WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SAFARI IN TANZANIA?
A row of safari vehicles wait to see the Great Migration take place - the best time to safari in Tanzania is the dry season which happens from June to September / Image: @dawnw73
Picking when to go to Tanzania for your safari is difficult; some travelers want to avoid the rainy season, while others have made it their mission to see the Great Migration in the Serengeti.
June to September has always been labeled the best time to safari in Tanzania because it's the dry season. It's also a lot easier to observe wildlife and see them clearly due to the favorable conditions. You don't have to worry about taking a jeep through a flooded area or having your camp close at short notice. However, not everyone gets time off during these months, but that doesn't mean a safari in Tanzania is entirely off the cards, although it may be more challenging.
We've put together this post with everything you need to choose from the ideal time to go on your dream safari, from seasonal information to the best months; it's all here to read.
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Cheetahs are one of the most captivating sightings you can see on a safari in Tanzania. Here a safari vehicle filled with passengers watches a cheetah as she saunters through the grasslands / Image: @niedblog
WITHIN THIS GUIDE
Climates In Tanzania
Tanzania is quite a large country, which, coupled with its proximity to the equator, has contributed to its three distinct climate zones.
Central Tanzania is the most desert-like of all the regions, with hot temperatures all year round and arid landscapes. Since rainfall is so limited here, this area has very little wildlife and vegetation. As a result, this region typically won't be included on most safari routes.
To the west of the country is where you'll find lower temperatures, more noticeable seasonal changes, and heavier rainfall. It can get quite chilly at night in areas with this cool mountain climate, like the Southern Highlands. Lesser-known safari destinations like Lake Tanganyika are in this pocket of Tanzania too.
The eastern coastal regions and the northern parts of Tanzania experience a subtropical climate with hot and humid conditions for the majority of the year and regular rainfall, which is especially evident during the wet season. This is where you'll find the most popular safari spots, including the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
A Breakdown Of The Seasons In Tanzania
Tanzania experiences two main weather seasons every year. These include the dry season and the rainy season, which is split into a heavy rainy season called Masika and a light rainy season called Vuli.
In this section, we'll give you a yearly weather breakdown for Tanzania. Just keep in mind that the exact conditions can vary based on the region.
The Dry Season (June to October)
Tanzania's dry season lasts from the end of June all the way through to October; it's the best season to do a safari for a variety of reasons.
Firstly, most of the country gets warm weather with cool evenings and very little rainfall. You can expect temperatures from lows of 13°C (55.4°F) to highs of 29°C (84.2°F), which leads to mild days but some chilly nights. For the most part, you can look forward to clear skies and plenty of sunshine. The lack of rainfall also means that there are much fewer mosquitos than usual, which is always a huge plus.
In addition to the excellent weather, the dry season is particularly attractive for visitors because of the ease of spotting animals during these months. Most animals tend to congregate around rivers, and the many water pools scattered around northern Tanzania make the Big 5 quite simple to find.
Monthly Weather Guide for the Dry Season
June
Approximate temperatures: Highs 25°C (77°F) / Lows 13°C (55.4°F)
The rain has passed, the dry season has arrived, and tourists are flocking in droves to see the savannahs turn golden again. In June, the dry weather is just beginning, which means tourism numbers still aren't at their highest yet, making it a great time to visit before it gets too busy in the national parks.
July
Approximate temperatures: Highs 25°C (77°F) / Lows 13°C (55.4°F)
By July, the peak season is in full swing. The country has had time to dry out after the rains, and travelers have arrived. Many head to northern Tanzania, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Great Migration as it crosses the Mara River.
August - Approximate temperatures: Highs 26°C (78.8°F) / Lows 13°C (54°F)
As the high season continues through August, the weather remains favorable, with many tourists rallying to the northern parks, such as Tarangire National Park, as it’s one of the best times for wildlife viewing. Even for those not interested in safaris, Zanzibar also attracts a large number of visitors to its shores during this time.
September - Approximate temperatures: Highs 28°C (82.4°F) / Lows 14°C (57.2°F)
September marks the beginning of Tanzania's fishing season, and the crowds start to thin out, even though the weather will still be on your side. It tends to be less humid compared to other months, so you'll have to deal with fewer bugs, a huge benefit for those prone to bites.
October - Approximate temperatures: Highs 29°C (84.2°F) / Lows 16°C (60.8°F)
Once October comes along, you’ll begin to notice subtle changes in the weather, with more bursts of rain and the occasional thunderstorm. However, it’s also a great time to enjoy last minute game drives in Arusha National Park or to see the chimpanzees in Mahale Mountains National Park.
