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The best season to visit Tanzania is during the long dry season, which falls from July to September. These are considered the best months for Wild safaris, the Great Migration, mountain trekking, and beach holidays in Zanzibar.
Of course, these months are peak travel season. The tourism industry will be busier, and some lodges, hotels, and parks will apply higher rates.
If you prefer a more secluded experience, consider visiting during the short rainy season from the end of October to December.
If possible, you'll want to avoid visiting during the long rainy season from March to May. The rains are often heavy and sudden, which can result in activities being canceled last minute.
January - March
These early months of the year are typically the hottest time of year in Tanzania (peaking in February). This season is generally dry, and is one of the most popular times for safaris. Parks may feel a bit crowded, especially around the New Year.
March - May
Mid-March through May is the “long rainy season”, marked by nights and mornings of rain. Typically, the sun makes an appearance in the afternoon and evenings are serene and peaceful.
The rains make everything lush, green and the animals are lively and active in the parks, with adequate sources of water everywhere.
However, some rough roads in the parks may be impassible, due to flooding or deep mud. Main roads in the parks are typically fine, and several parks, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, have many sections of road which are paved and will not have any issues with driving.
This season sees significantly fewer tourists, and nearly all of the accommodations offer discounts for the low season. Guests who don’t mind rainy mornings have shared that their safari during the rainy season felt like an intimate, secluded adventure because they felt like they had the whole park to themselves to watch the incredibly active animals in the damp, green forests.
June - September
This period is considered the “cold” season in Tanzania. While for locals, the weather is cold (and you will see people wearing winter coats and hats), those visiting from other climates find the weather pleasant and fresh. Bring a jacket for chilly mornings, but afternoons are nice and generally sunny, and the weather is dry during this time.
This is another popular travel season in Tanzania, with many visitors in the national parks.
If you’re not a fan of hot weather, this is the ideal time to visit during Tanzania’s dry season. This is also a common time for viewing the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park.
October - December
The short rains generally fall sometime between October and December, and the weather gets warmer as the end of the year approaches.
October is also the time when the jacaranda trees across East Africa bloom - a truly beautiful spectacle of trees crowned with purple flowers. In December the Flame Trees blossom, turning a vibrant red just before Christmas.
Christmas is a popular time for tourists to visit Tanzania and often the short rains have stopped by mid-December as well. Many visitors plan something special to mark the holiday season, such as summiting Mount Kilimanjaro to commemorate the day. Hotels and lodges may serve a special holiday meal for guests.
The weather in December is usually considered ideal, however, parks and accommodations may feel more congested than other times of the year.
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