WEATHER IN TANZANIA - THE BEST TIME TO GO
Weather in Tanzania / Image: Javi Lorbada
Our summer is their winter? And their Winter is our summer, correct? Weather in Tanzania, as well as the whole continent of Africa can be confusing to us on the other side of the globe.
If you are living in the western world - you may have difficulty adapting to the African seasons, because their seasons are completely different to ours. Because Africa is so enormous, weather conditions can vary from country to country. In this article we are drawing our attention to the weather in Tanzania since Tanzania is one of the most popular places to go on safari. From walking safaris, photographic safaris to an African lion safari. Tanzania is the best place to safari. To spot wildlife, the great migration and climb incredible mountains.
Are the Tanzania summers too hot? Should we avoid the rainy seasons on an African safari? Travellers have many questions about the weather in Tanzania and rightly so. There are varied climates and weather temperatures in Tanzania that would be ideal for your trip and what type of weather would suit a wildlife, walking or African lion safari. We have put together a comprehensive guide of weather climates each month of the year showing you what weather in Tanzania is to be expected.
Read below to help you plan your visit……..
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Weather in Tanzania / Image: Etienne Steen Kamp
JANUARY
Approximate temperatures: Daytime - around 26 - 30 Celsius / Nighttime - 20 Celsius.
January is a peak summer month in Tanzania. January is also very dry too. The good news is that the rainy season won't start with full force until March. The weather in Tanzania during this month is ideal for safari because it's also one of the brightest months, with the sun shining for a good 10 hours per day. The climate is also nice and warm.
Is Tanzania a good time to Safari in January?
Yes. The weather in Tanzania is ideal for observing wildlife as grasses are short which allows you to spot wildlife more easily. Observing lions in particular makes for great viewing on an African lion safari too and since January is an off-peak month, it makes booking an African safari much more affordable too.
Weather in Tanzania / Image: @perventuator
FEBRUARY
Approximate temperatures: Daytime - around 29 Celsius / Nighttime - 26 Celsius.
February is in the midst of the African Summer months. February also still sits within the dry season and similar to January, makes for a great time to visit. Temperatures are warm but not scorching hot. There is a small chance of rain, specifically at night but you might be lucky to miss it.
Is February good for Safari in Tanzania?
February is a perfect time to go on safari. It’s ideal because February is right in between the short rains and the long rains which typically fall in November and begin again in March.
MARCH
Approximate temperatures: Daytime - around 33 Celsius / Nighttime - 25 Celsius.
The beginning of March is a lot like February, warm climates and still part of the short dry summer season. The long rainy season starts mid-march which is called ‘Masika’. Humidity rises during the day as well as the heat. However, during the night, weather in Tanzania can get around 10 degrees cooler.
Rainfall during the second half of March can be heavy and generally happen in the mornings. However, the days brighten up in the afternoons.
Can you go on Safari in March?
March tends to be a much quieter month for safaris because of the heavy rainfall. Nonetheless, the rain makes the ground fertile and wild animals are in abundance. On the downside, during rainfall can make animals also harder to spot.
The first half of March is still ideal for any type of safari, whether that be a trekking safari, African lion safari or classic safari.
Weather in Tanzania / Image: Jeff Lemond
APRIL
Approximate temperatures: Daytime - around 25 Celsius / Nighttime - 14 Celsius.
Weather in Tanzania in April is one of the wettest months of the year. April can also be particularly humid too. Huge downpours occur and it is an extremely rainy month which most tourists avoid. This unpopular month, causes many Tanzanian lodges to close as well.
Is April a good time to visit Tanzania?
Due to the weather in Tanzania being at an all time low due to the rain, traveling during this month is not recommended. Kilimanjaro is typically off-limits and the rains can have a big impact on excursions ruining plans all month long.
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MAY
Approximate temperatures: Daytime - around 27 Celsius / Nighttime - 24 Celsius.
