Climate and monthly weather forecast
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

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The climate of Dar es Salaam

Geographically located on the east coast of Africa, Dar es Salaam has a Tropical wet and dry or savanna climate under the Köppen climate classification. It's widely known for its consistent temperature throughout the year with an average monthly low temperature oscillating between 21.3°C (70.3°F) and 25.3°C (77.5°F) and a monthly high temperature fluctuating between 27.6°C (81.7°F) to 30.9°C (87.6°F).

The level of monthly average relative humidity stays fairly constant ranging from 75% to 81%. Sea temperatures are similarly constant, or evenly distributed, throughout the year with the mean varying between 25.7°C (78.3°F) to 29.2°C (84.6°F). Meanwhile, daylight hours stay relatively level at between 11.7 hours to 12.5 hours a day.

The city observes a significant difference in rainfall throughout the year, with the highest rainfall registered in April at 154mm (6.06") and the least in July and August at 22mm (0.87"). Consequently, the number of rainfall days also varies throughout the year, with the highest number of rainfall days in April at 26.4 and the lowest in June with 17.5 days.

The city rarely experiences wide seasonal variations in weather conditions. Nevertheless, a few patterns stand out such as April's major rainfall and the relatively drier period from June to September.

The best time to visit Dar es Salaam

The best time to visit Dar es Salaam is dependent upon the intended activities by the visitors. In terms of weather, the most favourable period to visit is from June to September. This is when the city receives the least rainfall, with an average of 22mm (0.87") to 23mm (0.91"), and experiences minimal cloud cover, with an average cloud percentages of 26% to 32%.

During these drier months, sunshine is also more abundant with around 8.9 to 9.1 hours of sunlight per day whilst the relative humidity is at its lower levels, ranging from 75% to 77%. Visitors can also enjoy pleasant sea temperatures, averaging between 26°C (78.8°F) in June to 28.3°C (82.9°F) by September.

The worst time to visit Dar es Salaam

Conversely, the most challenging time to visit the city would be during the rainy season from March to May. April especially sees significant rainfall at 154mm (6.06") across 26.4 days. The excess rainfall and high relative humidity levels of 79% to 81% during this period might impose comfort issues and can potentially interfere with outdoor activities.

Spring weather in Dar es Salaam

In Dar es Salaam, the spring months of March, April and May are characterized by high rainfall. March rainfall averages at 92mm (3.62") over 26.1 days while April’s showers increase to 154mm (6.06") across 26.4 days. By May, rainfall decreases to 102mm (4.02") over 24.5 days. This period also witnesses a slight decrease in temperature, with the low averaging from 25.1°C (77.2°F) to 23.3°C (73.9°F) and highs ranging from 30.9°C (87.6°F) to 28.4°C (83.1°F).

Summer weather in Dar es Salaam

The summer, from June to August, presents a sunnier and drier period. Rainfall drastically reduces to 22mm (0.87") per month with humidity levels dropping to 75%. Sunshine hours increase to 8.9 to 9.1 hours a day, with daylight hours gradually increasing from 11.7 hours to 11.9 hours across these months. The temperature ranges modestly with the average high hovering between 27.9°C (82.2°F) in June to 28.1°C (82.6°F) in August and the lows averaging from 22°C (71.6°F) to 21.5°C (70.7°F).

Autumn weather in Dar es Salaam

Autumn months, September to November, experience modest levels of rainfall with gradually increasing averages from 21mm (0.83") in September to 62mm (2.44") in November. Daytime temperatures mildly rise, with the highs ranging from 28.5°C (83.3°F) in September to 30.3°C (86.5°F) in November and lows from 21.9°C (71.4°F) to 23.6°C (74.5°F). Sea temperature and daylight hours also moderately increase across these months.

Winter weather in Dar es Salaam

Winter, from December to February, ushers in slight increases in rainfall from 62mm (2.44") in December to 51mm (2.01") in February. The high temperatures remain stable throughout these months, hovering around 30°C (86°F). Meanwhile, the nighttime temperatures rise slightly from 23.6°C (74.5°F) in December to 25.3°C (77.5°F) by February. Despite the modest amount of rainfall, the winter months remain warm and humid with sea temperatures averaging between 27.9°C (82.2°F) to 28.5°C (83.3°F).

Weather in January

The start of the year sees temperatures in Dar es Salaam reaching 30.5°C (86.9°F) on the higher end, with humidity hovering around 78%. The coastal city experiences quite a breezy weather with wind speeds averaging 14.2km/h (8.8mph). Weather in January »

Weather in February

With the pleasant warmth continuing, February in Dar es Salaam brings minimal fluctuation in the weather conditions. The rainfall increases marginally to 51mm (2.01") as compared to January. Winds slow down slightly, providing a gentle coastal breeze that balances the rising temperatures, making outdoor explorations enjoyable. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March marks a significant change in the weather patterns of Dar es Salaam, which is reflected by a substantial increase in rainfall to 92mm (3.62"). The city is in the grip of a rather pronounced wet season, resulting in more rainy days. Weather in March »

Weather in April

In April, Dar es Salaam witnesses the highest rainfall of the year - 154mm (6.06"), marking a peak in the wet season. Meanwhile, temperatures begin to taper off, bringing a slight respite from the heat. As the city grapples with frequent showers, it transforms into a vivid display of thriving greenery. Weather in April »

