When is the best time to visit Tanzania?

The best time to visit depends on where you go. Arusha: October; Dar es Salaam: July & August; Kilimanjaro: October; Moshi: September & August; Ngorongoro Crater: September & October; Serengeti National Park: June & July.

Which month is best overall in Tanzania?

Averaged across our 8 destinations in Tanzania, the strongest months are August, July, June. Individual places can shift a month or two earlier or later — each destination page lists its own peak.

How are the Tanzania travel scores calculated?

Every city is rated 0-10 per month using ERA5 climate normals - temperature, precipitation, humidity, daylight, and days with 6+ hours of sunshine.

Best Time to Visit Tanzania: Weather by Month

01 · Tanzania

About Tanzania

On the Indian Ocean, Tanzania has a warm coast and the spice islands of Zanzibar and Pemba offshore, then rises through savanna to Mount Kilimanjaro and the Rift Valley lakes. The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater carry the famous wildlife migrations, Kilimanjaro draws climbers, and the southern parks of Ruaha and Nyerere stay quieter. The dry season from June to October is the most reliable stretch, the short rains fall around November, and January to March is hot.

Did you know?

Tanzania holds Africa's highest peak, Kilimanjaro at 5,895 metres, and its largest lake, Victoria, shared with Kenya and Uganda.
The Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater form a UNESCO-listed ecosystem that carries the other half of the Great Migration.
Zanzibar's Stone Town blends Swahili, Arab, Indian and European influences and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Weather

Tanzania: weather by month

Warmest month: November (26°C). Wettest: December (244 mm). Best overall score: August (9.9/10).

Month	Avg temp	Rain	Sunny days	Score
January	23°C	229 mm	25	6.0/10
February	23°C	166 mm	24	6.4/10
March	23°C	133 mm	29	6.8/10
April	22°C	79 mm	24	8.1/10
May	22°C	14 mm	25	9.6/10
June	20°C	7 mm	25	9.7/10
July	20°C	2 mm	27	9.8/10
August	21°C	2 mm	30	9.9/10
September	23°C	0 mm	30	9.3/10
October	25°C	4 mm	31	8.6/10
November	26°C	28 mm	30	8.4/10
December	25°C	244 mm	29	5.6/10

Travel Tips

01Best time & timing: August leads the year at 9.9/10, with July and June close behind — December (5.6/10) is the one to avoid without a specific reason.
02Weather & what to pack: In August plan for about 21°C; the month brings 2 mm of rain. Pack light clothing, a hat and real sun protection.
03Crowds & value: Crowds build in August and rates follow; October usually pairs good conditions (8.6/10) with the lowest prices of the strong months.

Things to do in Tanzania

Tanzania. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.

FAQ

Frequently asked

When is the best time to visit Tanzania?: The best time to visit depends on where you go. Arusha: October; Dar es Salaam: July & August; Kilimanjaro: October; Moshi: September & August; Ngorongoro Crater: September & October; Serengeti National Park: June & July.
Which month is best overall in Tanzania?: Averaged across our 8 destinations in Tanzania, the strongest months are August, July, June. Individual places can shift a month or two earlier or later — each destination page lists its own peak.
Which cities in Tanzania does bestime.to cover?: We currently score 8 destinations in Tanzania: Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Moshi, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, Stone Town, Zanzibar.
How are the Tanzania travel scores calculated?: Every city is rated 0-10 per month using ERA5 climate normals - temperature, precipitation, humidity, daylight, and days with 6+ hours of sunshine.

Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 historical archive, the five most recent complete years (2021–2025). Scores are monthly averages for that window, not forecasts, and short-window precipitation can differ from longer-term normals. “Sunny days” count days with at least 6 hours of measured sunshine — they are not dry days.

Curated in Tanzania