The best time to visit Tanzania
The short answer: June to October for dry weather, January to March for calving, and April, May and November if you want quiet and value.
- Jancalving
- Febcalving
- Marcalving
- Aprrains
- Mayrains
- Jundry
- Juldry
- Augdry
- Sepdry
- Octdry
- Novrains
- Decbusy
- Dry season (June to October)
- Calving season (January to March)
- Green season (April, May, November)
- Christmas and New Year
Dry season
Clear skies and thin grass make animals easy to see. Mara River crossings (July to October) and Tarangire’s elephants are the highlights. It is also the busiest and priciest time.
Calving season
Calves are born on the southern Serengeti plains around Ndutu, and predators are close behind. Warm weather, green grass.
Green season
Rain brings lush scenery, newborn animals, good birding and lower prices. Expect afternoon showers and some muddy tracks.
Month by month
| Month | Weather | Wildlife | How busy |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Warm, short dry spell | Wildebeest calving begins on the southern Serengeti plains around Ndutu; predators follow the herds. | High |
| February | Hot and mostly dry | Peak calving season; very strong predator action on the southern plains. | High |
| March | Warm, rains starting | Calving tails off; lush green landscapes; herds start moving. | Medium |
| April | Long rains | Green and quiet; excellent birding; fewer vehicles. | Low |
| May | Long rains ending | Herds move north and west; low-season rates and empty roads. | Low |
| June | Dry and cooler | Migration in the Central and Western Serengeti; dry-season game viewing improves. | High |
| July | Dry and cool | Herds reach the northern Serengeti; Mara River crossings begin; Tarangire is excellent. | Peak |
| August | Dry | Mara River crossings; elephants gather in Tarangire. | Peak |
| September | Dry and warm | Crossings continue in the north; great predator viewing everywhere. | High |
| October | Dry, warming up | Herds start heading south again; good value late in the month. | High |
| November | Short rains | Herds return to the south; green season rates; fewer visitors. | Low |
| December | Hot, intermittent showers | Herds settle on the southern plains; busy over Christmas and New Year. | High |
Quick answers
What is the best month for a Tanzania safari?
June to October is the best all-round choice for dry weather and easy animal spotting. January and February are best for wildebeest calving on the southern Serengeti plains.
When is the rainy season?
The long rains run roughly from March or April to May, with shorter rains in November and December. Safaris still run, and the parks are greener, quieter and cheaper.
Not sure when to go?
Give us your possible dates and what matters most to you. We will tell you which month fits.
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