When Is the Best Time to Go on Safari in Tanzania? Here’s What to Know
The best time to go on safari in Tanzania is during the dry season, specifically from June to September. It’s easier to observe the wildlife. You don’t have to worry about taking a jeep through a flooded area. And bonus: the skies are clear, the sunsets are unreal, and your photos? National Geographic-level without even trying.
Still, the best time for safari Tanzania depends on what exactly you’re looking for. Plus, the high season might already be booked, which means not everyone will get the chance to visit during the hot months. But don’t worry. That doesn’t mean a Tanzania safari is entirely off the cards. There are other times to visit, each offering its own kind of magic.
We’ve put together this post with everything you need to choose the ideal time to go on your dream safari, from the best months to seasonal information; it’s all here to read.
Best Time to Go on Safari Tanzania
The best time of year for African safari Tanzania is when the temperatures are hot and dry. There are two distinct rainy seasons in the country. First, April to May (the long rains) and, second, November to December (the short rains). Typically, the ‘long rains’ bring tropical downpours in the afternoon, so some safari camps may close. The ‘short rains’ produce the occasional brief shower. Most safari areas, however, enjoy cool evenings and warm days year-round.
The best time for a Tanzania safari comes down to where you want to go and what you want to see. For first-time goers, it’s usually best to choose the dry season, but it’s still always worth understanding the safari low season vs. high season to make sure you pick the right time.
Check out our suggested: Tanzania Safari Packing List
Understanding Tanzania Seasons
Tanzania has a dry season and a wet season, both of which we will break down to help you understand the pros and cons of planning a safari in either of these seasons.
Tanzania Dry Season (June to October)
Tanzania’s dry weather extends from June all the way through to October. It’s the best season to do a safari. You can expect temperatures from lows of 12°C to highs of 30°C, with mild days but chilly nights. For the most part, there will be clear skies and lots of Sunshine. Less rain also means there will be fewer mosquitoes, which is, of course, a great plus.
With most water bodies drying up because of the heat, animals tend to concentrate around the few remaining rivers and water pools, making the Big Five super easy to spot.
Taking a look at each month individually, we find significant differences that you would be glad to know before planning your trip.
June. The rain has passed, the hot season has arrived, and tourists are heading to see savannahs turn golden again. The dry weather is just beginning, so tourist numbers still aren’t at their highest yet. It’s the perfect time to visit before it gets too busy in the national parks. Average Temperatures: Highs 25°C / Lows 13°C
July. The peak season is in full swing. The country has dried up completely, and travelers are on their way to experience a memorable Tanzania safari in July. Most will head to the northern side in hopes of catching a glimpse of the Great Migration as it crosses the Mara River.
Average Temperatures: Highs 25°C / Lows 13°C
August. August in Tanzania features favorable temperatures, with many tourists rallying to the northern park, as it is the best time for wildlife viewing.
Average Temperatures: Highs 26°C / Lows 13°C
September. The month marks the beginning of the country’s fishing season, and the crowds slowly begin to thin out, though the weather will still be favorable. Humidity levels will be significantly lower compared to the rest of the dry months, so there will be fewer bugs to deal with; a big plus if you’re prone to bug bites.
Average Temperatures: Highs 28°C / Lows 14°C
October. Tanzania in October experiences subtle changes in the weather, with more frequent rain bursts and the occasional thunderstorm. However, it’s also a fun opportunity to see the chimpanzees in Mahale Mountains National Park or enjoy last-minute game drives in Arusha National Park.
Average Temperatures: Highs 29°C / Lows 16°C
Wet Season in Tanzania (November to May)
When is the rainy season in Tanzania? From November to May, with the rains starting in November—a signal of the beginning of Vuli, the short or light rains that finish up in January. Temperatures fall between highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C, and although humidity increases, it rarely ever gets muggy or uncomfortable. Naturally, there will be quieter parks and fewer crowds because of the unfavorable weather conditions.
