- Arusha-Tanzania
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Tanzania is a year-round travel destination, offering incredible wildlife, scenic landscapes, and pristine beaches. Choosing the best time to visit Tanzania depends on your priorities: game viewing, cultural experiences, or beach relaxation. This guide helps you plan the perfect trip.
Wildlife activity varies by season.
Rainy seasons affect road conditions and park access.
Zanzibar beach experiences are weather-dependent.
Planning your trip ensures comfortable temperatures and the best safari opportunities.
Tanzania has two rainy seasons and two dry seasons:
| Season | Months | Weather / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Long Dry Season | June – October | Cool mornings, dry, ideal for safaris |
| Short Rainy Season | November | Occasional showers, fewer tourists |
| Short Dry Season | December – February | Warm, sunny, great for beaches and safaris |
| Long Rainy Season | March – May | Heavy rains, some parks may be inaccessible |
Tanzania safaris are best during the dry season:
Peak game-viewing season
Animals concentrate around water sources
Perfect for Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Ruaha
Good for fewer crowds and lush scenery
Excellent for bird watching and newborn animals
Heavy rains can make park roads muddy
Some lodges may close temporarily
Less expensive, fewer tourists
June – October: dry, sunny, and less humid
December – February: warm, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving
March – May: rainy, rough seas may affect water activities
Great Migration in Serengeti:
June–July: Northern Serengeti river crossings
August–October: Predator action and dry season game drives
Ngorongoro Crater: Best visited June–October when wildlife is easy to spot
Tarangire & Lake Manyara: Dry season is best for elephant sightings
Bird Watching: November–April is ideal for migratory birds
Pack lightweight layers — mornings can be cool, afternoons hot
Carry rain gear if traveling during the short rainy season
Book accommodations and safaris in advance for peak months
Consider combining safari + Zanzibar beach holiday for the best overall experience
| Month | Best Activities & Tips |
|---|---|
| January | Warm, dry, Zanzibar beaches, newborn animals |
| February | Warm, dry, ideal for safaris and diving |
| March | Start of long rains, fewer tourists |
| April | Peak rainy season, some lodges close |
| May | Rain continues, lower rates, fewer crowds |
| June | Start dry season, great game viewing |
| July | Peak dry, river crossings, ideal safari |
| August | Dry, great for wildlife photography |
| September | Dry, fewer tourists, perfect for safaris |
| October | End dry season, excellent wildlife concentration |
| November | Short rains, lush landscapes, fewer tourists |
| December | Warm, dry, beach and safari combination |
The best months are June–October during the dry season. Wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around water sources, and roads are accessible.
June–July: River crossings in Northern Serengeti
August–October: Predator activity peaks, best for photography
June–October: Dry season, perfect for beach relaxation
December–February: Warm and sunny, ideal for swimming and diving
Yes, March–May is the long rainy season. Some parks may be harder to access, but there are fewer tourists, lush scenery, and lower prices.
November–April is ideal for migratory and nesting birds, especially in wetlands and Lake Manyara.
Absolutely! The best months for a combined safari + Zanzibar beach trip are June–October and December–February. Musabi Serengeti Safaris can create fully customized itineraries.
During the dry season, roads are accessible, animals are easier to spot, and game drives are comfortable. In the rainy season, some parks may have muddy roads and limited access.
