Tanzania has a warm tropical climate all year round, but altitude matters more than the calendar — the safari highlands stay pleasantly mild while the coast and islands are hot and humid. On safari, daytime temperatures usually sit between 20°C and 30°C (68–86°F) with plenty of sunshine, cooling to 10–16°C (50–61°F) at night, and dropping further at high spots like the Ngorongoro Crater rim. Broadly, the country has two dry seasons and two wet seasons: a long dry season from June to October, short rains in November and December, a hot dry spell in January and February, and the long rains from March to May.
Because Tanzania is so vast, local conditions vary a lot from region to region. Here is what to expect through the year.
Tanzania’s Seasons at a Glance
| Season | Months | What the weather is like |
|---|---|---|
| Long dry season | June – October | Cool, sunny and dry with low humidity; chilly mornings and nights. The prime safari window. |
| Short rains | November – December | Brief afternoon showers, warm and green; rarely disrupts a safari. |
| Short dry season | January – February | Hot and mostly dry between the rains; lush landscapes and calving in the southern Serengeti. |
| Long rains | March – May | The wettest, most humid months with heavy downpours, especially April. |
Is Tanzania a Hot or Cold Country?
Tanzania is a warm, tropical country, but it is rarely uncomfortably hot on safari. Lying just south of the Equator, it would be sweltering everywhere were it not for altitude. Much of the northern safari circuit — the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire — sits on high plains between roughly 1,000 and 2,300 metres, which keeps the days mild and the nights genuinely cool. The coast and islands, at sea level, stay hot and humid year round, while the summit of Kilimanjaro is below freezing. So the honest answer is: warm days, cool nights, and it depends entirely on where you are.
Weather by Region
The single biggest influence on the weather is where you are, not the month. This is why packing a few layers matters wherever you go — see our Tanzania packing guide for what to bring.
| Region | Typical daytime temperature | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Northern circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire) | 20–27°C / 68–81°F | Mild, sunny days and cold mornings; nights on the Ngorongoro rim can fall below 10°C / 50°F. |
| Southern & western parks (Ruaha, Nyerere/Selous) | 28–33°C / 82–91°F | Hotter and lower-lying than the north, especially from October to December. |
| Coast & islands (Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam) | 28–31°C / 82–88°F | Warm and humid all year, cooled by sea breezes; warmest from December to March. |
| Kilimanjaro & Meru highlands | Varies by altitude | Cold at height, with sub-zero temperatures and ice at the summit whatever the season. |
The Long Dry Season (June to October)
The long dry season is the best time for a safari. Grasses and bushes thin out, so animals are far easier to spot, and wildlife gathers around shrinking rivers and waterholes. With little rain and low humidity, it’s comfortable for both driving and walking safaris, and you can enjoy game drives with the roof open and windows down.
Daytime temperatures generally range from 20°C to 27°C (68–81°F), but the mornings and evenings are cold — a fleece and a warm hat are essential for dawn game drives, especially in June, July and August. October warms up as the landscape waits for the rains. These months also coincide with the dramatic river crossings of the great wildebeest migration in the northern Serengeti.
The Short Dry Season (January to February)
Between the two rainy periods comes a hot, largely dry spell in January and February. Days are warm and the landscapes are green and beautiful after the short rains. This is calving season in the southern Serengeti, when hundreds of thousands of wildebeest give birth and predators are especially active — a wonderful, quieter time to travel.
The Rainy Seasons (November to December and March to May)
Tanzania has two rainy seasons. The short rains fall in November and December as brief afternoon showers that clear quickly and rarely interfere with a safari, while keeping the crowds and prices down.
The long rains arrive from March to May, with April usually the wettest and most humid month. Rain can fall heavily most days, some remote camps close, and thick vegetation makes wildlife harder to find. That said, the scenery is lush and green, the birdlife is superb, and it’s the cheapest time to travel if you don’t mind the showers.
Cool Nights and Altitude
Whatever the month, remember that Tanzania’s safari heartland sits at altitude, so nights and early mornings are cold even when the days are warm. On the Ngorongoro Crater rim, temperatures can drop to around 5–10°C (41–50°F) after dark, and climbers on Kilimanjaro face sub-zero conditions near the summit year round. By contrast, the tropical coast rarely dips below the low 20s°C at night. Always pack warm layers for the highlands, however hot the afternoon feels.
