Tanzania Weather

We’re often asked “When is the best time to go to Tanzania”, and the answer is often complex. It will depend on many things including your interests, exactly where you want to visit, and why you’re traveling. One person’s best time can be another’s worst. The main factor becomes the Tanzania Weather

The best time to visit Tanzania

Here is a broad guide to the Tanzania Weather – although remember that this comes from records and experience, not from a crystal ball. Weather patterns across Africa are becoming increasingly unpredictable, probably due to global warming; we’re seeing downpours in the middle of deserts and damaging droughts when rains should be falling.

Just south of the equator, Tanzania is huge and its sheer size means that the climate varies considerably within it. However, generally the main rainy season, or the ‘long rains’, lasts during about March, April, and May. Afternoon tropical downpours are the norm – which are heavier and more predictable beside the coast and on the islands. The humidity is high and daily temperatures reach the low-mid 30°s.

The long dry season lasts throughout June, July, August, September, and October when rainfall is unusual, even on the islands. Temperatures vary hugely with altitude and location, but it’s usually a fine, clear sky and sunny weather – it’s a great time to visit Tanzania. During November and December, there’s another rainy season: the ‘short rains’. These are much lighter than the main rains and less reliable.

If it has rained during the short rains, then it normally dries up for a few months, January and February, which is Tanzania’s ‘short dry season’, before starting to rain again in earnest in March.

Tanzania Weather Monthly Description;

January

January marks the end of the shorter rainy season (vuli), and Tanzania’s “short, dry season” begins, lasting for a few months before it begins to rain again in earnest in March. High temperatures in January are generally in the 80s F while lows range from the upper 50s to low 70s F. Travelers should be prepared for clear, sunny days with short-sleeved shirts and shorts or zip-off pants.

February

February is typically the warmest month in Tanzania, with high temperatures reaching the upper 80s F in some areas. Be prepared with short-sleeved shirts and shorts or zip-off pants. The short rains can continue into February, so occasional showers are possible.

March

The beginning of March is much like February—warm and mostly dry. The main rainy season in Tanzania (masika) begins in mid-March. The humidity is high, and daily temperatures reach the mid-to-upper 80s F. Temperatures typically do not cool off much at night—lows do not usually drop below about 60 F, and in some areas remain in the 70s. Afternoon tropical downpours are common, and we recommend a lightweight, “breathable,” waterproof rain jacket, rain pants, and an inexpensive rain poncho.

April

As the heavy rains continue, you can expect conditions in April to be much the same as in March. Although it typically rains every day, it seldom rains all day. Heavy afternoon rain showers are common, and a lightweight, “breathable,” waterproof rain jacket, rain pants, and inexpensive rain poncho are a must.

May

By May the landscape in Tanzania is usually lush and green as the heavy rains continue, with significant bursts of rain occurring most often in the afternoon. As in March and April, we recommend a lightweight, “breathable,” waterproof rain jacket, rain pants, and inexpensive rain poncho.

June

The rains have ended for the most part by June (although you may still want a rain jacket just in case) and temperatures begin to drop as a cooler, dryer climate sets in for the next several months. Note that it can become very cold at night on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, and early morning game drives may be chilly before the sun comes up. Jackets or sweaters are recommended in the evenings, and warm hats, gloves, and a scarf may be needed in the early morning. Temperatures in June range from the mid-40s to low 50s at night to the upper 70s to low 80s during the day. We recommend layering so that you can make adjustments as the sun comes out and daytime temperatures heat up. By midday, you will want lightweight clothing—a T-shirt and shorts or zip-off pants.

July

July is another cool, dry month in Tanzania. It can be quite cold at night and in the early mornings, especially at higher elevations. Temperatures can drop as low as 40 F; be prepared with warm layers including jackets, sweaters, warm long pants warm hats, gloves, and a scarf. By midday, temperatures generally warm to the upper 70s—you’ll want to trade your warm layers for a short-sleeved shirt and shorts or zip-off pants.

August

The month of August is mild, with lows in the mid-50s F and highs in the upper 70s and low 80s F. A jacket or sweater is recommended for nights and early mornings, and a hat, gloves, and a scarf may also be appreciated for cooler spells. Layers work best to be as comfortable as possible as temperatures shift throughout the day.

September

Temperatures in September tend to be comfortable during the day with highs in the low to mid-80s F while nights and early mornings can be cool, with temperatures in the upper 50s F. We recommend a jacket or sweater, long pants, and a hat, gloves and a scarf. As the temperature warms during the day, be ready to shed your outer layers for a short-sleeved shirt and shorts or zip-off pants.

October

October is typically the last month of the long dry season, and it is still relatively cool, clear and sunny. Daytime temperatures will be mild, and evenings and early mornings will be comfortably cool. Temperatures will increase slightly, ranging from the low 60s F to the mid-to-upper 80s F.

November

The short rains begin in November. These are much lighter and less predictable than the long rains. We recommend being prepared with a lightweight, “breathable,” waterproof rain jacket, rain pants, and an inexpensive rain poncho. When it is not raining, temperatures will be pleasant, ranging from lows in the mid-60s F to highs in the low 80s F. The best approach is to go with a comfortable base layer when the days are clear and warm and to add warm and/or waterproof layers as needed.

December

The short rains continue in December, and clothing recommendations remain much the same as for November. Temperatures range from the mid-60s F to the low 80s F, and light rain is possible each day.