The Best Time to Visit Tanzania: A Month-by-Month Guide

Safaris of world-class quality, gorgeous scenery, and stunning beaches in Zanzibar are just some of the things that make Tanzania one of the most popular vacation destinations in Africa. But what is the most favorable time of year to go? The answer is contingent upon the activities that you are interested in participating in, such as witnessing the Great Migration in the Serengeti, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, or simply unwinding on the beaches of Zanzibar.

In order to assist you in planning the trip of your dreams, this book provides a breakdown of the ideal times to visit Tanzania based on the seasons, the migrations of wildlife, and the activities available.

Best Time for Safaris in Tanzania

Safaris in Tanzania’s national parks, including as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, are among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The optimum time to go game viewing is contingent on the movements of the wildlife, the weather, and the conditions of the park.

June to October, which is the dry season, is the best time for safaris.
June to July (for crossings of the Grumeti River) and August to October (for crossings of the Mara River) are the best times to encounter the Great Migration.
Best time for the Calving Season is between the months of January and March (Southern Serengeti).

If you are looking for a way to reduce the number of tourists and obtain better rates on lodges, it is recommended that you visit during the shoulder months, which are March and November, when wildlife watching is still exceptionally good.

Best Time to See the Great Migration in Tanzania

The Great Migration is one of the world’s most breathtaking wildlife spectacles, with over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles moving across the Serengeti in search of fresh grazing.

Great Migration Calendar:

One of the finest times to see predators is during the wildebeest calving season in Ndutu (Southern Serengeti), which occurs between January and March.
Herds move northward across the Serengeti between the months of April and May, which is a more peaceful time of year with less tourists.
Grumeti River crossings, which are exhilarating encounters with crocodiles, are available from June to July.
The most spectacular spectacles occur between the months of August through October, when the Mara River is crossed into Kenya’s Masai Mara.
Between the months of November and December, herds go back to the Serengeti in search of fresh grass.

The insider tip is that if you want to see river crossings, you should schedule your vacation between the months of June and October and stay in the northern Serengeti.

Best Time to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

It is possible to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the highest peak in Africa, at any time of the year; however, the greatest times to do so are during the dry seasons.

January through March and June through October are the best months for climbing.
It is advisable to avoid the months of April through May and November due to the presence of severe rains and treacherous terrain.

The best months for climbing are:

December through March: Trails are colder but calmer, and there is snow on the peak.
This time of year has the best weather, but it is also the busiest.

Best Time to Visit Zanzibar

Following their safari, many tourists make their way to Zanzibar in search of a beach vacation in the tropics. It is possible to enjoy pleasant weather in Zanzibar throughout the entire year; however, the dry season is the ideal time to visit for ideal beach conditions.

The best time to visit Zanzibar is between the months of June and October, as well as between December and February. The greatest time to dive and snorkel is between March and October, as visibility is at its highest during these months.
When it comes to strong rainfall, you should avoid the months of April and May.

Best Time for Budget Travelers

The off-season or shoulder season is the greatest time to visit if you want to save money on safaris, hotels, and flights. This is the finest time to visit.

February, April, May, and November are the months that are the most cost-effective.
Why is it that? There are fewer people, the prices of lodges and trips are lower, and the sceneries are lush and green.

Month-by-Month Breakdown of Tanzania’s Seasons

When Should You Visit Tanzania?

In order to have the most enjoyable safari experience, it is recommended to visit during the dry season, which spans from June to October.
In order to witness the Great Migration, it is recommended to visit the river crossings during the months of June to October or during the calving season, which occurs between January and March.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is best done during the months of January and March or between June and October.
When it comes to Zanzibar beaches, you can take pleasure in sunny days between the months of June and October, as well as between December and February.
You can receive discounts on travel throughout the months of March, May, and November.

Because Tanzania provides experiences that are remarkable throughout the year, the best time to visit depends on the particular travel goals that you have.

📅 Ready to Plan Your Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Holiday?

We are able to customize our Tanzania safari packages and Zanzibar beach vacations to meet your specific preferences and financial constraints. Contact your Tanzania Zanzibar Safari Specialist to book your safari to Africa.