🌍 Tanzania Weather Guide: What to Expect in Every Season

Planning your dream safari or beach getaway? Understanding Tanzania’s weather by season is key to knowing what to pack, where to go, and what wildlife you might encounter. Tanzania’s climate is generally warm and tropical, with two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. However, weather patterns vary across regions like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Zanzibar, and Mount Kilimanjaro.

This comprehensive Tanzania weather guide breaks down each season so you know what to expect month by month — whether you’re trekking Kilimanjaro, exploring national parks, or lounging on a Zanzibar beach.

📅 Tanzania’s Seasons at a Glance

🌞 June – October: Long Dry Season

📍 Climate:

• Cool mornings and evenings (especially in highlands)

• Clear skies and little to no rainfall

• Comfortable daytime temperatures: 20–28°C (68–82°F)

✅ Ideal For:

• Game viewing in Serengeti, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro

• Kilimanjaro trekking with minimal rain

• Great Wildebeest Migration in the northern Serengeti (July–October)

🧭 Tips:

• Pack warm layers for early game drives

• Expect peak season prices and limited lodge availability — book early

🌤️ November – Mid-December: Short Rainy Season

📍 Climate:

• Intermittent showers, mainly in late afternoons

• Lush, green vegetation and refreshed scenery

• Temperatures range from 22–30°C (72–86°F)

✅ Ideal For:

• Birdwatching — migratory birds begin arriving

• Photography with vibrant backdrops

• Budget-friendly safaris with fewer tourists

🧭 Tips:

• Roads may be muddy in some parks

• Rain rarely disrupts full-day activities

☀️ Mid-December – February: Short Dry Season

📍 Climate:

• Dry, sunny weather with warm temperatures

• Coastal humidity in places like Zanzibar

• Great visibility for safaris and marine activities

✅ Ideal For:

• Zanzibar beach holidays and island escapes

• Serengeti calving season (Jan–Feb in Ndutu area)

• Romantic honeymoon safaris or combined beach-safari trips

🧭 Tips:

• December holidays attract many travelers — book early

• Best time for combining beach & bush experiences

🌧️ March – May: Long Rainy Season (Green Season)

📍 Climate:

• Heaviest rains of the year; roads can flood

• Temperatures between 24–30°C (75–86°F)

• Afternoon thunderstorms and high humidity

✅ Ideal For:

• Budget travelers looking for major lodge discounts

• Green photography and peaceful landscapes

• Chimpanzee trekking in Gombe and Mahale (still accessible)

🧭 Tips:

• Some camps close; double-check accommodations

• Best to avoid if you’re trekking Kilimanjaro or planning a mobile safari

🏝️ Zanzibar Weather Insights

Zanzibar generally follows mainland Tanzania’s seasonal pattern but with more humidity and slightly warmer coastal temperatures.

• Dry Season (June – October): Best for swimming, diving, beach relaxation.

• Wet Season (March – May): Expect heavy downpours and some stormy seas.

• January – February: Hot, sunny, and ideal for winter beach breaks.

🏔️ Kilimanjaro Weather Tips

Mount Kilimanjaro has its own weather zones, changing by altitude.

• Best climbing months: January–March and June–October

• Avoid: April–May (slippery trails), November (short rains)

• Summit temperatures can fall to -10°C (14°F) or lower

❓ FAQs: Tanzania Weather by Season

Is it okay to visit Tanzania in the rainy season?
Yes, especially for photographers and budget travelers. Wildlife is harder to spot, but it’s less crowded and more affordable.

Are game drives still possible during rains?
Yes, but some roads may be inaccessible. National parks like Ngorongoro have well-maintained routes that remain open year-round.

What should I wear during Tanzania’s dry season?
Layered clothing — it’s chilly in the morning and warm by afternoon. Long sleeves protect against the sun and insects.

Does Zanzibar get hurricanes or cyclones?
No. Zanzibar is not in the cyclone zone, although it may experience tropical storms with heavy rainfall, especially in April.

✅ Conclusion

Tanzania is a year-round destination, but each season offers unique experiences. Whether you’re chasing the Great Migration, climbing Africa’s highest peak, or relaxing on white-sand beaches, knowing the Tanzania climate by month helps you choose the best time to visit for your style, interests, and budget.

Still unsure when to plan your safari or beach holiday? Let us help you match the perfect destination and season to your travel goals.