Best Time To Visit Tanzania

Most safari areas in Tanzania enjoy warm days and cool evenings year-round. While temperatures drop to below freezing on Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, the country’s Indian Ocean coast and lakeside regions are hot and humid.

Tanzania has two distinct rainy seasons: April to May (the ‘long rains’) and November to December (the ‘short rains’). Generally, the country’s main rainy season (the long rains) produces tropical downpours in the afternoons and many safari camps close. The short rains season sees the occasional brief shower, but safari camps stay open and game viewing is good.

The best time for a Tanzania safari will depend on where you want to go and what you want to see. For first-time safari goers, the best time to go to Tanzania is usually during the dry season, as wildlife is easier to track and spot. Whether you’re visiting Tanzania for the first time, understanding the difference between the safari high season vs low season is a great place to start.

1. Best Time

June to October (All parks), June-July and January-February (Serengeti for the wildebeest migration and calving)

2. High Season

July to March (northern circuit parks; they get crowded), July to October (southern and western circuit parks; they don’t really get crowded any time of the year)

3. Low Season

April and May (northern circuit parks still get quite a few visitors unlike the southern and western circuit parks, where many lodges close down)

4. Best Weather

June to October (Little to no rainfall)

Worst Weather

March and April (Peak of Wet season)

June to October –Dry Season

5. June and July are the best months to see the wildebeest migration

6. August to September is the best time to see the wildebeest river crossings in northern Serengeti

7. Animals are easier to spot since they concentrate around waterholes and rivers

8. There are fewer mosquitoes because there is little to no rain

9. Skies are clear and most days are sunny

10. Mornings and nights get cold; it’s recommended to bring warm clothing

November to May –Wet Season

1. January-February is the time to see the calving in the southern Serengeti, and an excellent time to see predator action

2. The scenery is green and beautiful; it’s low season, meaning lower rates and less crowded parks

3. Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you’ll still see plenty, especially in the northern circuit parks

4. Migratory birds are present, and bird watching is at its best

5. Except for March, April and May, rains are mostly short afternoon showers and seldom interfere on your trip

6. March to May is the peak of the Wet season

7. Wildlife viewing in Tarangire, Katavi, Nyerere and Ruaha is better during the Dry season