Quick Answer
The best time to visit Tanzania depends on what you want to do. For safari, the dry season (June–October) is best. For Zanzibar beach, June–October and December–February are best. For Kilimanjaro, January–March and June–October are best.
This guide gives you everything you need to know about the best time to visit Tanzania — dry season, short rains, green season, long rains, safari, Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro.
Why Timing Matters
Tanzania has different seasons that affect wildlife, weather and crowds. Choosing the right time can make a big difference to your trip.
- Dry season (June–October): Best for wildlife and beach
- Short rains (November–December): Fewer crowds, some rain
- Green season (January–March): Good for wildlife, some rain
- Long rains (April–May): Wet season, fewer crowds, possible rain
Dry Season (June–October)
The dry season is the best time to visit Tanzania for safari and beach.
- Best for: Wildlife, beach, Kilimanjaro
- Weather: Dry, sunny, cool mornings and evenings
- Crowds: High, especially July–September
- Great Migration: River crossings in July–September
Short Rains (November–December)
The short rains are a good time to visit Tanzania if you want fewer crowds.
- Best for: Wildlife, fewer crowds
- Weather: Some rain, but mostly sunny
- Crowds: Lower
- Great Migration: Moving south
Green Season (January–March)
The green season is a good time to visit Tanzania for wildlife and calving.
- Best for: Wildlife, calving, fewer crowds
- Weather: Some rain, but mostly sunny
- Crowds: Lower
- Great Migration: Calving in southern Serengeti
Long Rains (April–May)
The long rains are the wet season in Tanzania.
- Best for: Fewer crowds, lower prices
- Weather: Heavy rain, humid
- Crowds: Lowest
- Great Migration: Moving north
Month-by-Month Guide
January
- Green season, calving in southern Serengeti
- Good for wildlife, fewer crowds
February
- Green season, calving continues
- Good for wildlife, fewer crowds
March
- Green season, calving ends
- Good for wildlife, fewer crowds
April
- Long rains begin
- Wet season, fewer crowds, lower prices
May
- Long rains continue
- Wet season, fewer crowds, lower prices
June
- Dry season begins
- Best for wildlife and beach
July
- Dry season, Great Migration river crossings
- Best for wildlife and beach
August
- Dry season, Great Migration river crossings
- Best for wildlife and beach
September
- Dry season, Great Migration river crossings
- Best for wildlife and beach
October
- Dry season ends
- Good for wildlife and beach
November
- Short rains begin
- Fewer crowds, some rain
December
- Short rains continue
- Fewer crowds, some rain
Best Time for Safari
The best time for safari in Tanzania is the dry season (June–October).
- Best months: June–October
- Why: Dry weather, easy wildlife viewing
- Great Migration: River crossings in July–September
Best Time for Zanzibar
The best time for Zanzibar beach is June–October and December–February.
- Best months: June–October, December–February
- Why: Dry, sunny weather
- Activities: Beach, snorkeling, diving
Best Time for Kilimanjaro
The best time for Kilimanjaro is January–March and June–October.
- Best months: January–March, June–October
- Why: Dry, stable weather
- Activities: Trekking, climbing
Best Time for Great Migration
The best time for the Great Migration depends on what you want to see.
- River crossings: July–September
- Calving: January–March
- Moving north: April–May
- Moving south: November–December
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Tanzania?
The best time depends on what you want to do. For safari, June–October. For Zanzibar, June–October and December–February. For Kilimanjaro, January–March and June–October.
When is the dry season?
June–October.
When are the short rains?
November–December.
When is the green season?
January–March.
When are the long rains?
April–May.
When is the best time for safari?
June–October.
When is the best time for Zanzibar?
June–October and December–February.
When is the best time for Kilimanjaro?
January–March and June–October.