The best time to visit Tanzania depends on what you want to do, but overall:
Best Overall Time: June to October
- Dry season with pleasant temperatures
- Best wildlife viewing (animals gather around water)
- Great for safaris in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire
- Peak season → higher prices, more visitors
Wildlife Highlights
- June–July: Excellent game viewing; start of the Great Migration river crossings
- August–September: Peak Great Migration (dramatic Mara River crossings)
- October: Still dry, fewer crowds than peak months
Green Season (Rainy): November to May
- Pros: Lush landscapes, fewer tourists, lower prices
- Cons: Some roads muddy; wildlife more spread out
- November–December (short rains):
- Good for photography
- Still decent safaris
- January–February (best calving season):
- Amazing for predator action
- Excellent weather between rains
- Great time for Serengeti
- March–May (long rains):
- Least recommended
- Some lodges close
- Very green and quiet if you don’t mind rain
Zanzibar Beach Time
- Best: June–October & January–February
- Avoid: April–May (heavy rains)
- Quick Recommendation
- Safari + Zanzibar combo: July–October or January–February
- Budget-friendly & scenic: November or March
- If you want, tell me what you’re most interested in (safari, Great Migration, beaches, Kilimanjaro climb, budget travel), and I’ll suggest the perfect month for you.
Best time to visit Tanzania and all best activities to do
- Here’s a clear, complete guide to the best time to visit Tanzania and the top activities, matched by season so you can plan the perfect trip.
BEST TIME TO VISIT TANZANIA
June to October – Best Overall
- Dry season, sunny days
- Best wildlife viewing
- Ideal for safaris, beaches, and trekking
- Peak tourist season
January to February – Excellent Alternative
- Short dry window
- Calving season in Serengeti
- Fewer crowds than peak months
March to May – Long Rains
- Lush landscapes
- Lowest prices
- Some parks and lodges close
TOP ACTIVITIES & BEST TIME TO DO THEM
Safari (Wildlife Viewing)
- Best time: June–October & January–February
Top Parks:
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Tarangire National Park
- Lake Manyara
Why: Animals gather around water in dry season; easier to spot predators.
- Great Migration (Serengeti)
- Experience Best Time Calving season Jan–Feb
Herd movement
- May–June
- River crossings July–September
- Over 2 million wildebeest & zebra on the move.
Zanzibar Beaches & Island Hopping
- Best time: June–October & January–February Activities:
- Snorkeling & scuba diving
- Sunset dhow cruises
- Stone Town cultural tours
- Relaxing beach stays (Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje)
- Avoid April–May (heavy rain)
Mount Kilimanjaro Climb
- Mount Kilimanjaro Climb
- Best time:
- January–March (warm, quieter)
- June–October (dry, popular)
- Africa’s highest peak (5,895 m)
Cultural Experiences
- Best time: Year-round (best in dry season)
- Activities:
- Visit Maasai villages
- Hadzabe & Datoga tribes (Lake Eyasi)
- Local markets & Swahili cuisine
- Cultural tours in Arusha & Zanzibar
Bird Watching
- Best time: November–April
- Migratory birds arrive from Europe & Asia
- Best spots: Lake Manyara, Selous (Nyerere NP), Ruaha
Diving & Snorkeling
- Best time: October–March
- Clear waters, whale sharks (Nov–Feb)
- Zanzibar, Mafia Island (best for whale sharks)
Photography
- Best time:
- Wildlife action: July–September
- Green landscapes: March & November
- Calving & predators: January–February
MONTH-BY-MONTH QUICK GUIDE
Month Best For
- Jan–Feb /Calving, Kilimanjaro, beaches
- Mar–May / Budget travel, lush scenery
- Jun–Jul Safaris, trekking
- Aug–Sep / Migration river crossings
- Oct / Fewer crowds, safaris
- Nov–Dec / Birding, photography
BEST ITINERARY COMBOS
- Safari + Zanzibar: July–October or Jan–Feb
- Safari + Kilimanjaro: June–October
- Luxury Honeymoon: August–September
- Budget Adventure: March or November
