Visiting Tanzania in November

Tanzania weather guide by month

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

The short rains begin this month, with the herds heading back to northern Tanzania in November after their time in Kenya. While the weather isn’t quite as good as the summer for watching the spectacle of millions of wildebeest and zebra braving the dangers along their journey, you’ll also find far fewer people watching the dramatic scenes at the Mara River.

It pays to be flexible with the more unpredictable weather this month but you’re unlikely to face constant rain and you can enjoy the sight of the landscape reviving after the short afternoon downpours, becoming green and lush once more. The wildlife does start to disperse with more water sources to choose from, but you’ll still find plenty of opportunities to spy the Big Five or some of Tanzania’s other highlights. Birdwatchers will see the first migratory species arriving during November too.

Temperatures are rising again across the country, with the southern safari circuit feeling hotter than the north. It’s still possible to climb and trek at Kilimanjaro, as well as to snorkel and sunbathe at the coast, but November isn’t the best month for either.