driest months while the other months might have two or three days with rainfall, but not enough to affect your safari. 

June and July are the coldest months in Tarangire, but the weather is still very comfortable, especially for travellers that come from countries with long winters. 

The average daily temperatures in June and July are between 14°C (57.2°F) and 24°C (75.2°F). 

August has the same temperatures but it’s starting to get a little warmer. Average daily temperatures are between 14°C (57.2°F) and 25°C (77°F). 

If you’re visiting in September, you can expect warmer temperatures with the averages being between 15°C (59°F) and 28°C (82.4°F). October has the same daily average temperatures as September, but it can get a little warmer if the rainy season starts at the end of the month. 

What to Expect During the Wet Season 

November is the official start of the short rain season. Average temperatures are between17°C (62.6°F) and 29°C (84.2°F). 

December is another “short rain” month. It’s considered the first month of summer with average temperatures between 17°C (62.6°F) and 29°C (84.2°F). 

January has temperatures of 16°C (60.8°F) and 29°C (84.2°F). Depending on the year, it may rain or it might be a dry month. 

February is warmer with temperatures of 30°C (86°F) and above with a minimum temperature of 17°C (62.6°F). Like January, it can be a dry month or about half the days can see rainfall for a few hours. 

March is the first month of the “long rain” season. Average temperatures are between 17°C (62.6°F) and 29°C (84.2°F).  

April has temperatures between 18°C (64.4°F) and 27°C (80.6°F). Some days it can be hotter with temperatures of around 29°C (84.2°F) but it depends on how much rain the month sees. 

May is the last month of the “long rain” season. Average temperatures are between 16°C (60.8°F) and 25°C (77°F) as it’s cooling down to prepare for the dry season. 

When to Visit Tarangire National Park 

Tarangire has pleasant weather all year round. Most people choose to visit during the dry season since they don’t have to worry about the rain and animals are easier to spot since the vegetation is thin. 

The wet season still welcomes many travellers though, especially those who enjoy bird watching and those who want to see the park when it’s lush and green. 

Tarangire has great wildlife viewing all year round with its relaxing and mild climate. Whenever you’re ready to travel to Tanzania’s stunning national parks, our safari guides are ready to welcome you!