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 »