Best Time to Visit

Tanzania is a year-round destination where each season offers its own particular magic. During the dry season from June to October, the northern Serengeti becomes the stage for one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles: the river-crossing phase of the Great Migration.. Millions of wildebeest and zebras thunder across the savannah, creating unforgettable wildlife drama at river crossings. For many, this is the quintessential safari season, with clear skies, warm days, and exceptional game viewing.

The green season from November to March paints the landscape in vivid hues, attracting birdwatchers and photographers. This is also calving season in the Southern Serengeti, when newborn wildlife take their first steps against lush backdrops. April and May bring quieter parks, dramatic skies, and excellent value for travelers who want a more intimate experience, though some lodges and camps close due to seasonal rains.

And for the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, pair your safari with a Zanzibar beach escape. To pick the best travel time based on your interests, consult with one of our Destination Specialists.

Planning Travel Around Tanzania’s Seasons

From April to May, Tanzania’s landscapes are lush and green, with vibrant birdlife and fewer visitors. This period offers excellent value, though some remote areas may be harder to access. By June, the rains subside and the dry season begins, marking the start of prime safari conditions across the northern circuit. These months are a quieter time to visit, with fewer crowds and excellent value, especially in areas like Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater.

July and August are peak safari months—prime time to witness the Great Migration and enjoy dry, crisp days in the Serengeti.

By September and October, the migration continues and the beaches of Zanzibar are warm and inviting, offering the perfect pairing of safari and sun.

November through March brings lighter crowds and lush landscapes. January and February are especially rewarding in the southern Serengeti, where calving season attracts predators and delivers exceptional wildlife action. January and February are also great months to summit Mount Kilimanjaro.

The Best Times to Visit Tanzania According to Your Interests

If you’re visiting for safari, the dry season from June to October is ideal. Wildlife is easier to spot around watering holes, and the Great Migration brings dramatic river crossings in the Serengeti.

For travelers drawn to culture and history, the shoulder seasons from April to June and September to November offer cooler temperatures and access to vibrant festivals and Maasai village visits with fewer crowds.

Zanzibar’s spice heritage can be experienced year-round, but September to November is a particularly aromatic time on the island when many spices are harvested.t. During this time, you can also explore bustling markets, join cooking classes, and experience Zanzibar’s cultural heartbeat without the peak-season crowds.

Regional Highlights to Plan Your Tanzania Trip Around

Each region of Tanzania offers its own seasonal rhythm. Arusha is a year-round gateway for both safaris and Kilimanjaro treks, with temperate weather and easy access to multiple parks.

Zanzibar shines between June and September, when the island's coastal breezes, beach weather, and cultural events make it a perfect retreat and again in January and February, when rainfall is low and beach weather is at its best.. In the Serengeti, game viewing is exceptional throughout the year, but the most iconic scenes (mass migrations, predator drama, and wide savannah vistas) are most vivid from June through October.

For more details on where to go and what to see, explore our curated list of Tanzanian destinations.

Let the Seasons Shape Your Tanzania Journey

In Tanzania, the best journeys follow the rhythms of the land. Dry season from June to October is perfect for a classic northern circuit safari—Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti—with reliable wildlife sightings and clear skies.

For trekking Mount Kilimanjaro, the most favourable conditions are generally January to March and June to October.. Beach lovers can unwind in Zanzibar from June through September, pairing their coastal escape with a cultural visit to Stone Town or a spice farm tour.

Meanwhile, shoulder seasons like early June or late October offer the best of both worlds: great weather and fewer crowds. For more planning advice on timing, packing, and cultural etiquette, check out our essential Tanzania travel tips for a seamless experience.

Our Africa Destination Specialists can help you choose the perfect time and itinerary to match your interests and budget. We look forward to hearing from you!

FAQs

What month is best to go to Tanzania?

June to October is ideal for safaris and wildlife viewing, while January to March is great for Kilimanjaro climbs and lush landscapes.

What is the hottest month in Tanzania?

February tends to be the hottest, especially along the coast and in the lowland parks.

What is the best time of year to do a safari in Tanzania?

The dry season (June to October) is best for safaris, with high wildlife visibility and comfortable travel conditions.

What is the best time to visit Serengeti?

Visit from June to Octoberto witness the Great Migration's river crossings and watch enormous herds of wildebeest on the move, or in January and February to witness the calving season in the southern Serengeti.

Which season is best for Tanzania?

Each has its charm, but the dry season (June to October) is the most popular for first-time visitors.

What time of year is the great migration in Tanzania?

The Great Migration is a year-round cycle within Tanzania and Kenya. In Tanzania, key moments include calving season in the southern Serengeti (January–February) and river crossings in the north from June to October.