When Is The Best Time To Visit Tanzania For Safari?
We understand that you’re starting to think of Tanzania’s Great Migration safari as the best month, but – when planning for the best time to visit Tanzania keep in mind that every time of the year has its pros and cons. Again, all this depends on what you want to see, where you want to go, your budget, and your interests.
Before we dive into details of the best months for visiting Tanzania, let’s keep in mind that everyone is different, and there is no correct choice. But one thing that’s for sure; Tanzania wildlife safaris remain pretty good the whole year!
Whatever draws you, plan the perfect time for your visit with this guide to Tanzania’s safari seasons and events.
Month-By-Month Guide On When To Go To Tanzania
Whatever you’re hoping to do, this Tanzania climate guide will help you identify the best time of the year to visit Tanzania for safari by month, with plenty of insights regarding some of Tanzania’s best safari months and everything from the Tanzania safari seasons to some of the country’s festivals.
Travelling to Tanzania from Late June to October – During the dry season are the best wildlife viewing months.
Travelling to Tanzania from June and July – The best chance of seeing the Great migration in the Serengeti
Travelling to Tanzania from Late January to February – The best time to see wildebeest calving
Travelling to Tanzania from June to October (Dry Season) – The best time to visit the southern and western circuit parks
Year-round – Popular northern circuit parks
Best weather – June to October
Travelling for Tanzania safari in January?
Tanzania in January experiences a tropical climate with fairly consistent year-round temperatures averaging between 77°F and 86°F (25°C–30°C), it’s the end of the rainy season and an excellent month to visit Tanzania as the landscapes come alive after the short rains in November and December.
It is the calving season on the Ndutu Plains, so visiting in January, especially towards the end of the month, is a great time to see Wildebeest Migration safari in the Serengeti.
Best for: photography, witnessing the great wildebeest migration and climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. Animals are less spread out during the dry months and spotting them tends to be easier. The Northern circuit is a recommended option too.
Travelling for Tanzania safari in February?
Tanzania in February is typically a great month to visit, the maximum average temperature in February is 31°C (88 °F) during the day, while the minimum average is 25 °C (77 °F) at night.
Tanzania in February is also the warmest month on the mountain, for trekking Kilimanjaro which is wonderful – but it can get crowded, as trekkers flock to Mount Kilimanjaro in February – it’s worth planning a trip around.
Almost thousands of newborn wildebeest to be seen in this single month in Tanzania! Cheetahs, and hyenas also make appearances as they try to take down vulnerable members of the herd. If you’re lucky, you might even see a wildebeest or zebra giving birth.
Travelling for Tanzania safari in March?
Tanzania in March is extremely hot on the mainland, temperatures range from 16°C to 29°C, while islands can go up to 32°C. Early in the month it tends to be dry, although the ‘long rains’ have in previous years come early.
As the wildebeest migration starts heading west towards the Grumeti River, the temperatures are still very hot, with the landscape turns an otherworldly green which is a strong contrast to the brown texture of the terrain over the summer months.
The Ngorongoro Crater highlands receives short and sharp rainfall in the late afternoon, leaving the mornings pleasant. March is also considered a key month for those wishing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
Travelling for Tanzania safari in April?
Tanzania in April is by far the wettest month of the year and marks the beginning of the rainy season which for the most part come in the form of afternoon thundershowers, it’s not unusual to have big storms at night, as well as plenty of grey days.
The average maximum temperatures on the coast range from 31°C (87°F) to 32°C (90°F), and inland, maximum average temperatures fall to 22°C (71°F) to 25°C (77°F).
Although travelling in this period is not advised, the safari accommodations and Tanzania tours offer low prices if you choose to travel during this time.
It is a top time to go on a safari and you will be able to avoid peak season, which runs from July to October with higher prices.
Travelling for Tanzania safari in May?
Tanzania in the beginning of May is still very wet as the temperatures gradually decreases, and it can drop as low as 22°C (71°F) during the day. But things do start to dry out towards the end of the month as June welcomes in the dry season. During this month, the Great Migration is trekking from the southern Serengeti to the western corridor.
