When to Travel

Best Time to Visit Tanzania

Tanzania is a year-round destination – but different months suit different experiences, from the Great Migration to tropical beach escapes.

Year-round sunshine Seasonal wildlife highlights

PLAN BY SEASON

Choosing the Perfect Month for Your Safari & Beach Holiday

Tanzania enjoys a warm, tropical climate with distinct dry and green seasons. Wildlife viewing, crowds and prices change across the year, while the coast and islands remain beautifully warm. Below is a simple guide to help match your travel dates with the experiences you're dreaming of.

No "bad time" to visit: Every month has its own magic – from dramatic dry-season game viewing to lush, quiet green months and ideal conditions for underwater adventures.

Peak wildlife viewing Shoulder season Green/quiet season

Jan – Mar

Calving Season & Calm Seas

In the southern Serengeti, thousands of wildebeest give birth, attracting predators and dramatic sightings. The landscape is green and photogenic, with fewer crowds than peak season.

Excellent for wildlife photography.
Warm, often clear conditions on the coast.
Short showers possible, but usually brief.

Apr – May

Green & Quiet Season

This is typically the long-rains period in many areas. Parks are lush, guest numbers are low and some camps close. Great for travellers who prioritise value and don't mind occasional heavy showers.

Beautiful green landscapes and dramatic skies.
Fewer vehicles and more privacy.
Some roads and camps may be inaccessible.

Jun – Oct

Classic Dry Season Safaris

Cool mornings, dry days and excellent visibility make this the favourite time for classic safaris. Wildlife concentrates around water sources and the Great Migration moves through the northern Serengeti.

Prime game viewing across most parks.
Ideal for first-time visitors.
High demand – we recommend early booking.

Nov – Dec

Short Rains & Festive Holidays

Short afternoon showers bring a fresh green flush without disrupting safaris. Migratory birds arrive, scenery becomes vibrant and the festive season is popular on the islands.

Great balance of value and wildlife.
Lovely time for beach & diving.
Holiday period can book out early.

IN THE BUSH

Best Time for Safaris

For classic game viewing in parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Ruaha, the June–October dry season is hard to beat: vegetation is lower, water is scarce and wildlife congregates at rivers and waterholes.

Great Migration: Typically in different parts of the Serengeti throughout the year – your itinerary will follow the herds according to your dates.
Birding: Excellent from November to April when migratory species arrive.
Green season: Lush landscapes, baby animals and fewer visitors from January to March and in some green months.

BY THE OCEAN

Best Time for Zanzibar & the Coast

The Tanzanian coast and islands such as Zanzibar, Mafia and Pemba enjoy warm tropical weather most of the year. Short showers are common at times but rarely spoil a beach holiday.

Jan–Mar: Warm, often sunny – excellent for beach time and many water activities.
Jun–Oct: Pleasant temperatures and lower humidity, ideal after safari.
Nov–Dec: Great for festive trips; occasional short showers keep landscapes green.

Tell us your ideal travel month and we'll suggest parks, islands and routes that shine at that time of year – with honest advice on weather, wildlife and crowds.

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