Tanzania Weather in August
Season: Dry Season
In Short: Coolest of the year, sunny
Tanzania weather in August is the coolest throughout the year, with the average minimum temperature being 17°C (62.6°F) and the average maximum temperature being 28°C (82.4°F). Places with high altitude is cold, such as the Ngorongoro crater and Kilimanjaro, where you may need to take thick clothes like a thick windbreaker or a light down coat. It’s still in the dry season and most areas have little or even no rain. The average total precipitation is only 17 mm and it rains only 3 days the whole month on average.
All in all, with the pleasant and dry climate and being the very time of seeing the “Mara River Crossing” in Tanzania, August is a peak travel month. Yet, costs for the trip surge sharply and it’ll be crowded, so it’s better to plan in advance.
The hottest places in Tanzania in August:
Tabora: 17 - 31°C (62.6 - 87.8°F); Mtwara: 19 - 30°C (66.2 - 86°F)
The coolest places in Tanzania in August:
Dodoma: 14 - 27°C (57.2 - 80.6°F); Kilimanjaro: 15 - 26°C (59 - 78.8°F)
What to Wear and Pack
Safari: The sun is strong around noon and you can wear a vest or a T-shirt with a sunscreen coat or a thin long-sleeved shirt. It’s chilly in the early morning and at night, so put on a slightly thick coat or a hardshell jacket. And it would be so cold at Ngorongoro crater that you may need to wear a down jacket. Light outdoor pants and thin trousers made of cotton and linen are suitable for safari. Short skirts are not recommended in case of insects’ bites. For shoes, you’d better wear comfortable and lightweight sports shoes. And during the hours in the off-drive vehicle, slippers, which are easier to be taken off so that you can stand on the seat to watch animals at any time, are better. Tips: Take adequate changes of clothes, especially vests and disposable underwear, as it’ll not be convenient to wash clothes during safari. Avoid bright colors like red which may irritate wild animals easily, as well as blues and blacks which attract flies.
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Coastal areas: Beautiful dresses, beach-styled shirts and shorts are great for the beach time. And for shoes, sandals and flip-flops are good. Accessories: Sunscreen and insect repellent are necessary. It’s dry and dusty during safari, so take thin and breathable disposable face masks and a hat with strings. Binoculars are helpful in observing distant animals.
Top Attractions to Visit in Tanzania in August
Tourism Rate:
1. Northern Serengeti
In August, the famous “Mara River Crossing” is on show in the northern Serengeti. Turbulent waters, crocodiles on the prowl, lions’ and other predators’ awaiting to hunt all make wildebeest being on the verge of death. The “Mara River Crossing” is a natural phenomenon and the exact time varies each year. And August is in the peak season, so it’s time to make preparations if you want to see it in 2025. But if you fail to see it, a great variety of animals on the savannah, such as the “Big Five”, will make it up to you.
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Safari for Wildlife Observation in the NPs
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2. Kilimanjaro
The weather of Kilimanjaro in August is sunny with little rain, making it a great time to conquer the highest mountain in Africa. Nevertheless, if you are not a climber, there are lots of other interesting things to do.Moshi Town, in the foot of the mountain, is a place where you can admire the snow-capped mountain from everywhere while experiencing the local culture. In Kikuletwa Springs, you can relax with small fish nibbling at your toes and, if you’re lucky, watch the locals perform acrobatics. But remember to avoid going on Sundays, when everyone has to go to church and many markets will be closed. You can also have a coffee tour at the nearby Materuni Waterfall Village, stir-frying and grinding coffee beans with the most primitive tools. Then go hiking in the rainforest, pick avocados, passion fruits and even wild raspberries, and find insects like chameleons and giant snails without shells.
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Mt. Kilimanjaro in the Distance
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3. Zanzibar
There’s little rain in August in Zanzibar, making it a good place to visit. In the stone city, you can walk through the ancient buildings in Arabic style and experience the local customs. On the charming Indian Ocean beaches, you can enjoy the sun, swim or try some water sports. In particular, the popular Nungwi Beach is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You can also appreciate Zanzibar’s rich historical and cultural heritages at the History Museum. In addition, the Lilac Garden is open in August, where you can witness the production process of spices.
Weather in Major Destinations in Tanzania in August
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Destination |
Temp. |
Rainfall
mm / days
|
Humidity |
Sunrise / Sunset |
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Dar es Salaam |
18 - 29°C (64.4 - 84.2°F) |
25 / 4 |
78% |
06:24 - 06:34 / 18:18 - 18:23 |
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Dodoma |
14 - 27°C (57.2 - 80.6°F) |
0 / 0 |
60% |
06:37 - 06:48 / 18:37 - 18:39 |
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Mwanza |
16 - 28°C (60.8 - 82.4°F) |
19 / 2 |
60% |
06:47 - 06:54 / 18:50 - 18:54 |
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Mtwara |
19 - 30°C (66.2 - 86°F) |
14 / 2 |
78% |
06:22 - 06:35 / 18:15 - 18:16 |
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Zanzibar |
21 - 29°C (69.8 - 84.2°F) |
32 / 6 |
77% |
06:24 - 06:34 / 18:23 - 18:25 |
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Arusha |
15 - 28°C (59 - 82.4°F) |
7 / 1 |
66% |
06:32 - 06:40 / 18:34 - 18:38 |
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Kilimanjaro |
15 - 26°C (59 - 78.8°F) |
7 / 1 |
68% |
06:30 - 06:38 / 18:33 - 18:36 |
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Tabora |
17 - 31°C (62.6 - 87.8°F) |
0 / 0 |
55% |
06:49 - 06:58 / 18:49 - 18:52 |
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Morogoro |
15 - 27°C (59 - 80.6°F) |
3 / 1 |
60% |
06:38 - 06:49 / 18:35 - 18:36 |
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Iringa |
17 - 29°C (62.6 - 84.2°F) |
16 / 2 |
61% |
06:44 - 06:51 / 18:49 - 18:53 |
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Ngorongoro |
15 - 28°C (59 - 82.4°F) |
7 / 1 |
66% |
06:36 - 06:44 / 18:39 - 18:43 |