Best time to visit Tanzania

Tanzania is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience — whether it’s the Great Migration, birdwatching, photography, or simply enjoying pleasant weather. The country has two main seasons — the dry season and the wet (rainy) seasons — each offering unique advantages for travelers.

1. Dry Season (June – October): The Prime Safari Time

Overview:
This is considered the best time for wildlife viewing across most national parks in Tanzania. The weather is sunny, skies are clear, and rainfall is minimal.

Why Visit:

• Animals gather around rivers and waterholes, making them easier to spot.
• Vegetation is thin, improving visibility for game drives.
• Fewer mosquitoes due to low humidity.
• Ideal time for the Great Migration (especially July to September in the Serengeti).

Best For:

• Game drives and photography
• The Great Migration and river crossings
• Visiting Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Ruaha
• Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro (dry trails and clear views)

Downside:

• Peak tourist season — higher prices and busier lodges
• Bookings should be made in advance

2. Short Rainy Season (November – December): Refreshing and Quieter

Overview:
This period brings light, brief rains mainly in the afternoons. The landscapes become lush and green, and the crowds thin out.

Why Visit:

• Mild rain with plenty of sunshine between showers
• Beautiful green scenery, ideal for photographers
• Fewer tourists, meaning lower rates and a peaceful experience
• Excellent for birdwatching, as migratory species arrive

Best For:

• Budget travelers
• Photographers and bird lovers
• Those seeking a quieter safari experience

Downside:

Occasional muddy roads in remote parks

3. Calving Season (January – February): Birth and Predator Action

Overview:
This short, warm season marks the calving period of the Great Migration in the southern Serengeti. Thousands of wildebeest give birth — attracting big cats like lions and cheetahs.

Why Visit:

• Witness dramatic predator-prey interactions
• Fewer tourists than peak season
• Excellent time for wildlife photography

Best For:

• Seeing the circle of life in action
• Photographers and nature enthusiasts

Downside:

Hotter temperatures (30°C+ during the day)

4. Long Rainy Season (March – May): The Green and Quiet Season

Overview:
This is Tanzania’s wettest period, with heavy rains that rejuvenate the landscape. It’s the low season, meaning fewer visitors and discounted prices.

Why Visit:

• Lush, green scenery and dramatic skies
• Excellent birdwatching with many migratory species
• Great deals on accommodation and tours

Best For:

• Budget travelers
• Birdwatchers and photographers who enjoy solitude
• Downside:
• Some lodges close due to muddy conditions
• Difficult road access in remote areas

5. Zanzibar and the Coast: Beach Weather

If you’re planning a Zanzibar beach holiday, the best time to go is:

• June to October: Dry, sunny, and less humid — perfect for swimming and diving.
• December to February: Warm and calm seas — excellent for snorkeling and relaxation.
• Avoid March to May, when the heavy rains affect beach conditions.