If you are thinking of visiting Tanzania - there are various seasons to consider before banking on the right forecast for your trip. All seasons have their positives and negatives / Image: @planet1602
Pros and Cons of Visiting Tanzania During the Dry Season
Pros
Temperatures are generally very pleasant.
There is very little rainfall.
Many animals are easy to see.
You'll have excellent opportunities for photographs.
You're much more likely to see both Mara and Grumeti river crossings.
Cons
This is the most expensive time to visit.
It tends to be quite crowded in many areas.
As it's the most popular time to visit, many tours are fully booked well in advance.
A storm is brewing. Locals accumulate on the parched landscapes whilst grey clouds move throughout the sky up above / Image: @pieterbouwer
The Rainy Season (November to May)
The wet season runs in Tanzania from November until May, with the rain starting to pick up in late October. This signals the beginning of Vuli, Tanzania's light or short rains, which typically take place throughout the month of November and finish up in January. Temperatures during this time tend to sit between highs of 30°C (86°F) and lows of 17°C (62.6°F), and although the humidity starts to get a little higher, it's rarely uncomfortable or muggy.
Tanzania's heavy or long rain season, called Masika, sets in from mid-March until May, after a dry spell in the north and along the coast. Frequent downpours and high humidity with temperatures of between 16°C (60.8°F) and 28°C (82.4°F) make safari conditions more uncomfortable and unpredictable during this season, but the landscapes are green and vibrant.
Naturally, there tends to be fewer crowds and quieter parks because of the unfavorable weather conditions in Tanzania around this time.
A drier but quiet period takes place at the beginning of each year. January and February are the best times to catch the animals during calving season. This means you'll see a whole host of baby animals and witness battling males competing for the attention of a mate. These months are also a great season for bird-watching.
Monthly Weather Guide for the Wet Season
November
Approximate temperatures: Highs 30°C (86°F) / Lows 17°C (62.6°F) /
In November, the rains begin to pick up, but they’re not as intense as the Masika season, so a safari is still possible if you don’t mind the occasional downpour.
December - Approximate temperatures: Highs 29°C (84.2°F) / Lows 17°C (62.6°F)
December means the Vuli is out in force, and the tourism numbers are very low because they fall in the same month as Christmas. In terms of wildlife, the Great Migration has reached the short grass plains in the south of the Serengeti, and migratory birds can be found in Nyerere National Park.
January - Approximate temperatures: Highs 28°C (82.4°F) / Lows 17°C (62.6°F)
Tanzania gets a break from rainfall in January for the most part, as the Vuli has ended. You might experience the odd shower, but it's nowhere near as intense as the previous months. If you're looking for a unique safari destination in January, head to the Ndutu Plains, where the calving season begins.
February - Approximate temperatures: Highs 28°C (82.4°F) / Lows 17°C (62.6°F)
Things heat up in February, with the humidity levels becoming more intense. However, it’s worth enduring the heat to witness the birth of around 500,000 wildebeest calves. You can also see the Great Migration in Ndutu Plains during this month.
March - Approximate temperatures: Highs 28°C (82.4°F) / Lows 17°C (62.6°F)
In March, temperatures remain high, and rainfall increases as the Masika season begins. The Great Migration starts moving toward the Grumeti River, making this a prime location for viewing during the month.
April - Approximate temperatures: Highs 27°C (80.6°F) / Lows 17°C (62.6°F)
Unless you want to have your game drives canceled every day, it's probably not a good idea to plan a safari for April, as it's the month that receives the most rainfall. Even if you do decide to come to Tanzania in April, you may struggle to find accommodation in certain areas as many of the resorts close.
May - Approximate temperatures: Highs 26°C (78.8°F) / Lows 16°C (60.8°F)
The heavy rains still remain in May, making it tricky to travel around Tanzania. However, if you leave your trip until the end of the month, you may be able to find a low-cost safari as the dry season doesn't officially start until June.
The rainy season in Tanzania has its plus points. Enjoy vibrant green surroundings but be warned of flooded roads which can impact your game drives / Image: @_am
Pros and Cons of Visiting Tanzania During the Rainy Season
Pros
There are great deals available, and you can expect reduced prices.
With far fewer people visiting, the parks are much less crowded.
Even if you decide to book your safari at short notice, there'll likely still be plenty of availability.
This is the best time of year for bird-watching safaris and spotting baby animals.
The scenery is fantastic, with glowing grasslands making up much of the landscape.
Cons
The rain can interfere with your schedule and ability to spot wildlife, though this is more relevant for the months with the heaviest rainfall, from March until May.
High temperatures and humidity can be unpleasant at times.
If there is a significant amount of rainfall, some roads may flood and become impassable.
