The best time to visit Tanzania is during the drier months from June to October. This is when conditions are ideal for safaris, and you can also consider exploring regions such as the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro. The relatively lower temperatures, and the Great Migration of wildebeest and other animals adds to the allure of visiting Tanzania during this time.
While planning your Tanzania vacation, it is important to keep in mind that the country is located just south of the equator. Moisture can be very high in the coastal region, particularly in the regions around Arusha, and the island of Zanzibar. In the highlands of Tanzania, the humidity is lower.
Best Time To Visit
This chart shows travel ratings for each month. Use Tab to explore individual month ratings, then navigate to month selection below.
Most Ideal
Low Season
overview
January is warm in Tanzania, with the average day time temperatures around 84°F and high humidity levels. But a lot depends on where you choose to visit – The Ngorongoro Crater, for example, is at a higher altitude, so it is much cooler here than other parts of the country.
we recommend
Head early to Ngorongoro Crater and seek out the Big Five!
If you are looking for peace and quiet, Pemba Island is the perfect spot
Visit the Songo Songo Archipelago, an ecological hotspot for sea turtles and birds, for great diving experiences
overview
The weather pattern is similar to January – warm, humid days with nearly eight hours of sunshine with varying rainfall, depending on the part of the country you are visiting. This is also one of the best months to see the wildebeest calving!
we recommend
Plan a trip to Selous to see the European migratory birds arrive
Stroll through the winding streets of Stone Town market in Zanzibar. This is also the time that Swahili music festival, Sauti ze Busara, is held.
This is best month to witness the wildebeest calving in south and central Serengeti
overview
Tanzania’s long rainy seasons usually begin around this time, so expect heavier rains across the country from around mid March and high humidity levels. Some roads do become inaccessible around this time, so factor that in while planning your trip.
we recommend
The early part of the month is a good time to visit Zanzibar – enjoy a Dhow Cruise, snorkel amid the coral reefs and savor sundowners as you watch a stunning sunset
overview
The rains are in full flow during April and the humidity levels are very high. Several regions can be inaccessible, so once again, it is important to factor this while planning your trip.
we recommend
This is among the wetter months on Zanzibar, but should you be there, head for a spice tour, during which you will learn about the famous spice trade of the historical island
overview
While May continues to be part of the long-wet season in Tanzania, the intensity of rainfall can vary. This is usually around the time thousands of wildebeest, zebras and their newborns start crossing the crocodile-infested Grumeti River in Serengeti, and this extends till July.
we recommend
With its wide variety of wildlife, Mikumi National Park is a popular game viewing destination, accessible through the year
Look out for giant elephant herds, buffaloes and gazelles in the barren and harsh landscape of the Ruaha National Park
overview
June is the start of the best season to visit Tanzania so make your bookings early! The skies are clear, there is a fair amount of sunshine and you can expect temperatures to range between 59-80°F.
we recommend
Explore the remote Katavi National Park
In Zanzibar, head to the erstwhile prison for slaves, Prison Island and meet its current inhabitants – giant tortoises!
Visit Jozani Forest in Zanzibar to meet endangered Red Colobus Monkey
overview
This is winter in Tanzania with clear, warm days. This is also one of the driest months in the country and you can expect lows in the 50s.
we recommend
Go chimpanzee trekking in the dense mountain forests of Gombe Stream National Park
Explore Mahale Mountains National Park with its abundant wildlife, colorful tropical fish and birds
Visit the trading city of Kilwa, which has the largest group of pre-colonial ruins in East Africa
overview
Expect largely warm and dry days, with maximum temperatures in the early 80s.
we recommend
It is around this time that the wildebeest and zebras move to the remote Northern Serengeti crossing Mara River, populated with giant Nile crocodiles.
For a true cultural experience head to Nungwi, a bustling village of local Zanzibaris
The dry season is the best time for moonlit walks in Lake Natron, one of the most alkaline landscapes in the world
overview
The weather in September is largely similar to that in August. Expect nearly eight hours of sunshine and nighttime lows of 59 °F.
we recommend
Enjoy an exhilarating trek on towering Mount Meru
Indulge in myriad sea activities in the warm colorful waters around Mafia Island
Visit Pangani, a small Swahili outpost, for its spectacular beaches, and 200-300 million-year-old dinosaur fossils!
overview
This is the last of the dry months before the short rainy season begins. You can expect dry, warm conditions through the month, but be prepared for increasing bouts of rainfall as November nears.
we recommend
There are hikes aplenty on the legendary Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain on the continent
Unwind on the many beautiful beaches of Bagamoyo
Catch the Bagamoyo Arts Festival during this month
overview
This the start of the short rain season in Tanzania, but the amount of rainfall can vary. The wildebeest continue their migration south, to the plains to take advantage of the moisture, so planning a visit to the parks in Serengeti could be something that you can factor in. This is also the start of the fishing season.
we recommend
Experience the night markets of Zanzibar!
