Arusha is Tanzania's northern safari capital and a vibrant gateway city perched on the lower slopes of Mount Meru. Sitting at roughly 1,400 metres above sea level, the region blends bustling urban energy with dramatic highland scenery and world-class wildlife destinations on its doorstep.
Type Highland equatorial / Highland semi-arid, Altitude effect Arusha city at 1,400m is cooler and more pleasant than coastal Tanzania. Temperatures rarely exceed 30°C and nights can be cool, especially June–August., Rainfall Bimodal rainfall pattern with short rains October–December and long rains March–May, Humidity Moderate; much lower than coastal Tanzania
Best time to visit
Overall: June to October
Reasoning: The long dry season (June–October) offers the best wildlife viewing conditions across the northern circuit, cooler temperatures in Arusha, clearer mountain views, and the most reliable road conditions for safari travel. January–February is a shorter dry season that is also excellent and less crowded.
For Wildlife: June–October (peak) or January–February (short dry season)
For Budget: March–May or November–December (green season; 20–50% lower accommodation prices)
For Birdwatching: November–April (resident birds plus Palaearctic migrants)
For Photography: June–October (clear light, open savannah, wildlife concentrations)
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
14–27 °C
February
15–28 °C
March
15–27 °C
April
14–25 °C
May
13–24 °C
June
11–24 °C
July
10–23 °C
August
10–24 °C
September
12–26 °C
October
13–27 °C
November
14–26 °C
December
14–26 °C
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Long Dry Season
The main tourist season. Clear skies, minimal rainfall, excellent wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources. Nights in Arusha can be cool to cold (8–12°C). Bush is dry and open, making wildlife spotting easier.
Months: June–October
Short Dry Season
A pleasant mini dry season between the two rainy periods. Good wildlife viewing, fewer tourists than peak season, and warmer temperatures than June–August. Wildebeest calving in Ngorongoro and southern Serengeti makes this season special.
Months: January–February
Short Rains (Vuli)
The 'short rains' bring brief but intense afternoon showers, greenery, and fresh landscapes. Wildlife remains excellent as newborn animals are plentiful and resident birds are joined by Palaearctic migrants. Prices begin to drop in October.
Months: October–December
Long Rains (Masika)
The peak rainy season. Heavy daily rainfall, often in the afternoon. Some camps close or reduce operations. Roads can become very muddy and some parks are harder to access. However, prices are at their lowest, landscapes are lush, and the parks are nearly empty of tourists.
Months: March–May
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- Peak
- July–August (European and North American summer holidays)
- Shoulder
- June, September–October
- Low
- March–May (long rains)
- Notes
- Ngorongoro Crater is always busier than other parks due to its size and fame. Arusha National Park remains relatively uncrowded year-round.
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Kilimanjaro Marathon
Annual marathon starting in Moshi, near Arusha; attracts thousands of international runners
Sauti za Busara (Zanzibar Music Festival)
East Africa's premier music festival in Zanzibar; accessible from Arusha by flight
Arusha International Marathon
Annual city marathon through Arusha streets
Nane Nane Agricultural Fair
National agricultural fair; celebration of farming and rural Tanzanian life
Uhuru Day (Independence Day)
National holiday celebrating Tanzanian independence from Britain (1961); parades and celebrations
Eid al-Fitr
End of Ramadan; significant celebration for Arusha's Muslim community