The long dry season, which lasts from late June to October, is The Best Time To Visit Tanzania for safaris. Animals tend to gather near permanent water sources, and the lack of plants makes it easy to see the wildlife. The days are warm and the nights are cool, which makes this a great time for game drives and other outdoor activities.
Between April and May, it rains a lot in Tanzania. These long rains are more consistent, harder, and they usually happen in the afternoon. This can make the roads worse and force some safari camps to stop. From November to December, it rains a little. The short rains aren't as heavy or annoying, but they might still make it hard to see.
While most Tanzania Safari Destinations remain warm during the day and cool at night, temperatures can drop below freezing at higher altitudes like Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. Coastal and lakeside areas remain hot and humid throughout the year.
Almost all travel destinations in the world have summer, winter, autumn and spring seasons. But Tanzania is close to the equator and the Indian Ocean, so its weather is tropical and subtropical.
Therefore, Tanzania experiences two seasons: dry and wet. Furthermore, the dry season is divided into parts
The same is the case with wet seasons, which are divided into:
During the long dry season, grasses are short, which makes wildlife viewing easy. This period coincides with the most popular Great Wildebeest Migration, which makes it the Best Season to visit Tanzania.
The short dry season (January to March) is another optimal time to visit Tanzania. The wildebeests are now in the southern part of the Serengeti in the Ndutu plains. It’s the calving season, and lots of young wildebeests are born, which attracts predators. This action-packed drama makes it an incredible time to visit Tanzania for safaris.
Now comes the rainiest months from April to May. Day remains dry, but the late afternoon and early morning receive short bursts of heavy downpour. These rains can affect your Tanzania Safari Activities. However, many guides think this is also a great time to visit Tanzania as the crowds are less and you’ll be treated to beautiful skies.
The short rains from November to December are less disruptive, although they still affect visibility.
A detailed description of the pros and cons of the dry season vs the wet season is given below:
| Season | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season (June to October) |
✓ Pleasant, predictable weather is ideal for safaris ✓ Excellent wildlife sightings near water sources ✓ Classic African scenery – golden plains and open views ✓ Ideal time for family holidays and honeymoons ✓ Great weather for poolside relaxation ✓ Aligns with school holidays and peak travel periods |
✖ Higher number of tourists in major parks ✖ Lodges and camps charge full rates ✖ Dusty conditions towards the end of the season – useful to carry a scarf or face cover |
| Rainy Season (April–May & Nov–Dec) |
✓ Lush green landscapes and vibrant scenery ✓ Fewer crowds, offering a more private feel ✓ Attractive low-season pricing and special offers ✓ Dramatic skies and colours for photography enthusiasts |
✖ Rain may limit road access in some parks ✖ Occasional showers during the day ✖ Need to pack waterproof gear and durable shoes ✖ Wildlife may be more scattered across the landscape |
Disclaimer: When planning your safari, keep in mind that Tanzania's weather usually fits into these seasons. During the wet season, it can rain in the morning and be sunny in the afternoon, and during the dry season, it can rain sometimes.
Tanzania's hottest months are normally between January and February. This season is often dry and is one of the most popular for safaris. Parks may feel crowded, particularly around the New Year.
Animals may be seen gathering around rivers and lakes, seeking water as other sources become dry.
Tarangire National Park is especially popular during this time, as zebras and gazelles flock to the Tarangire River for water, followed by predators such as lions and leopards, making it a top site for wildlife viewing.
The "long rainy season" lasts from mid-March to May, and is characterised by rainy nights and mornings. Typically, the sun appears in the afternoon, and the evenings are calm and pleasant.
However, some of the parks' rugged roads may be impassable owing to flooding or deep mud. Main roads in the parks are normally fine, and several parks, such as the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, have many paved stretches of road that will not cause any problems while driving.
This season sees many fewer travellers, and almost all lodgings offer low-season discounts.
Guests who don't mind rainy mornings have described their safari during the rainy season as an intimate, secluded journey since they had the entire park to themselves to observe the very active creatures in the damp, green woodlands.
This is Tanzania's "cold" season. While the temperature is cold for residents (as shown by individuals wearing winter coats and hats), visitors from other regions find it pleasant and refreshing. Bring a jacket for chilly mornings, but afternoons are pleasant, bright, and dry. For more details on what to pack for your safari, refer to our Tanzania Safari Packing List.
This is another popular tourist season in Tanzania, with a large number of visitors to the national parks. If you don't like hot weather, the best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry and cold season. This is also a popular time to observe the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park.
The short rains often fall between November and December, and the weather warms up as the end of the year approaches.
Christmas is a popular season for tourists to visit Tanzania, and the short rains often end by mid-December. Many travellers plan something unique to celebrate the holiday season, such as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to remember the occasion. Hotels and lodges may provide a special holiday supper for their guests.
The weather in December is normally great, although parks and hotels may feel more crowded than during other times of the year.
Tanzania has something special to offer in every season, whether it's the dry months for game viewing or the lush, calm charm of the rains. Your perfect safari itinerary is determined by your interests and preferred mode of transportation. With so many choices, selecting the proper time can make all the difference.
Best Day Safaris is here to help you arrange an effortless trip, from selecting the best parks to determining the optimum season for your safari preferences. Our team creates personalised itineraries based on your interests, group size, and budget. Contact us today and let us help you see Tanzania at its best.
It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when
We use equipment of international standards & our guides are trained in First aid & personal protection equipment
We use equipment of international standards & our guides are trained in First aid & personal protection equipment
We use equipment of international standards & our guides are trained in First aid & personal protection equipment
Our travel guide is made to save you time. It points you to the right parks, climbs, and activities, while sharing tips only locals know. Your dream Tanzania trip starts with good information, and we’ve put it all together for you.
We believe travel should never feel like a template. That’s why we design each safari or climb with you in mind. Whether you dream of quiet mornings by the crater rim or standing on Africa’s highest peak, we make it happen. Every route, lodge, and experience is chosen to fit your idea of perfect travel.