Try to catch the giant Nile Perch in Lake Victoria!
overview
Expect some rains in December but with reduced intensity. Wildebeest will also be flocking to the plains of the Serengeti, so this is a great time to book your safari there! But Tanzania can get busy around Christmas and New Year’s so plan well in advance!
we recommend
Explore the colonial past of Dar es Salaam, the main port in Tanzania on walking tour
Head to Lake Eyasi for an off-the-beaten-track Tanzania experience
Best time to visit Tanzania by season
Tanzania has two distinct annual rainfall patterns and generally, there are two rainy seasons. The short rains occur between November and December while the long rains take place between mid-March and June. The warm Tanzanian summer lasts from mid-December until March. The cooler, dry winter occurs from June to October and the cool air during this time is perfect for viewing sunsets while sitting at the campfire with a warm cup of tea or cocoa! Tanzania’s mountains are notable exceptions to its complex but otherwise regular climate. Temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru drop below freezing point.
These are the typical seasons for you to bear in mind as you plan your travel to Tanzania.
Long wet season: mid March – June
Winter: June – October
Short rainy season: November – December
Summer: Mid December – March
What to Pack for Tanzania Tours
Safari wear should be comfortable and casual. Evenings and early mornings can be chilly so warm sweaters are recommended. Low heeled comfortable sports or trekking shoes are the most suitable walking shoes should you intend joining any walking safaris. We recommend you bring warm clothes, including a fleece or light wool sweater and socks, to their normal safari gear. During the day it can get quite hot so don’t forget sunglasses and a high factor sunscreen, as well as a sun hat with a small brim.
Some specialist trips, i.e. mountain climbing, require extra items of clothing and footwear. Many hotels, lodges and camps have swimming pools so you are advised to bring swimsuits. Due to limited space in the vehicle and light aircraft, we advise you to keep your luggage to the minimum. We suggest you pack your luggage into a small bag of no more than 15 kilos – the luggage limit for local flights issued by the airlines. Almost all safari lodges and camps provide same day laundry service.
Planning a trip to Tanzania? Before you travel, get your lowdown on all the essential details – from visa and entry to communications, internet, currency, cards, and health information.
Great Migration, the magical Serengeti National Park, fascinating indigenous cultures, and the spice islands of Zanzibar – discover the top ten things to do in Tanzania.
Tanzania as well as Zanzibar, are generally considered a safe destination for travel. As with all other destinations, all you need to do is follow these simple safety measures.
Have you been dreaming of an Africa safari tour but can’t decide between Kenya or Tanzania? Let’s help you choose the perfect wilderness safari destination for your luxury African tours.
We just returned from an outstanding 3-week trip to East Africa. Our travel consultant did an outstanding job of putting together this trip for a friend and me. Everything went as smooth as glass. We saw an extraordinary number of animals and the accommodations were even better than pictured. Our personal guides were enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and kind, even assisting with all our check-ins. Every transport worked seamlessly. It was a great experience, we highly recommend Enchanting Travels!
Kathy Alven
May 2025
Rating 5/5
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
We made a family trip to Africa (Tanzania and Kenia) to celebrate my 50th Birthday. From day 1, Alison was great in understanding us and providing some great recommendations. She and Bovin (our local contact) made this trip a dream come true. They were always attentive, gave recommendations and heard all of our desires. When we had a question, they would have a quick answer. Thank you both for making this an amazing and unforgettable trip.
Humberto Tafolla Nuñez
February 2025
Rating 5/5
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
From the advice we got from Peter when we booked our trip to the excellent execution of the details that Cyprian did, there was not a hitch. We were met by professionals who ushered us through customs and checked us into our flights. The itinerary was packed with memorable experiences of seeing animals, getting to know the people at the tent camps who were more attentive than we could have imagined. The tents were exceptionally clean, beds comfortable, the food outstanding and our overall experience was beyond our expectations. We could not have imagined going on this trip without Enchanting Travels and consider ourselves fortunate that we chose you.
Joan McCumby
August 2024
Rating 5/5
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
Every single detail of this trip was perfect and taken care of by the outstanding staff of Enchanting Travels. They made us feel like royalty.
Michaela June
July 2024
Rating 5/5
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
From the moment we first started planning the trip to the moment we got on the plane to go home, we felt so cared for. Our trip coordinator, Cyprian, was the best!!! We always knew what was going on, and he was never more than a call or text away. The game drives were unreal and we got so close to the animals. The food was delicious and the chefs were top notch. The servers at every lodge, who were mostly young men, were so kind and wonderful. All the staff were warm and welcoming. The sun downers were amazing. It’s an unexplainable feeling to watch elephants walking by while sipping on a cocktail. All the guides were so knowledgeable. We always felt safe, secure, and happy. The lodges were in nature, but contained every necessity required to feel luxurious. The experiences, such as visiting and feeding Baraka, the blind rhino, will last a lifetime. This was the most amazing trip ever!
Jessie Sabino
November 2023
Rating 5/5
Rating 5 out of 5 stars
We booked with Enchanting Travels because they were attentive, and took the time to understand what we wanted in a vacation! We felt confident the entire team would work as hard as the sales staff, and we were right – they did!! From the moment we made our 1st payment to the moment we walked off the plane at home, we felt confident in our decision to book with Enchanting!