Tanzania Weather & Climate
Click any month below for a detailed look at the weather, the wildlife and what to expect on safari.
Tanzania in January
January usually marks the start of the short dry season, although the exact timings of this are a little unpredictable. You can expect clear blue skies and sunshine, if the short rains have stopped, and the temperatures will be building. The short dry season is a little less pronounced in Southern Tanzania, and so it can still be wet in these areas. It is an interesting time for avians as resident birds go into breeding plumage and migrant species can be present.
Once the New Year busy period has quietened down, January can offer great value and quieter parks, although the weather can be variable, and in the Selous and Ruaha the wildlife is more dispersed.
- Variable weather: clear & dry or cloudy with some rain.
- Occasional thunderstorms may occur.
- A good time of year for birding as and many migrant species are around.
- The wildebeest migration is gathering in the southern Serengeti.
- Busy in early January, quietening down through the month.
Our View
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in January
Tanzania in February
February falls within Tanzania's short dry season and is among the hottest months, with temperatures reaching around 33°C. This period can be ideal for travel, as the Northern Circuit is less crowded compared to the European summer, and lodge rates are slightly lower. In the Serengeti, wildebeest gather on the southern plains for calving, typically occurring in early to mid-February, though timing varies yearly. Birdwatching is also exceptional, as migratory species from the northern hemisphere complement the region’s resident birdlife.
- Hot and dry conditions with temperatures reaching around 33°C.
- Wildebeest calving season takes place on the southern plains of the Serengeti.
- Ngorongoro Crater and southern Serengeti experience increased activity due to the migration.
- Selous and Ruaha remain quiet, offering a more secluded safari experience.
- Lush and green landscapes enhance the scenery across the parks.
Our View
A very good time to visit
Weather in February
Tanzania in March
Our View
A good time to visit with pros & cons
Weather in March
Tanzania in April
April falls in the heart of Tanzania’s long rainy season, making it the wettest month, with an average of 250mm of rainfall. Temperatures remain high and humid, creating a lush, flowering landscape teeming with insects, birds, and smaller wildlife. However, the dense vegetation provides ample cover for animals, making game viewing more challenging. With fewer visitors, this is one of the quietest times for tourism.
Our View
Not A great time to Visit
Weather in April
Tanzania in May
Tanzania's proximity to the equator means its climate remains relatively stable year-round, though temperatures begin to cool slightly in May. Rainfall is still expected but may start to ease towards the month's end. Tourist numbers remain low, keeping lodge rates affordable. Meanwhile, the wildebeest migration moves through the western Serengeti, navigating the Grumeti River.
In southern Tanzania, most camps remain closed, and many roads and tracks in the Selous are impassable due to wet conditions.
Our View
Not A great time to Visit
Weather in May
Tanzania in June
The rains typically taper off during the month, prompting migratory wildlife to return to perennial water sources as the land begins to dry. However, parks are likely to remain lush with tall grasses, making activities like walking safaris and fly-camping less feasible. This period marks the beginning of the tourist season, with camps reopening, though prices remain more affordable compared to the coming months.
The wildebeest migration may still be in the Western Corridor or moving northward toward the Mara River. In western Tanzania, chimpanzee trekking in Mahale National Park becomes more challenging as the chimps move higher into the mountains.
Our View
A good time to visit with pros & cons
Weather in June
Tanzania in July
July marks the beginning of the peak safari season, with dry conditions and pleasant daytime temperatures. As the landscape dries out, wildlife becomes more concentrated around water sources, and the migration tramples down the grass, improving visibility for game viewing. The wildebeest typically reach the northern Serengeti, preparing for their dramatic crossings of the Mara River.
In the Selous and Ruaha, wildlife sightings are excellent as animals gather around lakes and rivers. However, with ideal conditions and school holidays, the parks—especially Ngorongoro and the Serengeti—are at their busiest.
Our View
Outstanding: The absolute best times to visit.
Weather in July
Tanzania in August
August sits in the heart of the long dry season, bringing clear skies and plenty of sunshine. While daytime temperatures are warm, mornings and nights can be cooler, so packing layered clothing is essential for early game drives.