Weather in May

As the calendar turns to May, the city starts to emerge from the wet season with a noticeable reduction in rainfall. A noticeable shift in weather patterns begins to occur. Sea temperatures start to decline, bringing relief to the persistent heat experienced in the earlier months. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June in Dar es Salaam represents a transition phase in weather, with temperatures ranging from 27.9°C (82.2°F) to 22°C (71.6°F) and humidity falling to 77%. This is coupled with a significant reduction in rainfall, marking only 22mm (0.87"). Weather in June »

Weather in July

July brings a further decline in temperatures, humidity, and rainfall, creating comfortable weather conditions. A consistent coastal breeze accompanies the dropping temperatures, adding to the pleasantness. Meanwhile, the city offers nearly 11.8 hours of daylight, illuminating the beauty of Dar es Salaam. Weather in July »

Weather in August

The splendid weather continues in August, providing ideal conditions for indulging in outdoor activities. The disposition of the sun generously gifts the city with approximately 11.9 hours of daylight, and 8.7 hours of visible sunshine. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September in Dar es Salaam holds onto the trend of comfortable weather, presenting an agreeable blend of sunshine and cooler temperatures. The measure of rainfall remains low at 21mm (0.83"), adding to the beauty of the city without causing disruptions. Weather in September »

Weather in October

The weather in October sees a slight increase in both temperatures and rainfall to 29.5°C (85.1°F) and 61mm (2.4"), respectively. The resumption of increased rainfall does not impact the city's busy tempo, as a large amount of daylight continues to prevail. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November brings higher temperatures back to Dar es Salaam, peaking at 30.3°C (86.5°F). Conversely, the sea experiences a temperature of 27.9°C (82.2°F), allowing for enjoyable swimming conditions. Despite increasing heat, the city delights with about 10.5 hours of sunshine, adding a radiant touch to the scenic landscapes. Weather in November »

Weather in December

In December, Dar es Salaam marks the year-end with temperatures reaching up to 30.8°C (87.4°F), making it one of the hottest months of the year. Yet a generous amount of daylight, lasting approximately 12.5 hours, is complemented by a cooling sea temperature of 28.6°C (83.5°F). Weather in December »

Frequently asked questions

How much does it rain?

In Dar es Salaam, during the entire year, the rain falls for 255.3 days and collects up to 734mm (28.9") of precipitation.

What are the months with the highest UV index?

January through March and December, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index.

What is the warmest month?

The months of February and March see the peak of Dar es Salaam's temperatures, averaging a high of 30.9°C (87.6°F).

What months are the sea warmest?

March and April, with an average sea temperature of 29.2°C (84.6°F), are months with the warmest seawater.

What is the most humid month?

With an average relative humidity of 81%, April is the most humid month.

What is the wettest month?

The month with the most rainfall is April, when the rain falls for 26.4 days and typically aggregates up to 154mm (6.06") of precipitation.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

With an average of 8h of sunshine, April has the least sunshine of the year in Dar es Salaam.

What are the months with the lowest UV index?

April through November, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the lowest UV index.

What is the month with the shortest days?

With an average of 11h and 42min of daylight, June has the shortest days of the year.

What part of the year is the coldest in Dar es Salaam?

The coldest time of the year is July, with temperatures averaging a high of 27.6°C (81.7°F) and a low of 21.3°C (70.3°F).

What are the least humid months?

July through September, with an average relative humidity of 75%, are the least humid months.

When is the sea coldest?

With an average sea temperature of 25.7°C (78.3°F), August is the month with the coldest seawater.

What is the driest month?

The month with the least rainfall is September, when the rain falls for 18.4 days and typically collects 21mm (0.83") of precipitation.

What month has the most sunshine?

November has the most sunshine of the year, with an average of 10.5h of sunshine.

When are the longest days?

The month with the longest days is December, with an average of 12h and 30min of daylight.

Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

Dar es Salaam does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). EAT timezone is used throughout the entire year.

Average temperature
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Average temperature - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The warmest months (with the highest average high temperature) are February and March (30.9°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is July (27.6°C).

The months with the highest average low temperature are January and February (25.3°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is July (21.3°C).

Average pressure
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Average pressure - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is July (1016.9mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is February (1010mbar).

Average wind speed
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Average wind speed - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is July (15.6km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is March (9.5km/h).

Average humidity
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Average humidity - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The month with the highest relative humidity is April (81%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are July, August and September (75%).

Average rainfall
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Average rainfall - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is April (154mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (21mm).

Average rainfall days
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Average rainfall days - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The month with the highest number of rainy days is April (26.4 days).
The month with the least rainy days is June (17.5 days).

Average sea temperature
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Average sea temperature - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The best months for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) are March and April (29.2°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is August (25.7°C).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The month with the longest days is December (Average daylight: 12h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is June (Average daylight: 11h and 42min).

The month with the most sunshine is November (Average sunshine: 10h and 30min).
The month with the least sunshine is April (Average sunshine: 8h and 0min).

Average sunshine days
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Average sunshine days - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The month with the most sunshine days is June (7.8 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is April (2.6 days).

Average UV index
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Average UV index - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The months with the highest UV index are January, February, March and December (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (UV index 6).

Average visibility
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Average visibility - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (10km).

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

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