Tanzania is located just south of the equator and has a tropical climate: it is hot year-round, and temperatures vary little from month to month. Two factors in particular make the biggest difference:elevation—since most of the northern parks are located between 1,200 and 2,300 meters—and rainfall, which dictates the seasons more than temperatures do.
In summary: along the coast and in Zanzibar, it is hot and humid year-round, with highs ranging from 28 to 33 °C; in Arusha and the northern parks, days are hot but mornings and evenings are cool, with highs between 22 and 30 °C; on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, nighttime temperatures can drop to just a few degrees above freezing; at the summit of Kilimanjaro, temperatures fall below freezing every month.
In short
- Warmest months: December through March
- Coolest months: June through August, especially at night and at higher elevations
- Long rains (masika): from mid-March through May, with April typically being the rainiest month
- Short rains (vuli): between November and early December, in the north and along the coast
- Dry season: June through October, plus a brief break between January and February
How does Tanzania’s climate work
?
Since it is in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are partly reversed compared to ours: the hottest months coincide with our winter, from December to March, and the coolest months with our summer, from June to August. The temperature differences between the two periods, however, are modest: in the northern parks, the average high drops from about 28 °C to about 22–24 °C. Much more significant are the rains, brought by the Indian Ocean monsoons.
The country does not have a single rainfall pattern:
- the north, the coast, and Zanzibar have two rainy seasons: the long one, the masika, from mid-March to May, and the short one, the vuli, between November and early December;
- the central and southern regions, including Ruaha and Selous National Parks, have a single rainy season, roughly from November–December through April, and a long dry season from May–June through October.
These dates are approximate: the start and end of the rainy seasons can vary by a few weeks from one year to the next. Even during the rainy seasons, rainfall often comes in the form of intense afternoon thunderstorms, alternating with hours of sunshine.
Temperatures by Area
| Area | Elevation | Daytime highs | Nighttime lows | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arusha | about 1,400 m | 22–29 °C | 11–16 °C | Cool nights between June and August |
| Tarangire and Lake Manyara | 950–1,200 m | 26–31 °C | 15–19 °C | The hottest areas of the northern circuit |
| Serengeti | 1,200–1,800 m | 25–30 °C | 13–17 °C | Cool mornings, hot and dry days |
| Edge of the Ngorongoro Crater | over 2,200 m | 18–22 °C | 4–10 °C | The coldest area on the safari; frequent morning fog |
| Lake Natron | about 600 m | 32–38 °C | 20–24 °C | One of the hottest places in the north |
| Selous and Ruaha | 100–1,000 m | 28–35 °C | 17–22 °C | Very hot before the rains, in October and November |
| Dar es Salaam and the coast | sea level | 29–32 °C | 19–25 °C | High humidity year-round |
| Zanzibar | sea level | 28–33 °C | 21–25 °C | Sea temperature between 25 and 29 °C |
| Summit of Kilimanjaro | 5,895 m | below zero | down to −15/−20 °C with wind | Alpine conditions in any month |
The climate of the northern parks, month by month
The table refers to the Arusha area and the parks of the northern circuit, the region where most safaris take place. In the Serengeti, temperatures are similar; on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, subtract 5–8 degrees.
| Month | Average high | Average Low | Rain | What’s the weather like? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28 °C | 14 °C | Moderate | Warm, brief dry spell between rain showers |
| February | 29 °C | 14 °C | Moderate | The warmest month, mostly dry |
| March | 28 °C | 15 °C | Rising | Hot and humid; the long rains are beginning |
| April | 25 °C | 16 °C | Very heavy | The rainiest month, with often overcast skies |
| May | 23 °C | 14 °C | Heavy | Rainfall decreasing toward the end of the month |
| June | 22 °C | 12 °C | Low | The dry season begins; cool nights |
| July | 22 °C | 11 °C | Low | The coolest month, crisp mornings |
| August | 23 °C | 11 °C | Low | Dry and sunny |
| September | 25 °C | 12 °C | Low | Dry, with rising temperatures |
| October | 27 °C | 13 °C | Poor | Hot and dry, with a lot of dust on the slopes |
| November | 27 °C | 14 °C | Moderate | Short showers, often afternoon thunderstorms |
| December | 27 °C | 14 °C | Moderate, decreasing | Warm, with rain tapering off |
The Seasons in Tanzania
Dry Season (June–October)
This is the coolest and driest time of year: clear skies, dry air, and mild days, with cool mornings and evenings, especially in August and at higher elevations. The vegetation thins out and animals gather around water sources, which is why this is considered the best season for safaris. Toward September and October, the heat increases and the trails become dusty.