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High Season vs Low Season: What’s the Right Option for You?
As we've already discussed the pros and cons of both the dry and rainy seasons, you’re probably wondering which is the right one for you. There are two perspectives to consider: One argument is that if you visit during the dry season, you’re guaranteed that all of your game drives will take place. However, because so many people want to visit Tanzania at this time, prices are much higher, meaning you'll pay a premium.
On the other hand, the rainy season is much cheaper, but it comes with its challenges. There’s uncertainty about the possibility of parts of your safari being canceled and areas becoming flooded, which may block access to seeing certain wildlife.
If you don’t mind the rain, can handle a few disruptions along the way, and want to save some money, the wet season might be the better choice. However, suppose this is your once-in-a-lifetime trip, and you want everything to go as smoothly as possible while enjoying pleasant weather and better opportunities to see animals. In that case, the dry season is the way to go.
A flourishing Tanzania landscape throughout the rainy season. Dramatic cloudy dark skies and thick high grass. / Image: @etiennescamera
The Best Time of Year to See the Great Migration in Tanzania
Every year, typically between late June and early October, millions of hooved animals make the journey from the southern Serengeti to the Masai Mara in Kenya. They're shortly followed by zebras and gazelles, which allow the wildebeests to take the lead in the search for water and fresh grazings. This event is known as the Great Migration.
As the largest animal migration event on earth, this is one of the most spectacular sights to witness and a highlight for many high-season safari trips, though you may need some luck on your side to see the Great Migration for yourself.
Predicting the exact timing of the Great Migration is not always easy, but you'll be in with a brilliant chance to see this phenomenon in action during a July safari. Visiting in August is your top opportunity to catch the endless herds crossing the Mara River. This is seen as one of the most challenging parts of the journey for a lot of the animals, and it is where many people can capture photos of their iconic migrations. For this reason, these months are considered the best time to safari in Tanzania.
By the time October rolls around, the rains have picked up again, and the wildebeests start to make the 500-mile journey back to the south of the Serengeti.
Like any event that relates to wild animals, there's no guarantee that you'll be able to catch a glimpse of the wildebeests crossing the Mara or Grumeti River.
That being said, visitors during July and August will still have a great chance of catching the herds moving north from the southern Serengeti. Anyone heading on safari during October can watch the animals return to the south if they venture into the north of the Serengeti.
Zebra and wildebeest gather throughout the Great Migration in Tanzania - a breathtaking sight to behold which happens throughout the months of June to September / Image: @valeriarossi96
What Are the Best Months for Visiting Each of the Parks?
While weather is an important factor, there are certain times of the year that offer better wildlife viewing opportunities in certain parks around the country.
Here’s a full breakdown of which parks to visit during the different months of the year:
Northern Circuit
Serengeti National Park: December to March for calving season, July to September for the Great Migration and river crossings, and June to October for standard game drives
Tarangire National Park: June to October
Lake Manyara National Park: June to October
Ngorongoro Crater: June to October
Southern Circuit
Ruaha National Park: June to October
Selous Game Reserve: June to October
Mikumi National Park: June to October
Eastern Circuit
Saadani National Park: June to October
Udzungwa Mountains: June to October
Western Circuit
Mahale Mountains National Park: December to February for Chimpanzee sightings and May to October
Gombe Stream: May to October
Katavi: June to October
Three sturdy hippos walk one after another throughout the mesmerising Ngorongoro Crater, home to a condesed number of capticating wild animals / Image: @mariolagr
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Month for a Safari?
Almost any time between late June and early October is a fantastic time for a safari, but the months of July, August, and September are considered to be the best. This is due to the mild weather, limited rain, and ease of animal spotting.
Will My Safari Get Canceled if the Weather Is Bad?
In the dry season, safaris very rarely get canceled, but the rainy season can be a bit more unpredictable. If the rain is relatively light, it will have little to no impact on your trip. Though your guide will work to stick to your itinerary as best as possible, heavy rains might lead to a change in schedule as some roads may become inaccessible. Or you may need to wait it out at your camp a little longer than normal.
Conclusion
As you can see, while there are certainly a number of months that are regarded as the best time to safari in Tanzania, you won't have to worry about missing out entirely if you can't travel between June and October.
If the high season isn't an option for you for one reason or another, a visit during January or February will be the next best thing. The same goes for anyone planning a trip between October and December, where rains tend to be on the lighter side.
Although the low season can be a riskier option due to the regular downpours, there are still plenty of opportunities to catch the wildlife in action. It's also worth keeping in mind that tours are a fraction of the cost compared to the busier months, making it a much more budget-friendly alternative to travel between March and May.
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