Tanzania has a pleasant, tropical climate, but conditions vary across the country, depending on several factors, including altitude. The coastline is the hottest and wettest place, and other low-lying parts of the country are hot but far less humid, such as the western and southern National Parks. Tanzania enjoys warm days and cool evenings year-round in most Safari areas. Mount Kilimanjaro experiences summit temperatures below freezing, while the Indian Ocean coast endures warm and humid conditions. There are two distinct rainy seasons in Tanzania: April to May (the ‘long rains’) and November to December (the ‘short rains’).
Dry Season – June to October
Day temperatures minimum of 20°C to a maximum of 30 °C
Green Season – November to May
Day temperatures average of 30°C
- November/ December – short rains (“little rainy season”)
- January/ February – northern and coastal areas have a break in the rainy season
- March to May – long rains (“big rainy season”)
Wildlife viewing
Tanzania is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream, especially for its annual migration of wildebeest and zebras with the dramatic river crossings taking place between June and August. Large herds of grazers migrate annually through northern Tanzania and Kenya. Over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move in search of green pasture in the Serengeti and Masai Mara ecosystems. Certainly one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Many of the Big 5 – including the famous black rhino – can be seen roaming the savannah plains. Although the Serengeti and Masai Mara are the most well know, you can experience amazing game viewing in the other National Parks namely Tarangire, Manyare, Ruaha and Selous.
Best time for viewing the migration
- July to October – the wildebeest are in the northern Serengeti plains
- December to March – the wildebeest are in the southern area of the Serengeti
Best time for viewing Wildlife
- Excellent – January to February, July to October
- Good – March, June, November to December
- Possible – April to May
