When to visit Tanzania

Tanzania in January

temperature: 29 degrees | rainfall: 90mm

January marks the start of the short dry season, although the timings can be unpredictable. This is a greener, warmer time of year to be on safari post the short rains. You can expect warm sunny days with short bursts of rain. The migrating herds can be found in southern Serengeti for calving season and high temperatures make it a great time to visit Zanzibar.

Tanzania in February

temperature: 29 degrees | rainfall: 90mm

The short dry season. The migrating herds are still in southern Serengeti for calving season with high predator activity. Temperatures and humidity are high, with it being the hottest time of year on Zanzibar. You can expect warm sunny days with short bursts of rain, which tends to have seldom impact on your experience. Zanzibar temperatures are 30+ degrees.

Tanzania in March

temperature: 30 degrees | rainfall: 130mm

Migrating herds are starting to leave Ndutu, heading north west towards the Grumeti. Afternoon downpours are normal, but wildlife viewing is still very good and there are a lot of migratory birds to observe. A great time to take advantage of low season rates.

Tanzania in April & May

temperature: 28 degrees | rainfall: 300mm

This is a period of heavy rain. We would advise against travelling in April. May can be great if the rains end early. Low season rates create huge savings.

Tanzania in June

temperature: 27 degrees | rainfall: 30mm

The rain stops and the sun starts to shine. The land is very green with lush grass and thick bush. It is an excellent time to travel the northern circuit, particularly for bird watchers. The Great Migration should be in the Grumeti region of the Serengeti heading north, potentially crossing the Grumeti River!

Tanzania in July

temperature: 27 degrees | rainfall: 20mm

The beginning of the peak season. There is very little rain at this time of year and days are known to be nice and sunny. The land dries further and spotting game becomes much easier. The Great Migration moves further north in full flow and elephants gather in Tarangire National Park.

Tanzania in August

temperature: 27 degrees | rainfall: 30mm

Peak season and arguably the best month to travel. Optimum safari conditions twinned with great weather and school holidays make this a very popular time to travel. The Great Migration is in the northern Serengeti with the Mara River crossings in full flow.

Tanzania in September

temperature: 28 degrees | rainfall: 30mm

The Great Migration is still in the north with herds on both sides of the Kenya/Tanzania border. Large elephant herds gather in Tarangire National Park. The climate starts to warm. A great month to travel.

Tanzania in October

temperature: 29 degrees | rainfall: 50mm

The Great Migration is now mostly in Kenya, but the game viewing in Serengeti is still excellent. The southern parks are particularly rewarding at this time of year.

Tanzania in November

temperature: 28 degrees | rainfall: 130mm

An unpredictable period labelled 'the short rains' where you can expect rain and good weather rolled into one. Any rain tends to be light and passing with good sunny intervals. This is a great time to take advantage of low season rates. Migrating herds are travelling south through the Serengeti.

Tanzania in December

temperature: 28 degrees | rainfall: 100mm

Expect rain and good weather rolled into one early in the month - a great time to pick up on low season rates. The weather generally improves as December goes on into the Christmas/New Year period; this period is Tanzania's peak season where rates jump and any booking needs to be made well in advance.