Tanzania Weather
- Climatic Zones: Tropical Savanna Climate, Tropical Mountain Climate, Tropical Marine Climate
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Climatic Features: Tanzania Climate is varied according to its geographical location. The eastern coastal areas and some inland lowlands with a tropical savanna climate aren’t very hot due to the strong influence of monsoons. The western inland plateau has a tropical mountain climate and the weather there is mild. More than 20 islands in Zanzibar have a tropical marine climate, and it’s a little bit hot and humid all year round on the whole.
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Tanzania Weather in General: The year-round weather in Tanzania is mild and comfortable. The temperature difference is small throughout the year and the temperature is generally lower than that of other countries at the same latitude, with the average daily temperature being around 19 - 29°C (66.2 - 84.2°F).
Good Weather in Serengeti NP
The total rainfall of Tanzania is generally low throughout the country, with the annual precipitation of only 430 mm and the rainy days of around 57. And it has clear wet and dry seasons. The wet season is divided into two main phases- the short rainy season and the long rainy season. The long one is from March to May, with frequent rain, cloudy weather and high humidity. And the short one is from November to December, with relatively less rainfall.
- Average Temperature: 19 - 29°C (66.2 - 84.2°F)
- Warmest Months: February & March: 21 - 31°C (69.8 - 87.8°F)
- Coolest Months: July - August: 17 - 29°C (62.6 - 84.2°F)
- Rainest Month: April: 113 mm
- Driest Month: July: 15 mm
The best time to visit Tanzania is from June to October, and the second-best is from January to February, both in dry season.
June to October: The weather in Tanzania in June to October is the mildest throughout the whole year, when the small amount of rainfall exerts little influence on travels. The Great Migration takes place all year round on the vast East African savannas. But the two best-known “crossings” of the Great Migration take place just during this period. One is the “Mara River Crossing”, happening in August and September. The other is the “Grumeti River Crossing”, which takes place around June and July. If you want to have a look, check out Tanzania Tours 2025 & 2026 we have elaborately crafted for you.
January to February: Temperatures in January to February are relatively high than other months, but not that high, with the average temperature of around 21 - 31°C (69.8 - 87.8°F). This is the calving season of wildebeest in Serengeti and the best time to find the “Big Five” in Ngorongoro Crater. Also, it’s a good time for bird watching.
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Enjoy a Safari in Ngorongoro Reserve
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Travel Recommendation by Month
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Months |
Weather |
Highlights |
High / Off Season |
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1 - 2
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drizzly and pleasant |
Calving Season; |
high season |
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Large carnivores are most active; |
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Mount Kilimanjaro can be seen clearly; |
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Ngorongoro Conservation Area is in the calving season; |
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A good time for bird-watching. |
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3 - 5
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hot, high rainfall |
Great time for bird watching in Lake Manyara; |
off season |
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Safari is cheaper; |
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Flowers bloom in Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti. |
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6 - 10 |
mild and sunny |
The “Mara River Crossing” and the “Grumeti River Crossing”; |
high season |
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Good time to admire Mount Kilimanjaro; |
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Coastal areas are mild and with low humidity. |
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11 - 12
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drizzly and changeable |
The wildebeest return to Serengeti from Masai Mara; |
shoulder season |
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Bird watching in Nyerere and Tarangire. |
Dry Season: January to February and June to October
Temperature: 17 - 31°C (62.6 - 87.8°F) Precipitation: 15 - 57 mm Weather overview: The weather in the dry season is milder and drier with plenty of sunshine. The temperature difference between morning and evening is large. Clothing Guide: T-shirt, sweatshirts, windbreaker, thin jeans, sneakers, sunglasses, masks Travel Advice: The dry season is the peak travel season in Tanzania. Travel costs are relatively high, and hotels and flights need to be booked in advance, so prepare well in advance if you’re going.|
Safari in Dry Season
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Long Rainy Season: March to May
Temperature: 20 - 31℃ (68 - 87.8°F) Precipitation: 80 - 113 mm Weather overview: Tanzania’s long rainy season is relatively hot and humid and is dominated by thundershowers. The rain often pours down in the early morning, then it stops to clear up near noon, which brings fresh air and comfortable weather for travelers. Clothing Guide: quick-dry T-shirt, loose pants, sturdy walking shoes, sunglasses, rain gear
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Lushness in Long Rainy Season
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Short Rainy Season: November to December
Temperature: 20 - 30℃ (68 - 86°F) Precipitation: 69 - 74 mm Weather overview: The precipitation of the short rainy season is not as torrential and long-lasting as that of the long rainy season. The weather changes rapidly and it usually rains lightly in the morning or at night. Sometimes it clears up and sometimes it still rains by noon. Clothing Guide: tank tops, T-shirts, waterproof thin overcoat, thin long pants, walking shoes, rain gear Travel Advice: Road conditions in Tanzania are poor in rainy seasons. Please check the road conditions before travelling. Even when you go on safari on sunny days, get to know the solutions to the car stuck caused by the sudden rain with your guide and driver.
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Serengeti National Park
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Further Reading: