Best Time To Visit Tanzania
A Monthly Guide For Your Safari Adventure : Tanzania is located in east Africa, is a breath-taking destination known of its iconic safaris, vibrant culture, beaches and famous Mt Kilimanjaro.
The best time to visit Tanzania depends on what you want to see, what are your interests, where you want to go and what’s your budget. Every time of the year has its own pros and cons. Tanzania is a year round destination but understand the season can help you choose the best time to match your interests and budget.
Dry season- June to October
Wet season- November to May
We also have rainy periods
Short rains- November to mid-December
Long rains- March to May
Each season offers a unique experience for travellers whether you want to go on a safari, beach vacation or climbing Mt Kilimanjaro.
BEST MONTHS
- June to October and Dec to February
These months are the crème de la crème for visiting Tanzania
JUNE TO OCTOBER
This is the dry season in Tanzania with abit of cold season with sunny skies during the day. But most clients find the weather cool and fresh. This a crowded season/ high season in the parks. This period offers the best wildlife viewing as animals gather around waterholes making them easier to spot. With July and August being peak time to witness the great migration and river crossing. Millions of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles cross the Mara River.
This is the time where accommodations will get busier faster. Meaning you might not have your favourite choice available to stay if you book your tour late. Booking your tour earlier I the best choice when it comes to travelling to Tanzania during these months.
DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY
This is the time where you hit the safari jackpot.
This is the dry and hot season. December can be a little wet with short rains. By this time we expect parks to be crowded; it’s also the popular time for safari. At the coast it is the start of the best snorkelling and diving season on the coral reef. Temperatures and humidity rise, but it makes for a beautiful beach break if you like hot temperature. It’s the period also where animals may be seen around rivers and lakes looking for water. Dry season is the best season for Tarangire because animals come out to look for water.
January and February are particularly special for witnessing the calving season in the southern Serengeti.
December when it comes to accommodation pricing availability it tends to be a month with definite divine. Because of the holidays at the end of December and the time of that comes with it. Accommodations become full very quickly. If you are planning on visiting Tanzania over Christmas or New Year plan and book earlier is the best choice.
MARCH TO MAY
This is the green season with heavy rains in Tanzania. March, April and May are wet seasons.
It’s a period where it rains frequently especially during the day. This season is good for bird watching and fewer tourists and the parks are quite for a more intimate safari experience at a lower cost.
Some roads become hard to pass because of deep mud and flooding but Ngorongoro does not have road challenges during the rainy season time.
Highlights:
June to October
- Best wildlife viewing
- Animals gather around waterholes
- Witnessing great migration and River crossing
- Pleasant weather and sunny
December to February
- Dry season
- Excellent game viewing
- Calving season in Southern Serengeti
March
- Wet season
- Excellent bird watching
- Discounted prices during your tour
April and May
- Heavy rains
- Road challenges but scenery is spectacular
- Parks are quite
November
- Short rains
- Blooming flowers
- Green forests
- Less busy
BEST TIME FOR GREAT MIGRATION
Great Migration has no season. You can witness the Great Migration all year long as it moves between the Maasai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania.
December to March- You will witness Great Migration in the Southern Serengeti
February- Magical sight of newborn animals
July to September- You will experience the thrilling river crossings in the Northern Serengeti
PROS OF VISITING TANZANIA DURING DRY SEASON
- Pleasant temperature
- July and August is the best period for witnessing the Great Migration and River Crossing
- We have better roads during this season
- Animals gather around rivers and lakes, making it easier to spot them
- No Mosquitoes
- Best time to visit the Southern Parks
- Clear Blue skies
- Every ones favourite time to visit Tanzania
CONS OF VISITING TANZANIA DURING DRY SEASON
- Higher prices
- Crowded/ Busier season
- Accommodation tends to sell quick
PROS OF VISITING TANZANIA DURING THE WET SEASON
- Excellent birdwatching
- Wildlife is in good condition
- Green forests, grasslands, colourful with blooming flowers
- Low season discounts, Cheap safari
- No crowds
CONS OF VISITING TANZANIA DURING WET SEASON
- In some parks it might be hard to see animals
- Roads challenges
- Mosquitoes
