The climate of Tanzania
Located in East Africa,
Tanzania stretches from the eastern coastline to the interior highlands. The country exhibits a diversity of landscapes, including the coastal areas, the mountainous regions of Kilimanjaro, and the vast inland plateau. This variety contributes to the mixed climate experienced throughout the country. The "Aw" or Tropical Savanna climate, predominantly features in the northern and coastal areas. These regions experience a distinct wet and dry season, with temperatures consistently above 64.4°F (18°C) throughout the year. The dry season, occurring in the low sun months, experiences precipitation less than 2.36" (60mm), while the high sun months bring substantial rain. In contrast, the "BSh" or Hot Semi-Arid climate dominates the central and southern regions of Tanzania. Characterized by low rainfall and high evaporation rates, these regions witness a minimum average temperature of 64.4°F (18°C), with sparse vegetation due to inadequate rainfall.
The Best Time to Visit Tanzania
For ideal weather conditions, the best time to visit
Tanzania is during the dry season, which extends from
June to
October. This period sees lower rainfall, making wildlife spotting easier in national parks as animals congregate around water sources. Additionally, this period offers a cool climate with average temperatures ranging from 68°F (20°C) to 86°F (30°C), ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and safaris. Moreover, the visibility of Mount Kilimanjaro is often best between
August and October, providing excellent opportunities for climbing and photography.
The Worst Time to Visit Tanzania
The rainy season in
Tanzania, particularly the long rains from
March to
May, can be challenging for travel. The rainfall, which can exceed 7.87" (200mm) per month in some regions, may disrupt outdoor activities and wildlife safaris due to muddy conditions and limited accessibility. Additionally, coastal areas can be extremely humid, with temperatures climbing up to 86°F (30°C). The short rains occurring in
November and
December are less intense, but they may still interfere with travel plans due to unpredictable showers.
Spring Weather in Tanzania
As
Tanzania lies close to the equator, it does not experience spring in the typical sense. However, for the purpose of this article,
March to
May can be considered a 'spring' period. This season corresponds to the long rainy season in Tanzania. Rainfall is heavy, especially in
April, often exceeding 7.87" (200mm) per month. The high rainfall leads to high humidity, particularly in the coastal regions, with temperatures generally ranging from 77°F (25°C) to 86°F (30°C).
Summer Weather in Tanzania
The months of
June to
August can be regarded as 'summer' in
Tanzania, characterized by the dry season. This period experiences less rainfall, usually below 2.36" (60mm) per month, creating ideal conditions for wildlife spotting and outdoor activities. The temperatures in this season are comfortable, typically between 68°F (20°C) to 86°F (30°C), with cooler temperatures experienced in the highland areas and hotter ones along the coast.
Autumn Weather in Tanzania
From
September to
November, considered as 'autumn',
Tanzania experiences a relatively dry season, with short rains typically starting in late
October or November. During these months, the temperature ranges from 68°F (20°C) to 86°F (30°C). The beginning of this period continues to provide good conditions for wildlife viewing and outdoor exploration. However, the arrival of the short rains may bring occasional disruptions.
Winter Weather in Tanzania
The period from
December to
February, loosely termed 'winter', coincides with the short dry season in
Tanzania. This time sees minimal rainfall, usually less than 2.36" (60mm) per month, and temperatures range from 77°F (25°C) to 86°F (30°C). The coastal areas can be hot and humid, but the northern and southern highlands offer a cooler climate. This season offers good conditions for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities, making it a popular time for tourists.
Weather in January
January in
Tanzania falls within the short dry season, characterized by relatively lower rainfall and milder temperatures compared to the peak rainy months. Rainfall typically remains below 2.36" (60mm) throughout the month, providing ample opportunities for outdoor exploration and wildlife viewing. The temperature in January is moderately high, particularly along the coastal areas and on the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February in
Tanzania continues the pattern of the short dry season, presenting tourists and locals with favourable weather conditions for outdoor activities. Rainfall during February usually remains relatively low, generally under 2.36" (60mm), further promoting suitable conditions for wildlife safaris and exploration. Temperature patterns in February are akin to those in
January.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March ushers in the long rainy season in
Tanzania, commonly known as the 'Masika'. Rainfall in March noticeably increases, usually exceeding 3.94" (100mm) and can go beyond 7.87" (200mm) in certain regions, especially towards the end of the month.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the peak of the 'Masika', the long rainy season in
Tanzania. This period experiences the highest rainfall of the year, often exceeding 9.84" (250mm) in many regions. The increase in rainfall makes the weather less predictable and may affect travel plans and outdoor activities due to muddy conditions and reduced accessibility in certain areas. Despite the heavy rainfall, temperatures in April remain relatively high.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May is the final month of the 'Masika', the long rainy season in
Tanzania. While the amount of rainfall begins to lessen compared to
April, it can still be significant, usually exceeding 5.91" (150mm). The conditions start to improve as the month progresses, making outdoor activities more accessible towards the end of the month. Temperatures during May remain reasonably high but start to cool down slightly compared to the previous months.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June heralds the onset of the long dry season in
Tanzania, signifying a marked decrease in rainfall, often falling below 1.97" (50mm). This drop in precipitation leads to more predictable weather, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities, including wildlife safaris and mountain climbing. As the dry season begins, temperatures start to decrease slightly.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues the long dry season in
Tanzania, characterized by low rainfall, typically falling under 1.57" (40mm), and cooler temperatures. The dry, sunny days make July an ideal month for a wide range of outdoor activities, including wildlife safaris, mountain hiking, and beach holidays. Coastal areas and the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia experience temperatures ranging from 75.2°F (24°C) to 84.2°F (29°C), slightly cooler than in
June.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Tanzania marks the continuation of the long dry season, characterized by sparse rainfall, typically below 1.18" (30mm). The weather is relatively stable and predictable, with dry and sunny days dominating, offering excellent conditions for outdoor activities and exploration. In coastal regions and islands, including Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia, temperatures remain fairly consistent with
July, generally ranging from 75.2°F (24°C) to 84.2°F (29°C).
Weather in August » Weather in September
September is the tail end of the long dry season in
Tanzania, with rainfall remaining low, generally below 1.57" (40mm). The weather remains predictable with plenty of sunny days, providing excellent conditions for various outdoor activities. In coastal regions and islands such as Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia, temperatures slightly increase, typically ranging from 77°F (25°C) to 86°F (30°C).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October signals the transition from the dry to the short rainy season in
Tanzania, referred to locally as the 'Vuli'. Towards the end of the month, rainfall begins to increase, typically ranging from 1.57" (40mm) to 3.94" (100mm) depending on the region.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Tanzania is characterized by the 'Vuli', the short rainy season. Rainfall during this month can be unpredictable, typically ranging between 3.15" (80mm) and 5.91" (150mm). Despite these rains, many days remain dry and suitable for outdoor activities, with the showers usually occurring in the afternoon or evening. In coastal areas and islands such as Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia, temperatures generally range from 78.8°F (26°C) to 89.6°F (32°C), marking the onset of the hot season.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Tanzania is a transitional month, shifting from the 'Vuli', the short rainy season, to the dry season. Early December often experiences some rainfall, typically between 2.36" (60mm) and 4.72" (120mm), before the weather clears up towards the end of the month.
Weather in December » [Resources]