Private tailor-made journeys of a lifetime

Search
Close this search box.

Best Time To Visit Tanzania

Tanzania through the seasons

Best time to visit Tanzania is during the drier months from June to October, when conditions are ideal for safaris. During this period, you can explore iconic regions like the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro. The relatively cooler temperatures and the spectacle of the Great Migration of wildebeest and other animals make it an especially attractive time to visit.

When planning your Tanzania vacation, remember that the country is situated just south of the equator. Coastal areas, including Arusha and the island of Zanzibar, experience high humidity. However, in the highlands of Tanzania, the humidity levels are lower.

Travel Carefree Again

Book your private, custom tour of a lifetime with 100% confidence

Destination
  • STEP 1
  • STEP 2

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.

Popular Trips to Tanzania

East Africa Great National Parks & Zanzibar Beach

East Africa Great National Parks & Zanzibar Beach

16 Days

  from

$7150

 / person

This 16-Days East Africa Great National Park and Zanzibar Beach: Combining a beach getaway and a safari adventure, is…

Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach

Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach

15 Days

  from

$5423

 / person

Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach This 15-Days Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Beach: A perfect combination of safari and relaxation….

Tanzania Southern Circuit & Zanzibar Beach

Tanzania Southern Circuit & Zanzibar Beach

12 Days

  from

$4912

 / person

Tanzania Southern Circuit & Zanzibar Beach 12-Days Tanzania Southern Circuit and Zanzibar Beach, give you opportunity to experience the…

Best Places To Visit

Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area,

Learn More
Rubondo Island National Park

Rubondo Island National Park, located in the southwestern corner of Lake Victoria in Tanzania, is a pristine and

Learn More
Gombe Stream National Park

Gombe Stream National Park, located in western Tanzania along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, is a small but

Learn More
Katavi National Park

Katavi National Park: A Hidden Gem in Western Tanzania Katavi National Park is a remote, untouched wilderness in

Learn More
Mahale Mountains National Park

Mahale Mountains National Park, located in western Tanzania along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, is a remote and

Learn More
Lake Tanganyika

Lake Tanganyika, located in East Africa, is the world’s second-largest and second-deepest freshwater lake. Spanning four countries—Tanzania, the

Learn More

Travel Guide

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.

Things To Do

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.

Safety

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.

From the Blog

Samburu National Reserve

Travel Tips

East Africa is a region of diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re trekking through the mountains,…

Tsavo East & West National Park

Best adventure camping safaris in Tanzania

Tanzania is renowned for its incredible landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unforgettable safari experiences. For those who crave a more…

Best time to visit Kenya

Top 5 travel tips to Tanzania safari

Embarking on a safari in Tanzania is a dream come true for many travelers. With its stunning landscapes, rich…

What Our Guests Say

default-avatar-2020-8

Dzigbordi A / Mar 2024 • Solo

Unforgettable trip to Serengeti with African Diurnal Safari

The trip were really amazing and took many pictures and videos and we enjoyed a lot it was a great experiences that we are not going to forget.

default-avatar-2020-22

Diakiss D / Feb 2024 • Friends

During our trip, we saw many famous animal, like chiter, elephants, lion, zebra buffalo, giraffe and many others animals

The trip were really amazing and took many pictures and videos and we enjoyed a lot it was a great experiences that we are not going to forget.

default-avatar-2020-24

Alessandro S / Feb 2024 • Friends

Absolutely recommended

Great experience absolutely recommended!
Great driver too 💪🏻 we saw all the animals we wished to see!
Everything was planned by African Diurnal so we could enjoy the most without any stress in planning

logo2