Best time to visit Tanzania
A month-by-month guide to weather, wildlife viewing, crowds, and prices—so you can time your trip with confidence.
Quick recommendation
- Best all-round months: June–October for safaris; January–February for calving + warm conditions.
- Best for safari: June–October overall; July–September for river-crossing season (demand is high).
- Best value: November and early December (before holidays) for fewer crowds and solid travel conditions.
- Months to be flexible: April–May for sustained rains and occasional camp closures.
Month-by-month breakdown
Use this table to match your priorities (wildlife vs weather vs price). Conditions vary by region and altitude.
| Month | Weather | Wildlife highlights | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Warm, mostly dry | High | Calving season in southern Serengeti | High |
| Feb | Warm, mostly dry | High | Calving season in southern Serengeti | High |
| Mar | Long rains (wettest Apr) | Low | Lush landscapes; some camps close | Low–Medium |
| Apr | Long rains (wettest Apr) | Low | Lush landscapes; some camps close | Low–Medium |
| May | Long rains (wettest Apr) | Low | Lush landscapes; some camps close | Low–Medium |
| Jun | Dry season | High | Peak Serengeti/Ngorongoro; migration river crossings (Jul–Sep) | High |
| Jul | Dry season | High | Peak Serengeti/Ngorongoro; migration river crossings (Jul–Sep) | High |
| Aug | Dry season | High | Peak Serengeti/Ngorongoro; migration river crossings (Jul–Sep) | High |
| Sep | Dry season | High | Peak Serengeti/Ngorongoro; migration river crossings (Jul–Sep) | High |
| Oct | Dry season | High | Peak Serengeti/Ngorongoro; migration river crossings (Jul–Sep) | High |
| Nov | Short rains | Low–Medium | Good value; fewer visitors | Medium |
| Dec | Warm, mostly dry | High | Beach season in Zanzibar; good safaris | High |
Weather overview
Tanzania has a long rainy season (Mar–May) and a shorter rainy season (often Nov). The dry season (Jun–Oct) is the classic safari window. Coastal humidity is higher; highland areas are cooler at night.
Wildlife notes
Serengeti wildlife is present all year, but the migration’s position changes monthly. Choose your month based on what you want to see: calving (Jan–Feb), predator action, or river crossings (mid-year).
- Serengeti — Migration timing shifts; river crossings often Jul–Sep; calving in Jan–Feb.
- Ngorongoro Crater — Excellent year-round; clearest visibility in dry months.
- Zanzibar — Beach conditions are best in Dec–Mar and Jun–Oct.
Crowds and price levels
The dry season is peak—expect higher lodge rates and earlier sell-outs for top camps. If budget is a constraint, build a shoulder-season plan with flexible routing.
- High season: expect fuller lodges, earlier bookings, and higher nightly rates.
- Shoulder season: a strong balance of conditions and value.
- Low season: lowest rates, but plan for rain and occasional access issues.
Planning checklist
- Pick a travel window based on your main goal (migration, beaches, hiking, cities).
- Confirm park access and road conditions for your route.
- Book key pieces early (popular camps, internal flights) for peak months.
- Build a rain plan (buffer days, flexible activities) for wet months.
Related guides
Sources & references
We link to primary sources where possible (tourism boards, park authorities, and health agencies).