Planning a trip to East Africa and wondering when is the best time to visit Tanzania? This beautiful country offers diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking coastlines, making it a year-round destination. However, the experience you’ll get depends heavily on when you choose to travel. This month-by-month guide will help you decide the best time to visit Tanzania based on your safari goals, beach holidays, or cultural interests.
January – February: Calving Season in Serengeti
The beginning of the year is one of the best times to visit Tanzania for wildlife enthusiasts.
- Weather: Warm and dry with occasional showers.
- Highlights: The Serengeti’s southern plains come alive with thousands of wildebeest births during calving season. This attracts predators like lions and cheetahs, making for dramatic safari action.
- Best For: Wildlife photographers and safari lovers.
March: End of the Green Season
- Weather: Hot with increasing rainfall as the long rains approach.
- Highlights: Lush landscapes and fewer tourists. Game viewing can be good, but some roads may become muddy.
- Best For: Travelers seeking lower prices and fewer crowds.
April – May: Long Rains
- Weather: Heavy rainfall, especially in northern and western Tanzania.
- Highlights: Not the best time to visit Tanzania for safaris as parks can be difficult to access. However, the scenery is spectacular, prices drop significantly, and lodges offer discounts.
- Best For: Budget travelers and those who enjoy green landscapes.
June: Dry Season Begins
- Weather: Clear skies and cooler temperatures.
- Highlights: Wildlife becomes easier to spot as animals gather near water sources. The Great Migration starts moving north from the Serengeti’s western corridor.
- Best For: Safari lovers and nature enthusiasts.
July – August: Peak Safari Season
This is widely considered the best time to visit Tanzania for safaris.
- Weather: Dry, sunny, and cool.
- Highlights: The Great Migration reaches the northern Serengeti and Mara River. Witness thrilling river crossings with wildebeest and zebras. Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park also offer excellent game viewing.
- Best For: First-time safari travelers and those wanting iconic wildlife encounters.
September – October: Migration & Mild Weather
- Weather: Warm and dry, ideal for safaris.
- Highlights: The Great Migration continues in northern Serengeti. Tarangire is famous for large elephant herds. Zanzibar offers perfect beach weather.
- Best For: Combining safari and beach holidays.
November: Short Rains
- Weather: Short, scattered showers but still good for travel.
- Highlights: Parks remain open and less crowded. Landscapes turn greener, attracting migratory birds.
- Best For: Birdwatchers and travelers who prefer fewer tourists.
December: Festive Season
- Weather: Warm with occasional rain showers.
- Highlights: A lively time to travel, with Christmas and New Year celebrations. Great for combining safaris with Zanzibar beach escapes.
- Best For: Holidaymakers and family travelers.
So, When is the Best Time to Visit Tanzania?
The best time to visit Tanzania depends on your priorities:
- For Wildlife & Great Migration: June – October.
- For Calving Season: January – February.
- For Lower Prices: March, April, and May.
- For Beach Holidays in Zanzibar: June – October and December – February.
No matter when you go, Tanzania offers unforgettable experiences all year round.