When is the Best Time to Visit Tanzania?: To see the Great Migration, climb Mount Kilimanjaro and more
The best time to visit Tanzania is between June and October which is the dry season, this period comprises of clear conditions, little rainfall and less vegetation which makes it the best time for safaris in Tanzania. You can see the big five in the Serengeti, witness the Great Migration or try out a flying safari in a hot air balloon.
In June, the heavy rains in Tanzania start to ease and the high season begins. Ground conditions dry up and vegetation becomes dry and sparse making wildlife easier to spot, this is the best time of the year for safari in Tanzania. Walking safaris in private reserves and conservancies in Tanzania is now possible, experienced climb may attempt to climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and it is the best time to visit Tanzania for beach and more water activities in Zanzibar.
The wet season in Tanzania starts in November, temperatures climb and dramatic thunderstorms are common. By April and May the conditions are too wet for safaris. Safari vehicles get stuck in the mud and the wildlife is difficult to spot, as the rain ceases in late May, the temperatures start to drop and activities become much more comfortable.
Monthly Climate Guide for Tanzania
Tanzania’s weather is typically divided into wet and dry seasons, but there it is a little more complex than that. Dry months are great for safari experiences and visiting the islands of Zanzibar but the shoulder season and wet season offer plenty of highlights too, from excellent birding viewing, wildlife viewing, fewer travellers, dramatic skies and stunning lush green landscapes – perfect for photography.
Here is a month by month climate guide for the safari and beach destinations, this will help you choose the best time to visit Tanzania for your trip.
| Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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| 15-27°C
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15-27°C
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16-27°C
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16-26°C
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25-15°C
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14-25°C
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13-25°C
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13-25°C
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14-27°C
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15-27°C
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15-26°C
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15-27°C |
Top Things To Do in Tanzania
There is a bunch of things to do in Tanzania, it is not just about finding the big five or witnessing the epic great wildebeest migration, although these are good reasons to visit.
June – October
Go on Safari in Tanzania
The best time to go on safari in Tanzania is during the dry season between June and October. July and August are the busiest months while June, September and October offer great safari and fewer crowds in the more remote areas. Dry conditions are perfect for wildlife viewing as vegetation is sparse and high densities of wild animals congregate at rivers and water holes.
You can enjoy walking safaris and bush walks during the dry season in Mwiba Private Reserve, Singita Grumeti and Chem Chem. Between July and October, less vegetation makes it safe to set out on foot with expert guides. Walking safaris combined with hot air balloons and traditional game drives offer a subversive and rewarding safari experience.
November – May
Go Birdwatching
The best time to go to Tanzania for bird watching is between November and May, the green (wet) season. Thousands of migratory birds flock to Tanzania during the green season and you can also spot impressive numbers of pink flamingoes at Lake Manyara. To see birds with their impressive breeding plumage, the best months to visit are November and December and late March to May.
July – September
Explore Beaches
July to September is the best time to visit the palm fringed islands of the Zanzibar Archipelago, during this period visitors can enjoy cloudless skies and beautiful beach days. At this time there is little to no rainfall, zanzibar’s white sand beaches and turquoise waters can still be explored during October to June with temperatures typically staying between 28°C (82.4°F) and 34°C (93.2°F) all year round.
Activities to enjoy in Zanzibar include sailing on Dhow boats, snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, visiting a spice farm and relaxing on the beaches and enjoying spectacular sunsets.
July – October
Search for chimpanzees
Chimpanzee trekking through the Mahale Mountains of Tanzania is a once in a lifetime experience, s you will want the best conditions, the dry season running from July to October makes trekking easier meaning you can move deeper into the forest, closer to the chimps. These months also see fruit blooming on the lower slopes and bushes attracting the chimps closer to ground level for better sightings.
September – October
Find large herds of elephants
Tarangire National Park is the best place to see large herds of elephants in Tanzania, in this scenic park you will find large numbers gathering during September and October. These months are very dry and hot with temperatures reaching 29°C (84.2°F).
The Tarangire River is a magnet for herds of elephants in great need of water and to cool off, the river is a vital year-round water source.
July – September
Hot Air Balloon Flights
Soaring over the Serengeti plains, getting a privileged bird – eye glimpse into the natural world below is a must – do safari activity, if you wanted to get a gaze down upon the massive migration including the incredible river crossing. You will need to be in the north of Serengeti and you should travel during July to September. The dry season offers the best clear and calm conditions.
In the south of the Serengeti, there are some options to balloon safari year-round.
The Best Time to Visit Tanzania for The Great Wildebeest Migration
The Great Migration is a continuous annual journey made by millions of wildebeests and zebras through Tanzania and Kenya, however some areas and months will experience more dramatic wildlife spectacles. July to September are considered the peak months to visit the northern Serengeti to see the migration to catch the iconic Mara River crossing. With the help of our expert travel designers, we have have put together a full guide to the Great Wildebeest Migration (Link).
December – April
The green season between late January to early February is the best time to visit Southern Serengeti to witness the wildebeest birthing season, approximately 8,000 calves are born each day attracting high concentrations of lions, cheetahs, leopards and raptors on the hunt for the wildebeest calves. The surviving young are tended by their mothers into March and April as they grow strong enough to migrate north.
May & June
The wildebeest Migration continues its journey north towards Kenya during May and June, this is one of the best times to see the large concentrations f wildlife in the exclusive Grumeti Private Reserve as the herds cross the Grumeti River.
July & October
The best time to visit Tanzania to see the river crossings of the Great Migration is between July and October, the dry season. The herds start to pick up the pace in search of greener vegetation and cross the Mara River to make it into Kenya’s Maasai Mara. The Mara River is characterized with steep banks and good water levels. Observe dramatic crashes as thousands of wildebeest leap into the water.
November & December
During the end of October and start of November the migration is mainly now in Kenya, as November progresses the herds move south, back to North-eastern Tanzania and start the cycle of migration again. In December, the lush vegetation of the Serengeti draws herds of wildebeest, zebras and other animals further south where the calving season begins again.
The Best Time to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
July to October is the best time to visit Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, little rainfall means dry conditions making the climb more comfortable. However, temperatures can get below freezing and snow on the high passes is common. January to March are also good months to climb, rainfall is moderate and temperatures are a little warmer.
It is best to avoid April, Nay and November as these are the wettest months with the poorest climbing conditions.
January – March
Beginner Climbers
January to March are great months for beginners to climb the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro, the weather conditions are stable and temperatures are warmer. The very cold months later in the year can be challenging for beginners.
For beginners it is a good idea to choose a route you can climb at a slower pace, more time means you can acclimatize to the altitude and enjoy and explore your surroundings. The northern and western routes of Shira and Lemosho can take place over 8 nights and 9 days, a longer time period and often less crowded.
March – July
Experienced Climbers
The best time for experienced climbers to the Summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is between March and July, due to colder and snowy conditions fewer travelers tackle the mountain so you can avoid the crowds for an authentic experience in nature.
Experienced climbers can opt for the popular Machame “Whisky” route, approaching from the southwest you will pass through a variation of landscape and reach altitude quickly. The faster pace means you can complete the climb in 6 days and 5 nights. This gives you more time to enjoy Tanzania’s other highlights such as safari in the Serengeti or enjoying a well – earned rest on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar.