May in Tanzania is a photographer’s joy, known as the Emerald season. April and May are two months in Tanzania’s “green season”, from November to May, characterised by lush green landscapes.
Travelling for Tanzania safari in June?
Tanzania in June marks the start of the dry season is dry, it’s busy and is considered the best time of year to visit Tanzania, with the dry weather and mild temperatures making it ideal for a wildlife safari, beach tour or trek up Mount Kilimanjaro.
June sees the end of the rainy, wet season, and the savannahs are starting to change from green to yellow as wildlife sightings improve with the vegetation slowly receding. The Wildebeest Migration may have stopped at the Grumeti River, building up numbers before they attempt their death-defying Masai Mara River crossings.
Best for: safaris, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru and dance festivals.
Travelling for Tanzania safari in July?
Tanzania in July is when peak safari season is in full swing, and the landscape is dry, the skies are blue, the temperature is cool in the mornings and warm in the afternoon, it’s the best time to travel to Tanzania for ideal weather and excellent game drive opportunities, as well as pairing up a Kenya and Tanzania safari.
July is also a good time to visit Zanzibar Island, as it is a bit cooler than the December to March period, but still dry.
Tanzania is busy during July, expect to find all the parks and top attractions of the northern Serengeti to be crowded during the months of July and August. The Great Migration should have reached the northern parts of the Serengeti, getting ready for its main event: crossing the crocodile-infested waters of the Mara River into Kenya.
Travelling for Tanzania safari in August?
Tanzania in August is still considered peak season, it’s the middle of the long dry season which actually makes it a little cooler and more comfortable, in fact it’s one of the coolest times of year to visit Tanzania.
August is one of our favourite times to visit the coastal islands, temperatures remain mild and ideal for beach activities you can’t help but be comforted by the perfect weather into relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Tanzania, enjoying a cool swim after soaking up some sun.
With tourist crowds flocking to the northern safari circuit (Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti) and Zanzibar. Wildlife viewing is sensational, and the herds of the Great Migration should have started to cross the Mara River.
Travelling for Tanzania safari in September?
Tanzania in September marks the last month of the peak season and can be somewhat busy, and safari prices still high. The migratory herds of wildebeest and Zebra are spread out across the Serengeti.
Tanzania remains busy with constant river crossings and elephants thundering through the northern part of the park around Lamai and Kogatende.
Tourist crowds begin to reduce and there is still no rain, meaning humidity levels are low. September is another ideal month for hikers wanting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and for those in search of high numbers of elephants, the Tarangire National Park is where you will find them foraging in masse.
Travelling for Tanzania safari in October?
Tanzania in October marks the end of the dry season, meaning for the first few weeks of the month, the land is dry, brown, and dusty. However, this lack of moisture leads to animals gathering around rivers and watering holes – the only sources of water.
October is the best time to visit Arusha National Park and a good time for Tanzania trekking, safaris to Mount Meru, or enjoying Tanzania’s beaches.
This month also sees the buildup of thunderclouds and the arrival of the first short rains.
Travelling for Tanzania safari in November?
Tanzania in November is the beginning of a short rainy days, and possibly one of the most underrated months for a safari in Tanzania. While it certainly doesn’t experience as much rainfall as April or May, there will be rain, but it’s usually only periodic thundershowers in the afternoon, the weather also heats up in November, with daily highs of up to 32°C.
The northern parks of Tanzania are generally great for game viewing year-round, and this month is a good time to discover some of Tanzania’s off-the-beaten track destinations.
Travelling for Tanzania safari in December?
Tanzania in December has daytime temperatures that vary between 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F) on the mainland and at the coast. December falls in the middle of the ‘short rains’ and the beginning of the month is usually quiet compared to the two weeks over Christmas and New Year, rainstorms will often appear in the early afternoon and be short, clearing to beautiful blue skies and excellent photographic conditions. December is also the perfect month for birdwatching as the migratory birds start to arrive – particularly in the Nyerere and Tarangire National Parks.
Ready to Start Planning Your Visit to Tanzania?
Not yet close to finding your best time to travel to Tanzania? Worry not, chat with someone who’s been there. Get in touch with one of our African safari experts to help tailor-make a trip that’s right for you.
