Best time to visit Tanzania
The best time to visit Tanzania entirely depends on what you want to do in this beautiful country on a safari – a safari gem of East Africa, Tanzania offers a lot of amazing experience including safari experiences, witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, exploring the beaches of Zanzibar and go diving and snorkeling for a close-up encounter with the aquatic wildlife.
Tanzania Weather and Temperatures
Before traveling to Tanzania, it is always a good idea to first check the weather. This will give you a better idea of when to travel and activities you can do during your Tanzania safari holiday. The hottest and most humid period in Tanzania is between November and February with 25°C –31°C, the coolest time in Tanzania is between May and August with 15 °C –20°C. In the highlands of Tanzania, temperatures range between 10°C and 20°C during cold and hot seasons. In the rest of Tanzania, temperatures rarely fall below 20°C.Best Time to Visit Time Basing On Popular Tanzania Tourist Activities
Tanzania is an ideal destination for traveler interested in wildlife, hiking and climbing adventures, a beach holiday among others. Tanzania experiences clear and sunny skies which are perfect for any tourist activity between June and October, tropical downpours are experienced from March till May. Hacks for choosing the best time to visit Tanzania basing some of the most popular activities include- Best time for a classic safari experience is from June – August
- Best time to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration is between July – October
- Best time for trekking and chimpanzee tracking in Tanzania is between May and October
- Best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is from July – October and from December – February
- Best time to see the aquatic wildlife in Zanzibar is all year round.
Safaris in Tanzania
Tanzania is Africa’s safari capital thanks to the vast landscapes and myriad of wildlife experience, to enjoy your safari holiday to the fullest. Visiting at the right of the year is a must. To decide when and where to go in Tanzania for a classic safari to explore the different sights and sounds, it is important to know more about Tanzania and its safari destinations. Tanzania’s safari destinations are divided into three areas/regions that is Northern Safari Circuit (northern parks), Southern Safari Circuit (Southern parks) and Western Safari Circuit (western parks). Northern Safari Circuit parks (Northern Parks) These are Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park and Arusha National Park. These parks can be explored throughout the year, however the most pleasant weather with moderate temperatures is between June and October making the high/peak season in Tanzania. Southern Safari Circuit Parks (Southern Parks) – these parks include Selous and Ruaha national parks, the best time to visit is from the end of May till December. These months experience mild temperatures and dry weather making it a great time to visit for game drives and other safari activities. The Western Safari Circuit (Western Parks) – these parks are Gombe, Mahale Mountains and Katavi national parks, the best time to visit Gombe and Mahale National Park for chimpanzee trekking is during the dry season between July and October. Wet season is from March and April. Tanzania offers ample time for classic safari experience as it hosts numerous national parks and game reserves, the popular wildlife spots in Tanzania include Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, Selous National Park and Gombe Stream National Park. Seasons in Tanzania are not distinguished by winter and summer, they are only distinguished by dry and wet seasons. The long rains occur from October to December, therefore travelers should plan their safaris in Tanzania accordingly as the routes in some national parks become impassable. The best time for a classic safari experience in Tanzania is from June till August, in this period temperatures are moderate during the day and at night. Hot and humid temperatures reach the mid – 30 °C and are more prevalent during January and February, tourists visiting the country in this period have the opportunity to witness huge herds of animals especially the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park.Witnessing The Great Wildebeest Migration
The annual Wildebeest Migration is one the greatest natural phenomena in the world with over 2 million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles in search for green pastures and water year.The Best to visit Tanzania For The Great Wildebeest Migration
The best time to witness the great migration is between July and September, this is when the herds make their way from inside of the Serengeti National Park over the Grumeti River and towards the Mara River and into Kenya to the plains of Maasai Mara. Timeline of the Great Migration- July – July – the herds begin to move in large masses from the central to the northern and western parts of Serengeti National Park.
- August – September – the much-anticipated Mara River Crossing at Mara River into Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya in search of greener pastures
- October – December – the herds start move back towards the Serengeti National Park
- February – June – thousands of new calves are born every day in what is referred to as the calving season.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Tanzania
Coming face to face with a chimpanzee – the closest animal relative to humans is a very life changing experience and in Tanzania, this can only be done in Western Tanzania in Mahale and Gombe Best Time for Chimpanzee Trekking The best time for chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania is during the dry season that is between May and October, in this period there is little rainfall meaning few mosquitoes and lower chances of contracting malaria. During the wet season that is between November and April, chimpanzee trekking becomes arduous as the trails become extremely slippery. It is also hot and humid, some lodges also close.Mount Kilimanjaro
The iconic Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world and the highest point on the African continent standing at 5,895 meters, this mountain offers a unique climbing experience. On this volcano, the vegetation and the weather vary depending on the elevation.Best Time To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
The best time to visit Tanzania is during the drier months in the periods between July and October and December and February. An exhilarating hiking experience in the icy conditions can easily be combined with witness the Great Migration. However it gets crowded on the way to the summit during December. To encounter fewer climbers, April and May is the best time even though it is the wet season. The weather on Mount Kilimanjaro is unpredictable and during the dry season, reports of snow blizzards have been recorded.Zanzibar
Zanzibar Archipelago and its pristine beaches are ideal spot to escape the jungle and rewind, Zanzibar beaches have been rated among the best beaches in the world and must visit destination for a tropical beach holiday. Best Time to Visit Zanzibar Beaches The best time to visit Tanzania for a holiday on Zanzibar Beaches is between June and October, in these months the sky is clear and sunny weather which is ideal for soaking up the sun. Zanzibar Archipelago comprises of many small islands with two large islands that is Zanzibar also known as Unguja and Pemba Island. The Archipelago is found near the equator thus being warm throughout the year. For sun seekers, you should avoid the rainy season from March to May, the downpours can also be expected in November and December. For divers and scuba enthusiasts, the perfect time to visit Zanzibar Islands between June – October on the North Coast and between November – March. The average water temperatures are around 27C (81F) throughout the year. Zanzibar Islands are home to a variety of aquatic species found in various marine parks along the cost.When to see various aquatic species in Zanzibar islands
| TIME OF THE YEAR | ACQUATIC SPICES |
| All year round | Dolphins, whitetip reef sharks, hawksbill turtles |
| June to March | Humpback whales |
| July to October | Whale Sharks |
| November to December | Hammerhead sharks |
| December to April | Manta Rays |