Short rains (November–early December)
In the north and along the coast, short rains—known as “vuli”—arrive: these are usually intense showers that last only a few hours, often in the afternoon, followed by sunshine. The savanna turns green again, and temperatures rise.
Hot Season (mid-December–February)
This is the hottest time of the year, with sporadic rains. In the southern Serengeti, it is the calving season of the Great Migration, while on the coast and in Zanzibar, it is very hot and the sea is calm.
Long rains (mid-March–May)
The masika is the wettest season: it rains often and for long periods, sometimes for entire days, especially in April. Daytime temperatures drop slightly due to cloud cover, the landscapes are lush and green, and some trails become difficult to navigate; several camps and lodges, especially in the southern parks, close for a few weeks.
The climate and the
best
time for various activities
Temperatures and rainfall also determine the best time for different experiences:
- Safaris in the northern parks: from June to October, with an excellent window of opportunity in January and February as well.
- Great Migration: visible year-round, as it is a continuous cycle; from December through March, the herds are in the southern Serengeti for calving, and from July through October in the north for the Mara River crossings.
- Beach and Zanzibar: from June to October, when the weather is cooler and breezier, and from December to February, when it’s warmer and the sea is calm.
- Southern Parks: June through October; during the rainy season, some areas are difficult to reach.
- Kilimanjaro: from late June through October and from January through early March.
Detailed information, park by park, can be found in our guide on when to visit Tanzania; for the island, see our guide on Zanzibar’s climate month by month.
What to Pack Based on the Weather
Even during the “cool” season, clothing is mostly summery, but the temperature fluctuations between day and night and between the plains and the highlands make it essential to dress in layers:
- Lightweight T-shirts and breathableshirts, preferably long-sleeved to protect against the sun and mosquitoes;
- long and short pants made of cotton or technical fabric;
- a fleece sweatshirt and a windbreaker for dawn safaris and evenings; on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, between June and August, you’ll need a heavier jacket;
- neutral colors, such as beige, khaki, and green; avoid blue and black, which attract the tsetse fly;
- a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen: near the equator, the sun is strong even when the sky is overcast;
- comfortable, closed-toe shoes for walking, sandals for the lodges;
- during the rainy season, a lightweight waterproof jacket.
For health reasons, in addition to your usual prescription medications, it’s a good idea to bring a small travel first-aid kit containing fever reducers, anti-diarrheal medication, antihistamines, and hand sanitizer, as well as an effective mosquito repellent: malaria prophylaxis and vaccinations should be discussed with your doctor, as explained in our guide to vaccinations for Tanzania and Zanzibar. The complete clothing list is in our guide on what to wear on a safari.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the temperatures like in Tanzania?
It depends mainly on the altitude. On the coast and in Zanzibar, high temperatures range between 28 and 33 °C year-round; in Arusha and the northern parks, they range from 22 to 30 °C, with cool mornings and evenings; on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, nighttime temperatures can drop to just a few degrees above freezing.
What is the hottest month in Tanzania?
The hottest months are between December and March, with February usually being the hottest. The coolest months are July and August, especially at night and in higher-elevation areas.
When does it rain in Tanzania?
In the north, on the coast, and in Zanzibar, there are two rainy seasons: the long rainy season from mid-March to May and the short rainy season from November to early December. In the center and south, however, there is a single rainy season, roughly from November-December to April.
Is it cold on a safari in Tanzania? It
rarely gets cold during the day, but it does get cold at dawn and in the evening, especially between June and August. On the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, above 2,200 meters, you’ll need a sweatshirt and a heavy jacket.
If you’ve already set your dates, we can tell you exactly what the weather will be like and which parks are best for that time of year. Ask us for advice on your time of year , or browse our Tanzania itineraries to get an idea of the options available.
