Weather in Tanzania…. A Month-by-Month Guide for Travelers

By Way 2 Africa Expeditions, Arusha, Tanzania

Tanzania’s diverse landscapes, from its sun-kissed savannahs to its towering mountain peaks, offer unique experiences throughout the year. Understanding the weather patterns in Tanzania can help you plan the perfect safari, mountain climbing adventure, or cultural tour. At Way 2 Africa Expeditions, we’ve compiled this month-by-month guide to help you make the most of your Tanzanian journey.

• January – Warm and Welcoming

January marks the heart of Tanzania’s short dry season, with warm temperatures and clear skies dominating the landscape. This is an excellent time for wildlife safaris, particularly in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, where animals are drawn to the remaining water sources. The lush, green scenery after the short rains adds to the beauty of the landscape, making it a photographer’s dream. Mountain climbing on Kilimanjaro and Meru is also favorable, with relatively stable weather conditions.

• February – Prime Time for Safaris

February continues the dry season, offering excellent conditions for game viewing across Tanzania’s national parks. The Great Migration is in full swing in the Serengeti, as vast herds of wildebeest and zebras gather in the southern plains for calving season. This is also a fantastic time for birdwatching, with many migratory species present. For those aiming to summit Kilimanjaro or Meru, February’s stable weather and clear skies make it an ideal time to climb.

• March – Transition into the Wet Season

March is a transitional month as Tanzania begins to move into the long rainy season. Early in the month, you can still enjoy good safari conditions, but as the rains increase, some roads may become challenging to navigate. While game viewing becomes trickier, the lush landscape and dramatic skies offer unique photographic opportunities. For mountain climbers, the increasing rainfall makes the trails on Kilimanjaro and Meru more slippery and challenging.

• April – The Long Rains

April is the peak of the long rainy season in Tanzania, with heavy rainfall affecting most parts of the country. This is typically the least popular time for safaris, as animals disperse and many lodges in remote areas close temporarily. However, this period offers the greenest landscapes and fewer crowds. Mountain climbing during this time is not recommended due to the challenging conditions on the trails.

• May – Lush Landscapes and Fewer Crowds

May marks the tail end of the long rains, and Tanzania’s landscapes are at their most vibrant. While wildlife viewing may still be challenging, the lush greenery and fewer tourists make this a peaceful time to explore the national parks. Mountain climbing remains difficult, but as the month progresses, the weather begins to improve, making it a potential time for those seeking solitude on Kilimanjaro and Meru.

• June – The Start of the Dry Season

June ushers in the long dry season, with clear skies and cooler temperatures. This is an excellent time for safaris, as animals begin to congregate around water sources, and the vegetation starts to thin out, making wildlife easier to spot. The dry conditions also make June one of the best months for mountain climbing, with stable weather and clear views from the summits of Kilimanjaro and Meru.

• July – Peak Safari Season

July is one of the peak months for tourism in Tanzania, with ideal conditions for both safaris and mountain climbing. The Great Migration crosses into the northern Serengeti, offering thrilling opportunities to witness river crossings. The dry weather ensures excellent game viewing, and Kilimanjaro and Meru are at their best for climbers seeking clear skies and crisp, cool temperatures.

• August – Optimal Conditions

August continues the peak safari season, with some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities of the year. The dry conditions persist, making it easier to spot animals as they gather around dwindling water sources. This is also a prime time for climbing Kilimanjaro and Meru, with perfect weather conditions and high chances of a successful summit. However, it’s also one of the busiest months, so early booking is essential.

• September – Serengeti Splendor

September offers continued excellent safari conditions, particularly in the Serengeti and Tarangire National Park, where elephants are often seen in large numbers. The weather remains dry, and the Great Migration is usually in the northern Serengeti. This is a superb time for mountain climbing, with the trails on Kilimanjaro and Meru still in optimal condition and fewer climbers on the mountain as the peak season starts to taper off.

• October – Transition Back to Rain

October is a month of transition as the dry season begins to wind down and the short rains approach. Early in the month, safari conditions remain favorable, with excellent wildlife sightings in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. However, as the month progresses, the weather becomes less predictable. Mountain climbing remains viable, though the increasing likelihood of rain towards the end of the month can make the trails more challenging.

• November – The Short Rains

November brings the short rainy season, characterized by afternoon showers and thunderstorms. While this can make safaris more challenging, the rains are usually short-lived and often followed by clear skies. The landscape begins to green again, attracting migratory birds and offering unique photographic opportunities. Mountain climbing is possible, but the wet conditions can make the trails on Kilimanjaro and Meru more difficult.

• December – Festive Season and Wildlife Wonders

December sees the short rains taper off, making way for another dry period towards the end of the month. This is a popular time for travelers, with festive season celebrations adding to the excitement. Safaris are rewarding, with many animals giving birth, and the landscapes are lush from the recent rains. Kilimanjaro and Meru are accessible for climbers, with favorable weather conditions as the month progresses.

Plan Your Adventure with Way 2 Africa Expeditions

Understanding Tanzania’s weather patterns is key to planning the perfect adventure, whether you’re embarking on a thrilling safari, a challenging mountain climb, or a cultural exploration. At Way 2 Africa Expeditions, we tailor our tours to ensure you experience the best of Tanzania, no matter the time of year. Contact us today to start planning your dream journey, and let our expertise guide you to the ultimate Tanzanian adventure.

Karibu sana (welcome), and let the adventure begin!