As one of the most popular months for safaris, August sees high visitor numbers, particularly in the northern parks. The Ngorongoro Crater and northern Serengeti can be especially busy, as travellers gather in hopes of witnessing dramatic wildebeest river crossings. Accommodation prices are at their peak, and booking well in advance is highly recommended.
Our View
Outstanding: The absolute best times to visit.
Weather in August
Tanzania in September
September is an excellent time to visit Tanzania, as the dry season continues and wildlife congregates around the remaining water sources, creating high animal densities. While early September can be busy, visitor numbers tend to decrease later in the month as fewer families travel.
The wildebeest migration is still active in the northern Serengeti, with frequent river crossings. Meanwhile, Tanzania’s southern parks offer fantastic wildlife viewing with fewer crowds compared to the north. Prices remain high, and the weather is generally favourable, making it a great time for a safari experience.
Our View
Outstanding: The absolute best times to visit
Weather in September
Tanzania in October
At the end of the dry season, wildlife is at its easiest to spot as animals gather around the last remaining water sources. However, photographers should note that the landscape can be quite dusty after months without rain. Game viewing remains excellent, with particularly high elephant numbers in Tarangire. Mahale and Katavi are also especially rewarding, offering frequent wildlife sightings near camp.
There is a chance of rain later in the month if the short rains begin. While prices remain high, visitor numbers are significantly lower than in July and August, providing a quieter safari experience.
Our View
A very Good Time To Visit
Weather in October
Tanzania in November
In November, the short rains typically begin, though their exact timing varies each year. These rains are localized, much lighter, and less predictable than the long rains earlier in the year. They rarely disrupt safaris, as game viewing remains good, but packing a waterproof jacket is recommended for occasional showers.
Most tented camps stay open, though some mobile camps in Northern Tanzania close later in the month. With the shift in season, camps offer shoulder-season rates, making November a great time to find good deals. Early in the month, conditions are often similar to late October, providing excellent value for money.
Our View
A good time to visit with pros & cons
Weather in November
Tanzania in December
December falls within the short rainy season, but this doesn’t deter travellers from visiting Tanzania for the festive holidays. Many lodges fill up quickly and charge peak rates during this period, making advanced booking essential—especially for larger family groups.
For those traveling outside the festive season, December offers excellent shoulder-season rates. Temperatures remain pleasant, averaging around 27°C, though occasional thunderstorms are possible.
Our View
A good time to visit with pros & cons
Weather in December
So When Should You Go?
For classic wildlife viewing in comfortable, dry weather, the long dry season from June to October is hard to beat. For green landscapes, newborn animals and lower prices, the short dry season and short rains are excellent value. For a full breakdown of what each month offers, read our guide to the best time to do a Tanzania safari, and when you’re ready, our guide on how to book a safari in Tanzania.
Planning around real-time conditions? You can check the current forecast for Tanzania on the Met Office before you travel.
Tanzania Weather: Common Questions
What is the weather like in Tanzania year round?
Tanzania is warm and tropical all year, with safari daytime temperatures of about 20–30°C (68–86°F) and cooler nights. It has two dry seasons (June–October and January–February) and two wet seasons (the short rains in November–December and the long rains from March to May). The coast and islands stay hot and humid throughout the year.
What season is it in Tanzania now?
It depends on the month. June to October is the long, cool dry season; November and December bring the short rains; January and February are hot and mostly dry; and March to May are the long rains. So mid-year you’ll find cool, dry safari weather, while the greenest, wettest months fall around April.
Is Tanzania a hot or cold country?
Tanzania is a warm tropical country, but altitude keeps the safari highlands mild rather than hot — expect warm days and genuinely cool nights inland. The coast and islands are hot and humid all year, while Kilimanjaro’s summit stays below freezing.
What is the best month to go to Tanzania?
June to October, during the long dry season, offers the most reliable weather and the best general wildlife viewing, with July and August ideal for the wildebeest migration river crossings. For green scenery and lower prices, January to February is a superb quieter alternative. See our best time to visit guide for the full picture.
How cold does it get on safari at night?
In the northern highlands, nights and early mornings are cold — often 10–16°C (50–61°F), and as low as 5–10°C (41–50°F) on the Ngorongoro Crater rim. Always pack a fleece and warm layers for dawn game drives, even if the afternoons are hot.
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