When is the best time to visit Tanzania?
When planning your holiday, one of the most common questions is ‘When is the best time to visit Tanzania’?
Often the kind of holiday experience you are looking for that will help you decide the best time to visit. Whether you want to explore the wilderness, search for wildlife or relax on the beach.
Tanzania has two rainy seasons, the first starts in March and ends in May. The rainy season is shorter in November and December when the rains tend to be overnight only.
January, February, June, and October are the ideal time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
The dry season, from June to October, is the best time to go on a safari in Tanzania. The dry season creates sparse vegetation making it easier for wildlife viewing.
This is also a good time to visit the coastline when it’s cooler and to avoid the rains. The hotter summer months of December and January are also ideal for beach lovers. The fresh ocean breeze lowers temperatures.
Best time for Safari in Tanzania
The best time to visit Tanzania for a safari is from July to October (peak season). June is also a good month when the bush is still lush from the rains, although it makes it harder to see the game.
June is the best month for birding with many migratory birds from different parts of the world. Especially for the southern highland parks including Mikumi and Ruaha National park.
July to October
Is the dry season with cooler temperatures, a great time to see wild and migratory animals. Less dense vegetation gives a good chance for game viewing.
The wild animals gather around rivers and water holes to drink. During these cooler, drier months you also won’t find mosquitoes.
August and September are the winter months when nights and early mornings can be cold. But the days are still beautiful and warm.
July to September is a good time to see the great migration in northern Tanzania. Animals start to cross the rivers from Tanzania into Kenya.
In November the herds start to move southwards back into the Serengeti from Kenya. January is the calving season in the southeast of the Serengeti.
When To Visit Tanzania Coastline
The best time to explore the breathtaking coastline of Tanzania is during the dry season. June to October, when the temperatures are pleasant and there’s no chance of rain. Is a great time to experience the crystal clear azure water and white sand beaches.
Mid-December to mid-January is also a popular time to visit the coast. But as it’s the festive season it can get very busy and prices are high, plan well in advance.
The rainy months of April and May are not suitable for visiting the coastline. Not the time to take part in watersports as rains make it very dangerous.
The storms disturb underwater visibility and can disappoint scuba divers. To enjoy the coast at its best, aim for the dry months.
The Long Rainy Season
The long rains start in March and end in May and bring the dry bush back to life with lush greenery.
This is the low season and game parks are less crowded. Hotels and lodges may close or you can often get discounted rates at those that are open. This time is the best season for bird watchers with a chance to observe many rare species of birds.
Avoid wildlife safaris during this season. The routes tend to get slippery and are difficult to navigate. Also during the rains, malarial mosquitoes become very common.
So if you’re you have a plan for a trip during the green season. Make sure you get the right advice about anti-malarial medications.
Green Season
November to March is the green (or shoulder) season and is not the best time to visit Tanzania. Though is a great time to explore parks with few visitors.
During this time the migrating herds head back to Tanzania for calving in Serengeti.
The festive period from mid-December to mid-January is busy and pricey. So you need to book in advance if you want to travel then.
We invite you to explore tours and safari packages in Tanzania. And let us help you to plan a trip to Tanzania for an unforgettable experience with us.
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