Tanzania is close to the equator and does not have winter and summer in the way that we do in the UK, but has a rainy season and a dry season. The dry season extends from June to October, and there are two specific rainy seasons: The “big” rainy season from April to May, And the “small” rainy season in November.
During the rainy season, you can expect some brief yet torrential showers that help freshen the air. Average daytime temperatures in Tanzania fluctuate over the year from 22–28°C, while the evenings are a little cooler. Regardless of the time of year you visit Tanzania, you can therefore count on warm temperatures.
The Weather In Tanzania
Weather is probably the most important thing to consider when planning your trip. It's challenging to apply universal rules to a country as large and geographically diverse as Tanzania, but there are basic weather patterns that give a general idea of what you can expect at any given time of year.
Tanzania has two rainy seasons—a long one that usually occurs between March and May and a shorter one that takes place in November and December.
The most pleasant time of year is the long dry season (June to October) when the weather is generally clear and sunny.1 Temperatures vary greatly depending on elevation, but in the reserves and on the coast, the weather is usually warm even in winter.
Tanzania Weather In January, February, March
Weather: Summertime! It’s hot and dry during these months with occasional rain. Temperatures will be between 30-40 °C.
Tanzania Weather In May, April, June
Rainy season! After many dry months the plains and animals can’t wait for some rain. The big rains are mainly late afternoon and at night, but even during the day you can get a few scattered showers. In May and June, it can be very cloudy. Temperatures are still comfortable; between 20-25 °C. The mornings and evenings can be colder so do take a sweater.
We recommend staying in lodges rather than tents during these months, but apart from that the weather shouldn’t influence your safari experience negatively in the northern part of Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara).
Tanzania Weather In July, August
In July/ August it’s still a little cooler and partially cloudy but days with blue sky as well. The temperatures are generally between 25-35 °C. The mornings and evenings are colder. You do need to take a sweater and long pants for the early safari mornings. In the afternoon, when the sun comes out, it heats up and it will be ‘t-shirt-weather’.
Tanzania Weather In September, October, November, December
Sunny! The weather during these months is mainly blue skies, sun, warm with temperatures between 30-40 °C. We have the so called ‘short rains’ in October/ November but those are little tropical showers and won’t affect your sunny holiday!