Tanzania is East Africa's premier safari destination, home to the legendary Serengeti plains, Africa's highest peak Mount Kilimanjaro, and the pristine beaches of Zanzibar. Experience the Great Migration, explore ancient Stone Town, and discover incredible wildlife diversity.
Tanzania has a tropical climate with two distinct wet seasons. The long rains (masika) fall from March to May, and the short rains (vuli) in November. The northern circuit experiences the best conditions June to October (cool and dry). Zanzibar's coastal climate is hot and humid year-round with monsoon-influenced seasonality. Kilimanjaro creates its own weather and can be climbed year-round with the best windows in January-February and June-October.
Best time to visit
Best: June to October (dry season, best wildlife viewing)
Peak Season: June to October (dry season, best wildlife viewing)
Shoulder Season: January to February (hot and dry, wildebeest calving season)
Avoid: March to May, November (rainy season, fewer crowds, lower prices)
Best Reason:
Avoid Reason:
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
28C/82F
Hot and dry, calving season with wildebeest newborns in Serengeti. Excellent beach weather in Zanzibar. Short rains have ended.
February
29C/84F
Hottest and driest month. Peak calving season in Ndutu plains. Excellent wildlife viewing. Zanzibar beaches optimal.
March
28C/82F
Long rains begin mid-month. Wildlife still accessible early in month. Green landscapes emerging. Fewer tourists and lower prices.
April
26C/79F
Peak long rains with heavy daily showers. Some park roads impassable. Very low season with best accommodation prices.
May
25C/77F
Long rains tapering off late month. Bush lush and green. Excellent birdwatching. Budget travel season with few crowds.
June
23C/73F
Dry season begins. Excellent wildlife viewing as animals concentrate near water. Migration moves north. Very pleasant temperatures.
July
22C/72F
Peak season. Great Migration river crossings at Mara River. Best big cat and predator action. Cool evenings in highlands.
August
23C/73F
Peak season continues. River crossings ongoing. Excellent visibility and dry conditions. Busy and expensive in top parks.
September
25C/77F
Migration moves south. Excellent game viewing in central Serengeti. Fewer crowds than July-August. Great value and conditions.
October
27C/81F
Migration returns south to Serengeti. Vegetation starting to green. Excellent Zanzibar diving season. Good wildlife, lower prices.
November
27C/81F
Short rains begin. Mixed weather with afternoon showers. Low season rates returning. Migration approaches Ndutu for calving.
December
28C/82F
Short rains ending by mid-month. Zanzibar and beach areas peak holiday season. Northern parks accessible but can be muddy.
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring
Months: Mar-May
Long rains (masika) season with heavy daily downpours, lush green landscapes, and low tourist numbers. Safari roads can be impassable in some areas. Zanzibar rough seas.
Summer
Months: Jun-Aug
Peak dry season with excellent wildlife viewing. Great Migration river crossings in northern Serengeti from July. Cool nights in highlands. Busiest and most expensive period.
Fall
Months: Sep-Nov
September and October remain dry with excellent game viewing. November brings short rains ending the dry season. Wildebeest herds return to southern Serengeti.
Winter
Months: Dec-Feb
December brings short rains tapering off by late month. January-February is hot, dry, and beautiful with calving season in Serengeti where thousands of wildebeest calves are born. Excellent time for beach holidays.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- Jun-Oct (safari peaks), Dec-Jan (Zanzibar beach peaks)
- Shoulder Season
- Nov, Feb-Mar
- Low Season
- Apr-May
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Great Wildebeest Migration
Over 1.5 million wildebeest migrate through Serengeti ecosystem following rains. Dramatic Mara River crossings July-October. Calving season January-February. Nature's greatest spectacle.
Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF)
East Africa's largest cultural event celebrating film, music, and arts. Screenings at Old Fort and venues across Stone Town. International and African films, live performances, workshops.
Sauti za Busara Music Festival
Zanzibar's premier music festival at Old Fort showcasing African music. Swahili taarab, Afrobeat, traditional and contemporary artists. Vibrant atmosphere with 20,000+ attendees.
Kilimanjaro Marathon
Full marathon, half marathon, and fun run around Mount Kilimanjaro base. Route through villages and coffee plantations with Kilimanjaro views. Challenging but scenic.
Mwaka Kogwa (Zanzibar New Year)
Shirazi New Year celebration in Makunduchi village. Traditional mock fighting with banana stems, fire jumping, festive atmosphere. Ancient ritual celebrating new year.
Ramadan & Eid al-Fitr
Muslim holy month of fasting followed by Eid celebration. Zanzibar particularly festive with special foods, night markets. Daytime restaurants may close. Respectful dress important.
Nane Nane (Farmers' Day)
National agricultural fair and holiday celebrating farmers. Events nationwide but largest in Dar es Salaam with agricultural exhibitions, cultural performances, food.