When is the best time to visit Tanzania? It’s a good question – and like most good questions a tricky one to answer, mainly because different areas in Tanzania have different attractions at different times of the year. There really is no right or wrong time to visit this well-loved country but as a rule of thumb, the dry season (from late June to October) is the most popular time for a Tanzania safari with all the trimmings.

During this dry season, animals congregate near water sources putting predators and prey in close proximity and making for some exciting game viewing. As a by-product of the water shortages the vegetation thins, thus improving visibility of animals. One important thing to bear in mind, however, is the crowding that can occur in certain reserves during these favorable periods. Should you wish to avoid other tourists, consider visiting Tanzania during the green season, usually from March to May, or even the short dry season from the end of December to February.

When is the best time to visit Tanzania?

If you’re planning a holiday to Tanzania you might be wondering when is best to go. Tanzania’s natural landscape is so spectacular that it has become one of Africa’s top tourist destinations. Its main attraction is the varied wildlife that can be seen in the country’s miles of grassland. Tanzania also offers the amazing sights of Kilimanjaro, Lake Victoria and some truly idyllic beaches. It also boasts a variety of World Heritage Sights. If you are considering travelling to this remarkable country, it is important you know when is best to travel to Tanzania.

When to travel to Tanzania?

Instead of focusing on when exactly to travel to Tanzania, it is always a good idea to think about where to visit according to the season in which you’re planning your trip. The inland climate is temperate, while the coastal regions are very hot and humid. The best period in which to visit Tanzania is generally the dry season, which is between May and October. It is best to avoid the rainy season, which runs from March to May. There is another season known as the ‘short rains’ from November until mid-December. This is a very interesting time to visit the country, as the colours of the landscape are breathtaking and there are less tourists. However, everything depends on what activities you want to include in your holiday. For a safari, the dry season is best, although you will only be able to see the wildebeest and zebras of the Serengeti during the rainy seasons. The hottest months in Tanzania are January and February. Take this into account if you’re not accustomed to high temperatures.

Tanzania is an all-year destination. However, from June to October (the dry season) is usually the best time to visit. This is because the foliage is less thick and it is easier to spot wildlife. The Great Wildebeest Migration is in Tanzania (Serengeti) for 8 months of the year, and usually, the best time to see it is in June – July. If you wish to see the calving season, January to early March is the best time to visit (Ndutu area).

• The Northern parks of Tanzania (the Northern Circuit) can be visited almost any time of the year. This includes Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, and Arusha National Park. Tarangire National Park is best visited in the dry season (June to October), because sightings become difficult in the wet season.
• The Southern Circuit (Ruaha and Selous) and the Western Circuit (Mahale, Katavi, Gombe) are better visited during the dry season.
• Zanzibar is best during the drier months of August to October, and is best avoided during the long rains of March to May.