Best Time to Visit Tanzania
The best time to visit Tanzania is from June to October for top wildlife viewing. Each season offers unique experiences, from safaris to beach getaways.
When is the Best Time to Visit Tanzania?
The best time to visit Tanzania for a safari is during the dry season, from late June to October, when wildlife viewing is at its peak. Tanzania experiences two rainy seasons: the ‘long rains’ from April to May and the ‘short rains’ from November to December. During the long rains, heavy afternoon downpours are common, and some safari camps may close temporarily. The short rains typically bring light, brief showers.
Most safari regions in Tanzania enjoy warm days and cool nights throughout the year. However, temperatures can drop below freezing on Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, while the Indian Ocean coastline and lakeside areas remain hot and humid.
The ideal time for your safari depends on your interests and destinations. For first-time visitors, the dry season is generally best, as animals are easier to spot around water sources. Understanding the differences between the high and low safari seasons can help you plan the perfect Tanzanian adventure.
Tanzania Safari High vs Low Season
| High or Peak Season | Low or Green Season | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| About June to October (long dry season) | About January to March and November to December | ||
| Highest rates | Lowest rates | ||
| Need to book well in advance | No need to book too far in advance | ||
| Cool and dry weather | Hot and occasionally wet weather | ||
| Not many baby animals around | Lots of baby animals around | ||
| Not many migrant birds to see | Fantastic time for bird-watching | ||
| Most crowded | Least crowded | ||
| Good photography conditions | Greenest, most scenic landscapes with the best light of the year for photography |
Along with deciding what you want to see and do, the timing of your visit plays a key role in determining the best places to explore in Tanzania.
When to See the Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti
| Event | Approximate Time | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Calving or Birthing Season | January to March | ||
| Intense Big Cat Action | January to March | ||
| Rutting (a period of sexual excitement, reproductive activity and mating battles between males) | January to March | ||
| Grumeti River Crossings | May to July | ||
| Mara River Crossings | July to September |
Note: These dates are approximate. The Wildebeest Migration is a continuous, circular journey throughout the year, and river crossings are unpredictable. While they typically occur between May and September, the herds may linger in one area for weeks or cross multiple times in a single day. For a deeper understanding of this incredible natural event, check out our comprehensive Wildebeest Migration guide.
Month by Month Guide for Travelling to Tanzania:
Travelling to Tanzania during January to March
If you’re looking for a tropical beach getaway, January is one of the best times to visit Tanzania’s coastline. Zanzibar is a dreamy escape, offering powder-soft white sand, clear turquoise waters, and pure relaxation. It’s also the beginning of the Wildebeest Migration calving season, with herds moving into the southern Serengeti to give birth.
February brings hot and humid weather and marks the height of the calving season. Around 500,000 wildebeest calves are born during this period, attracting predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. The southern plains of the Serengeti are alive with dramatic wildlife activity as newborns take their first steps under the watchful eyes of predators.
March is one of the hottest months in Tanzania. Early in the month is typically dry, though the ‘long rains’ can sometimes begin earlier than expected. As the rains arrive, the landscape transforms into lush, vibrant greenery an incredible contrast to the drier months. The Ngorongoro Highlands experience brief afternoon showers, while mornings remain cool and clear. March is also a fantastic time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, with fewer crowds and stunning green scenery.
Visiting Tanzania in April & May
April is the wettest month of the year in Tanzania, with frequent afternoon thundershowers and occasional overnight storms. Overcast skies are common, and humidity peaks in the western and southern parks. While it may not be ideal for wildlife viewing, this is a great time for budget-conscious travelers, as accommodations and tours are often more affordable and less crowded.
May begins with continued rainfall, but drier weather gradually returns by the end of the month as June ushers in the dry season. During May, the Great Wildebeest Migration is on the move, making its way from the southern Serengeti toward the western corridor an exciting transition period for those seeking a quieter safari experience.
Visiting Tanzania from June to August
June marks the beginning of the dry season and is one of the best times for a luxury safari in Tanzania. The rains have ended, the landscape begins to shift from lush green to golden savannah, and wildlife becomes easier to spot as vegetation thins. This is also when the Wildebeest Migration often pauses at the Grumeti River, with large herds gathering before attempting their dramatic river crossings.
Visiting Tanzania in November & December
November is one of Tanzania’s most underrated months for a safari. While short afternoon thundershowers are common, they rarely disrupt activities for long. The northern parks remain excellent for game viewing year-round, and this is a great time to explore lesser-visited, off-the-beaten-path destinations with fewer crowds and lush landscapes.
December falls within the short rains, and while early in the month is generally quiet, the holiday season sees an increase in visitors. It’s an excellent time for birdwatching, as migratory species begin to arrive—especially in Nyerere and Tarangire National Parks. The Great Wildebeest Migration returns to the southern Serengeti’s short grass plains, where the herds prepare for calving. It’s a fantastic time to experience a Serengeti safari, filled with dramatic scenes of feeding and the anticipation of new life.
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