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Many travellers ask us when the best time is to visit Tanzania. The answer is … there is not one right answer. It depends on what you want to see, where you want to go, your budget and interests. Every time of the year has its pros and cons. Some people will prefer to visit Tanzania during the dry season, when roads are better, it doesn’t rain and you can see a lot of wild animals. But the prices will be higher as well as the amount of tourists around you. Other people are fine with a little bit of rain and go during the wet season where you can see lots of birds and a colourful nature, for a cheaper price and with less travellers. We have made a list of all pro’s in the dry and wet season in Tanzania. We hope that it will help you to make your choice. Everyone is different, there is no correct choice. A Tanzania Travel is beautiful the whole year!
Dry season
The dry season in Tanzania runs June–October and December–March, with June–October being most popular for safaris. Pros include: easier wildlife spotting at waterholes, pleasant 25–27 °C temperatures, fewer mosquitoes, better roads, clear skies, and optimal Kilimanjaro climbing conditions. July–August is ideal for the wildebeest migration. Northern parks can be visited year-round; southern parks are best in the dry season.
Wildebeest Migration Annual Movement
Wet season
The wet season in Tanzania runs October–December and March–June. Pros include lush, colorful landscapes, excellent bird watching, good wildlife condition, fewer crowds, and lower safari rates. January–February in the southern Serengeti is ideal for calving and predator spotting. Northern parks offer good wildlife viewing year-round. For the wildebeest migration, check herd timings in our Great Wildebeest Migration guide.
Low, mid and high season in Tanzania
Tanzania has three different holiday seasons:
High-season: January, February, June till October and December. This season is the most popular by tourist and therefore hotels charge the highest rates. Some hotels charge a peak-rate from December 22nd until January 10th.
Mid-season: March, November 1st – December 21th.
Low-season: April and May. This season is the least popular and therefore hotels charge the lowest rates.