Thankfully the weather in Tanzania in May is dry. The Autumn / Fall season in Tanzania goes from March to May. During May it is usually warm and dry which make for a solid month for tourists to visit.
Is May a good month to visit Tanzania?
The weather in Tanzania is good in May. May is ideal to venture out on safari. The month of May might also be more affordable because it's outside of peak months.
JUNE
Approximate temperatures: Daytime - around 30 Celsius / Nighttime - 20 Celsius.
Welcome to the Winter months. The weather in Tanzania during June is the start of winter season but is also the continuation of the dry season too. The winter seasons in Tanzania are from June to October and throughout this time the weather in Tanzania will be dry. The climate is warm and rains are seldom.
What is the best time to visit Tanzania?
June or any winter months in Tanzania are peak prime months to visit Tanzania and go on safari. What also attracts tourists is the Great Migration which happens this time of year as well as wonderful wildlife sightings.
Weather in Tanzania / Image: Ray Rui
JULY
Approximate temperatures: Daytime - around 30 Celsius / Nighttime - 20 Celsius.
July is right in the midst of the winter months and makes for ideal weather conditions in Tanzania. On average the days are sunny, warm and blue skies. These are the months where the country is at its driest.
What is the best time to visit Tanzania?
July is one of the best months to visit Tanzania. The weather in Tanzania during the winter months is amazing for safari’s - this is also peak season in Tanzania to visit. Continue to enjoy the Great Migration and all the wildlife that comes to life. Ideal for wild animal spotting.
AUGUST
Approximate temperatures: Daytime - around 30 Celsius / Nighttime - 20 Celsius.
August is one of the best months for weather in Tanzania. Warm, dry and sunny blue skies. It's not too cold or too hot and August attracts an abundance of tourists.
Is August a good time to visit Tanzania?
Yes! August is a good time to visit. Weather in Tanzania is perfect for wildlife viewings and you have a better chance of spotting the Big Five within this month as well as the other winter months.
SEPTEMBER
Approximate temperatures: Daytime - around 28 Celsius / Nighttime - 15 Celsius.
September is still a great month to visit Tanzania. The climate is great and is still nice and warm. The weather in Tanzania in September is within the dry season which makes for an ideal time for safari.
Is September a good time to visit Tanzania?
September is a great month for weather in Tanzania. September as well as July and August are some of the best months to visit Tanzania for safari. We highly recommend visiting during these months especially if you don’t mind paying a higher price due to peak season.
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Weather in Tanzania / Image: Nico du Plessis
OCTOBER
Approximate temperatures: Daytime - around 27 Celsius / Nighttime - 22 Celsius.
Weather in Tanzania in October is the last month of the long dry season and it’s still relatively cool but sunny. Daytime temperatures are warm to mild and mornings are much cooler.
Is October a good month to go to Tanzania?
The weather in Tanzania in October is still winter and like all the other months during this season - it's ideal for visiting.
Weather in Tanzania / Image: Nienke Burgers
NOVEMBER
Approximate temperatures: Daytime - around 24 - 28 Celsius / Nighttime - 17 Celsius.
November is the start of the Spring season in Tanzania. The weather in Tanzania in November is the start of the short rainy season too.
Is November a good month for Tanzania?
Spring time is Tanzania’s greenest season. The weather in Tanzania during this month is wet as there is always a good chance of rain showers. It's an ideal time for birdwatching as the migration species flock in their thousands. The Great Migration is still going on and newly born calves are easily spotted too.
DECEMBER
Approximate temperatures: Daytime - around 27 - 32 Celsius / Nighttime - 21 Celsius.
Weather in Tanzania in December is very unique because it's not only during the Spring season but it’s comfortably warm with only a little chance of rain, which is why these months are called the ‘short rainy season’. Birdwatching and calf season is at its peak within this month making it a fabulous month for visiting.
Is December a good time for safari in December?
December can be generally quiet for tourism. Going on safari in December is great to bird watch and see newly born calves dotted within the Migration herds.
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