Choosing the best time to visit Tanzania depends largely on your goals—whether you want to witness the Great Migration, summit Kilimanjaro, or enjoy the beaches of Zanzibar.Based on the advice from our Travel Designers, here is a detailed breakdown of the best times to visit.
- June to October (Dry Season)
- June to September (Northern Serengeti)
- January to February (Southern Serengeti)
- November to April (Wet Season)
- June to October (Cool, dry, and clear skies)
- April and May (Peak of the "Long Rains")
This is widely considered the across all of Tanzania's circuits (Northern, Southern, and Western).
- As water holes dry up, animals congregate in huge numbers around permanent water sources (rivers and lakes), making them incredibly easy to spot. The vegetation is thin, so predators like lions and leopards cannot hide as easily.
- This is the time to see the iconic (August/September) in the Northern Serengeti.
- Clear blue skies, plenty of sunshine, and very few mosquitoes.
- This is the high season; popular parks like the Ngorongoro Crater and Seronera (Central Serengeti) can become crowded with vehicles. Prices for lodges are at their highest.
A brief dry spell between the "short" and "long" rains offers a unique window for travelers.
- This is the peak of the in the Southern Serengeti (Ndutu area). Thousands of calves are born daily, which in turn attracts high densities of predators (lions, cheetahs, and hyenas), leading to intense hunting action.
- Warm and mostly dry, though the landscape remains beautifully green from the November rains.
- It can be quite hot, and the Southern Serengeti can become busy with photographers chasing the calving action.
Tanzania experiences "short rains" in November and December, followed by a transition into the lush green months of early year.
- This is the , as migratory species arrive from Europe and North Africa. The scenery is stunning—vibrant emerald greens and dramatic afternoon thunderstorms make for excellent photography.
- Many lodges offer "Green Season" rates, which are significantly lower than peak season.
- The bush is thicker, which can make spotting smaller animals or elusive cats more challenging.
This period sees the heaviest rainfall in Tanzania.
- If you want the parks entirely to yourself and the absolute lowest prices of the year, this is the time.
- Many lodges in the Southern and Western circuits (Ruaha, Selous, Katavi) close during these months because roads become impassable. In the North, some tracks may be muddy, and you should expect daily rain.
River crossings in the North (June-Sept); Calving in the South (Jan-Feb).
Wildlife is permanent; dry months (June-Oct) offer the easiest spotting.
Massive elephant herds congregate at the Tarangire River when the rest of the park is dry.
Ruaha and Nyerere are best in the heart of the dry season when game is concentrated.
Best for diving and clear weather. Avoid April/May due to heavy rains.
The clearest and safest windows for summiting the mountain.
For a , aim for . You are guaranteed incredible wildlife sightings and perfect weather. However, if you are a , the calving season offers a more dramatic and colorful perspective of the Tanzanian wilderness.