Breaking up the months, we find that November brings light rains, but safaris are still doable. In December, crowds thin and the Great Migration hits the southern Serengeti. January is drier and perfect for spotting newborn wildebeest in Ndutu. February is hot and humid, but the calving season is in full swing. March brings more rain as the migration moves toward Grumeti. April is the wettest, and many camps close. May weather in Tanzania is still rainy, but late in the month, deals pop up as the dry season nears.
Month-by-Month Guide to Tanzania Safari Weather
January | Green Season + Calving Season
It’s the calm after the festive storm. The rains have eased up, the grass is lush, and the wildebeest are putting on a show in the Ndutu Plains. This is calving season. Expect baby wildebeest wobbling through the grass and predators lurking nearby. The landscape is fresh, green, and photogenic, and the crowds? Barely there. It’s a great time for a Tanzania safari in January.
March | Lush Landscapes and Fewer Crowds
Rain starts sneaking back in, but that just means the bush is bursting with color. It’s quieter, greener, and everything feels a little more untouched. The Great Migration is still in the thick of calving season and concentrated in Ndutu & the Southern Serengeti. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the Migration as it begins inching toward the Grumeti River.
May | End of the Rains
May is a bit of a wildcard. The heavy rains are wrapping up, but the roads can still be messy. On the bright side, prices are low, landscapes are still lush, and the animals are starting to move more freely. Wait until the second half of the month, and you might just score a crowd-free safari steal.
Late May to early July the migration is around Western Serengeti with opportunities to catch the grumeti river crossings
July | Peak of the Dry Season
This is safari gold. The weather is crisp and clear, the grass is low, and wildlife is out in the open. Water is scarce, so animals gather near rivers and water holes (perfect for jaw-dropping sightings!). Think big cats on the prowl and elephants out for a drink, all under picture-perfect skies.
August | Peak Safari Season
August is buzzing. This is the busiest time in Tanzania, and for good reason. The Great Migration is in full swing, and the drama around the Mara River crossings is next level. It’s high season, so book early, bring your zoom lens, and get ready for a front-row seat to nature’s biggest blockbuster.
October | Shoulder Season Sweet Spot
October is your middle-ground magic. The crowds are thinning, but the wildlife is still going strong. It’s warm, dry, and just before the short rains roll in. Plus, with fewer visitors, you get more of the bush to yourself. Absolutely perfect for those who like a little peace with their predator sightings.
November | Light Rains Begin
November weather in Tanzania kicks off the short rains, but don’t let that scare you off. The showers are brief, the air smells amazing, and the landscapes start turning green again. Safari camps stay open, and animals don’t disappear just because of a little drizzle. It’s quieter, softer, and still totally wild.
Timing Your Safari Around the Wildebeest Migration
If seeing the Great Migration is on your bucket list (and let’s be real, it should be), then timing is everything. We’re talking about one of the most epic wildlife spectacles on the planet: nearly two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles on a never-ending loop across the Serengeti and Masai Mara in search of greener pastures.
Here’s the play-by-play:
From December to March, the action is down south in the Ndutu region. This is calving season, where over 500,000 baby wildebeest are born on the open plains. It’s heartwarming, yes, but also a magnet for predators, so get ready for drama.
Come April to June, the herds start heading west toward the Grumeti River. Lush, green, and quiet. Ideal if you want to dodge the crowds and still catch the migration in motion.
Wondering about the best time to visit the Serengeti migration? Late July to September is showtime. This is when the herds gather at the Mara River and attempt those nail-biting, croc-filled crossings you’ve probably seen on nature documentaries. If you want peak thrills and unbeatable wildlife photography, this is your moment.
By October and November, the migration swings back down south, making its way through central Serengeti. Things are a little more low-key, but the game viewing is still fantastic, and the landscapes are starting to bloom again.
Bottom line? No matter when you go, there’s a chance to catch a slice of the Tanzania animal migration season. It just depends on what kind of adventure you’re after.
Final Words
No matter what time of year you go, Tanzania’s got something wild waiting for you. Whether it’s the thundering hooves of the Great Migration or the quiet thrill of spotting a leopard lounging in a tree. Planning your perfect safari is half the adventure, and with Good Earth Tours, you’re already off to a great start. Ready when you are 😉
