Tanzania has some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the world.
From the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro to the sprawling plains of the Serengeti, if you're looking for adventure and love nature then this is definitely the place for you!
From safari adventures to tropical escapes, trekking adventures to hot air ballooning Tanzania offers a wide range of activities to cater to every kind of traveller.
So when is the best time to visit the wonderful country of Tanzania?
Lets look at the different seasons and see what they have to offer to hopefully help you decide
High Season in Tanzania (June to October)
Tanzania’s high tourist season is during its dry months, which run from June to October. The weather is pleasant and dry with average temperatures ranging from 77°F (25°C) to 86°F (30°C).
Things to do In Tanzania during the high season
- June to October is one of the best time to go to Tanzania if you want to go on a wildlife safari and Tanzania has many, including Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and Manyara.
- Its also the best time to witness the amazing wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, when thousands of animals cross the plains in search of greener pastures.
- The high season is the safest and most popular time to climb Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro as the clear skies and low rainfall make it a lot easier to reach the summit.
- The dry period is a great time for a beach holiday, head to Zanzibar and go snorkelling in the crystal clear waters.
Overall, the high season in Tanzania offers a great mix of wildlife adventures and cultural experiences. Just be sure to plan ahead and book accommodations and safaris in advance, as this is a popular time to visit.
Low Season in Tanzania(March to May)
The low season in Tanzania falls between March and May and has temperatures ranging from 20°C to 27°C (68°F to 81°F) so it's relatively mild and comfortable for most people who choose to travel at this time. Evenings can be cooler though so packing some layers is a good idea. The low season is the rainy season in Tanzania so expect frequent and sometimes heavy rain showers, especially in April and early May. This rainfall is really important for keeping the scenery green and helps sustain the wildlife reserves, it can be a unique time to visit for those who want a different perspective of the Tanzania.
Things to do in Tanzania during the Low Season
- March to May is a great opportunity to see the Great Migration of wildebeests and zebras in the southern and central Serengeti.
- Its the rainy season so brings lots of migratory birds to Tanzania, making it the perfect time for bird watching as the variety of species you can spot is astounding.
- Visiting during the low season means fewer tourists and lower prices for accommodation and safari packages, so can be a great choice if you are travelling on a budget but be prepared for rain with a possible disruption to wildlife viewing.
You’ll definitely need to plan to get the most out of travelling at this time but you can get a more authentic and off-peak adventure.
Shoulder Season in Tanzania (January to March)
The shoulder season falls between January to March when the weather is generally quite nice, making it a good time to travel.
The temperatures during Tanzania's shoulder season can vary by region and in the northern areas, like Arusha and Serengeti, daytime temperatures range from 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C) so it's not scorching hot and the evenings can be a bit cooler.
Things to do In Tanzania during the shoulder season
- A great time to go for game safaris as the dry weather forces wildlife to gather around water sources so you can sit and watch them for hours.
- If you love trekking, the shoulder season is an ideal time to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro as the conditions are good, with weather that's clear and dry.
- The perfect time for a beach holiday, explore Zanzibar and Pemba and go snorkelling and diving.
When is the best time to see the Great Migration in Tanzania?
Tanzania's Great Migration is an amazing natural spectacle and the place to see it is the Serengeti National Park.
Late January to February is calving season, so you can witness thousands of wildebeest giving birth in the southern Serengeti which is a truly heartwarming experience.
As the dry season begins in June, the herds start their iconic migration to the north. It's a fantastic time to see river crossings, especially at Grumeti River.
From August to September the wildebeest herds reach the northern Serengeti making river crossings at the Mara River. This is the most popular time for viewing the migration, so it can be crowded.
From October to November the herds start heading back to the southern Serengeti, there are fewer people at this time giving you the chance to watch them crossing the rivers without crowds of people.
When is the rainy season in Tanzania?
The rainy season typically occurs in two main periods, the long rains and the short rains. The long rains usually take place from March to May, while the short rains occur from October to December. During these periods, you can expect higher precipitation, with April and November being the peak months for rainfall. It's worth considering this information when planning your travels to make the most of your experience in Tanzania.
When is the best time month to go to Tanzania
The best month to go to Tanzania will depend on what you want to do there and what experiences you're looking for. Generally, the dry season from June to October is popular for wildlife lovers, as it's when animals gather around water sources. July to September great for the famous Serengeti migration.
If you prefer fewer crowds and green landscapes, the short rains from November to December are a great time to go but bear in mind that some areas may be trickier to access due to muddy roads. The long dry season from January to February is another good time to go, with lovely weather for the beach including destinations like Zanzibar.
In a nutshell, it really depends on your priorities—whether it's wildlife, weather, or a balance of both!
Conclusion
Tanzania offers an extraordinary blend of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and warm and friendly people. Whether you're an adventure-seeker, love wildlife and culture then Tanzania is an ideal travel destination. It's a place where you can create lasting memories and unforgettable experiences.