Best time to visit Tanzania

Tanzania is a year-round destination, with each season providing distinct experiences. Your ideal travel time depends on your specific interests and which wildlife you would like to see, whether it’s witnessing the Great Migration, birdwatching, or enjoying the beaches. June to September and December to February are considered the best travel periods due to the dry weather and a greater concentration of wildlife around the remaining water sources.

Although located close to the equator, the vast majority of Tanzania is located at an altitude of around 1500 meters, so it is cooler and drier there than in many other tropical countries. Temperatures in the middle of the day can rise to thirty degrees, but it does not quickly become uncomfortable. At night, including during early safaris, temperatures can drop so layers are sensible. On the coast the daytime temperature is around 29 degrees, only dropping down to around 23 degrees at night.

Travelling to Tanzania during the main dry season (June-October)

This period is ideal for safaris as animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. The Serengeti hosts the Great Migration, with river crossings typically occurring between July and September. 

Expect clear skies and minimal rainfall. Daytime temperatures are pleasant, though mornings and evenings can be cooler, especially in highland areas.

Travelling to Tanzania in the short rainy season (November-December)

While some animals disperse due to the availability of water, this is an excellent time for birdwatching as migratory species arrive. Short downpours are typically brief and occur in the late afternoons, with the landscape becoming lush and green. 

Travelling to Tanzania in the short dry season (December – February)

The weather is warmer than June – October and still dry but with higher humidity and the odd rain shower, resulting in a greener landscape. Calving season begins in late January, with around 8,000 calves being born each day. This is the time for spotting baby animals, but also catching some predator action. If you are planning to travel during the Christmas period, then be aware that this is peak travel season in Tanzania, especially the more popular safari parks and Zanzibar’s beaches. Make sure to book early as many lodges get booked up far in advance, and flights can be pricey. You can travel to more remote, lesser visited parks such as Nyerere National Park, where you can go on a boat safari on the Rufiji River and spot lots of big game including elephants, lions, leopards and giraffes.

Travelling to Tanzania in the long rainy season (March – May)

This is the calving season in the southern Serengeti, offering opportunities to witness newborns and predator interactions in the lush green landscapes. However, animals may be harder to spot due to the dense vegetation and abundant water sources. Some remote areas may be less accessible due to flooding and road closures caused by heavy rain.

Expect heavier and more consistent rainfall, leading to muddy roads and potential travel disruptions, but it is the low season – meaning there will be fewer people travelling during this time, which is a bonus. If you don’t mind a bit of rain and you’re looking to save some money, the rainy season brings lush green plains, dramatic skies and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

 

The Great Migration is one of Mother Nature’s most spectacular events. Every year, over a million wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes migrate across the vast plains of the Serengeti in Tanzania towards the Masai Mara in Kenya. In their wake, hunters (lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas) roam the savannah in search of the weak. You may have seen the images on National Geographic of thousands of wildebeest and zebras trying to cross a raging river while hundreds of crocodiles lie in wait.

This incredible experience is a huge draw for visitors to Tanzania and we’ll help you find the best spots to witness it for yourself. July and August are the best months to see the famous river crossings, but of course, you are not the only one who wants to witness this natural spectacle and most lodges and tented camps are fully booked months in advance. If you want to witness the great migration, we definitely recommend that you book in advance.

December – February

The large herds reside in the southeast of the Serengeti – hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebras are born – and many lions, cheetahs and hyenas

March / April

Start of the rainy season – the large herds move south from the Serengeti

May / June

The best season (until August) to see the migration – the large herds move from the south to the west of the Serengeti

July / August

The herds cross the Grumeti River towards the Masai Mara – swimming wildebeest, hungry crocodiles and hunting lions

September / October

Start of the dry season, the large herds remain mainly in the Masai Mara

November

Start of the (short) rainy season – the large herds move back towards the Serengeti – the circle is complete…