Tanzania Weather in September

  Season: Dry Season
  In Short: Cool and dry

Tanzania weather in September is generally dry and cool with a large temperature difference between day and night. Temperatures are on a slightly rising trend, with an average high of 29°C (84.2°F) and a low of 18°C (64.4°F). Some scenic spots with high altitude such as Ngorongoro Conservation Area may be colder, where the recorded lowest temperature fell to 15°C (59°F) in September in 2023. If you plan to go there in 2025, take warm clothes like a windbreaker. It’s still in the dry season in this month. The average monthly precipitation is 18 mm and it rains only 3 days throughout the month on average, having little impact on travelling.

Generally speaking, for the mild climate, September is a great time to pay a visit to Tanzania. Since it is still in the peak season with higher travel costs and larger flow of tourists, you’d better make plan and book accommodation, safari guides and more in advance.

Tarangire National Park in September

 The hottest places in Tanzania in September: 
Dar es Salaam: 18 - 31°C (64.4 - 87.8°F); Tabora: 18 - 31°C (64.4 - 87.8°F)
 The coolest places in Tanzania in September:
Dodoma: 15 - 30°C (59 - 86°F); Ngorongoro: 16 - 27°C (60.8 - 80.6°F)

Packing List

 Safari: In general, safari clothing should be comfortable. During the daytime, a tank top with a thin shirt or sun protection clothes are recommended. Or you can wear only a thin breathable long-sleeved shirt. At night, a thicker hoodie or a windproof coat are necessary. Thin long trousers are the best choice the whole day, as they can protect you from both burning sun, coldness and insects’ bites. Take as many as disposable tank tops and underwear because it is inconvenient to wash them. Comfortable walking shoes or hiking shoes are essential. Slippers are highly advisable during off-road safaris as they are easier to take off when you want to stand on the seat and observe animals. Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat can shade you from the sun. Don’t forget to bring insect repellent.

Tips: Earthy colors are the best choices as they can reduce animals’ sense of defensiveness. Black and dark blue should be avoid because they are most attractive to tsetse flies.

 Coastal areas: For beach hours, beautiful and colorful beach clothing like short sleeves, shorts, swimsuits, beach-styled dresses and sandals are the best choices. Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential.

 City walk: It will be mild in most cities, so thin and breathable casual clothes like jeans, shirts and T-shirts are great for city strolls. A pair of comfortable casual walking shoes will be good.

Where to Go in Tanzania in September

Tourism Rate: 

Full View of Tarangire NP

1. Lake Natron

During the dry season, Lake Natron dries up and algae bloom, making it possible for the lake to turn red and flamingos living on algae to grow redder. In addition, flamingos here are in their breeding season in September. Given the above, the lake is even more magnificent at this time. Both the south coast and the west coast can be great bird-watching spots. The west one is less visited and beautiful at sunset. In addition to seeing flamingos, you can also hike along the riverbank and climb the Ol Doinyo Lengai to see the red lava.

2. Tarangire National Park

Hippos in the Water

If you have a fondness for elephants and giraffes, don’t miss Tarangire National Park. Lots of animals migrate for food in dry season, but Tarangire is still home to an abundance of vegetarian animals during this period. Zebras, antelopes, buffalo, giraffes and elephants and other animals gather around the water sources, making them easy to be seen. The towering baobab trees are also a major feature here. In addition, night game drive is a must-do in Tarangire, when you may see baby monkeys and owls.
 

3. Nyerere National Park / Selous Game Reserve

Different from the savanna in northern Tanzania, the Nyerere National Park, which is located in the southern part, will give you an entirely different experience. It is formerly known as Selous Game Reserve and is one of the most important conservation areas for endangered wild dogs in Africa, as well as an ideal habitat for buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and lions. A boat safari lets you watch birds and get up close with hippos and crocodiles. Don’t miss an early morning jungle walking safari with the Aborigines, who will teach you survival skills and help you find animals.

Weather in Major Destinations in Tanzania in September

Destination	Temp.	Rainfall mm / days	Humidity	Sunrise / Sunset
Dar es Salaam	18 - 31°C (64.4 - 87.8°F)	22 / 3	78%	06:08 - 06:23 / 18:17 - 18:19
Dodoma	15 - 30°C (59 - 86°F)	0 / 0	58%	06:22 - 06:37 / 18:31 - 18:36
Mwanza	18 - 29°C (64.4 - 84.2°F)	20 / 3	63%	06:34 - 06:46 / 18:42 - 18:50
Mtwara	20 - 30°C (68 - 86°F)	8 / 2	76%	06:04 - 06:22 / 18:14 - 18:16
Zanzibar	21 - 30°C (69.8 - 86°F)	25 / 5	77%	06:08 - 06:23 / 18:17 - 18:23
Arusha	17 - 29°C (62.6 - 84.2°F)	5 / 1	61%	06:19 - 06:32 / 18:27 - 18:34
Kilimanjaro	16 - 28°C (60.8 - 82.4°F)	4 / 1	62%	06:17 - 06:30 / 18:25 - 18:32
Tabora	18 - 31°C (64.4 - 87.8°F)	4 / 1	52%	06:34 - 06:48 / 18:43 - 18:49
Morogoro	16 - 28°C (60.8 - 82.4°F)	0 / 0	56%	06:21 - 06:37 / 18:31 - 18:35
Iringa	18 - 29°C (64.4 - 84.2°F)	45 / 4	63%	06:32 - 06:44 / 18:40 - 18:48
Ngorongoro	16 - 27°C (60.8 - 80.6°F)	4 / 1	63%	06:24 - 06:36 / 18:32 - 18:39

Tanzania Weather by Month