Have you ever dreamed of seeing wild animals in their natural habitat? Or maybe you want to relax on a paradise beach with turquoise water and snow-white sand? Would you like to get to know the culture of one of the most ethnically diverse African countries from the inside?

If you answered yes to at least one of the questions, it’s time to plan your vacation in Tanzania, which, in fact, all year round enchants with captivating landscapes of various shades of green, rich vegetation, species diversity including many predators and types of birds , and idyllic beaches on both the mainland and the island of Zanzibar. Each month of the year is really good to visit this country, but it is worth bearing in mind that its climate likes to play tricks, and individual regions differ from each other not only geographically but also in terms of weather. So find out when it is worth booking a trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar, choose a convenient date and take part in a wild, African adventure. You will not be disappointed!

Tanzania and Zanzibar

Tanzania – Ruaha National Park

Tanzania – the climate

Tanzania lies in the equatorial climate zone, therefore the weather here is tropical, and the year is divided into dry and rainy seasons. Its natural world is shaped to a large extent by rains and monsoon winds, which arise as a result of the alternating heating and cooling of land and water. On the East African coast, the southern monsoon blows from April to mid-September, and from December to March – the northern monsoon Kaskazi, and both of them have a significant impact on the flora and fauna in Tanzania, so you can witness the Great Animal Migration once in one of the largest African Serengeti reserves, and another time to observe the life of birds, as many as 1,100 species occur in this country! Daily air temperatures fluctuate between 25-30 ° C throughout the year, and only the highest African peak – Kilimanjaro – lying on the border with Kenya, is covered with a layer of snow for all 12 months, and as the altitude increases, the temperature drops to just a few degrees Celsius. There are two rainy seasons in Tanzania: one, lasting from March to May, and the other, shorter, in November and December. The rains are then really heavy and usually occur in the afternoons. The dry season lasts from June to October and it is then that most animals gather near water reservoirs, but the number of tourists also increases. in November and December. The rains are then really heavy and usually occur in the afternoons. The dry season lasts from June to October and it is then that most animals gather near water reservoirs, but the number of tourists also increases. in November and December. The rains are then really heavy and usually occur in the afternoons. The dry season lasts from June to October and it is then that most animals gather near water reservoirs, but the number of tourists also increases.

Tanzania and Zanzibar

During a safari in Tanzania, you can count on meeting the big five of Africa

Thanks to the equatorial location, the days in Tanzania are long – the sun rises around 06:00 in the morning and sets before 19:00. For the same reason, the tide changes on average every 6 hours, and the tides in this part of Africa are very strong. At low tide, the beach becomes enormous and the sea is shallow and only a few dozen centimeters deep. Keep this in mind when planning your sunbathing hours and check the day’s tide schedule, which is readily available online.

Tanzania and Zanzibar

Low tide in Zanzibar? Maybe a snack!

Weather and temperature in Tanzania throughout the year

Tanzania – the weather in January

It is very hot, dry and humid in Tanzania this month, especially on the coast (25 to 32 ° C). It is also the dry season, and rains may appear from time to time at night. Birds start migrating and young animals are born, which can be seen in the southern part of Serengeti Park, but this is not an appropriate pastime for vulnerable people as predators hunt newborns. Tanzania is beginning to be covered with greenery, and the number of tourists is small. This is also the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro or Meru, as in other months their routes become slippery and more difficult to navigate due to rain.

Tanzania – the weather in February

February in Tanzania is similar to January. The dry season, and with it the season of birth of young animals, continue, and air temperatures are still very high (25–33 ° C), while in some parts of the country rains may occur more frequently than in the previous month (mainly in the west). Parks in the north and south of the country are less crowded and their landscape is colorful.

Tanzania – the weather in March

The rainy season begins in mid-March, but the beginning of the month is still a good time for a safari or trekking in a selected park. Many hotels are closing, but some offer tourists attractive prices, and the constantly overcrowded Serengeti Park is slowly becoming empty. The air temperature in April during the day fluctuate around 26 ° C with slight drops at night to 21 or a minimum of 16 ° C. The skies are more cloudy and the air humidity rises. It is recommended that you bring a raincoat, which will come in handy in the afternoons.

Tanzania and Zanzibar

No one is surprised by such a view in the streets!

Tanzania – the weather in April

In April, the rains do not stop and are often even stronger than in March, with a total amount of up to 300 mm, but they rarely fall all day long. The roads become muddy, but the landscape is green, and the colors are very saturated. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is particularly dangerous and advised against, while the beaches are empty and accommodation prices are much lower.

Tanzania – the weather in May

Heavy rains only stop at the end of the month, and then you can enjoy dry days, and with them no dust, because the ground is still wet. In recent years, however, it has been observed that often this month is less rainy than in the past, therefore, in terms of weather, May is mysterious and unpredictable. The animals are slowly leaving Tarangire Park (the northern part of the country) in May, so it is not the best time to visit it, but it is worth going to Serengeti Park, as the animals will gather there before migrating north. Despite the uncertain and changeable weather, a trip to Tanzania in May is a good idea, because it is the last month when the number of tourists is not huge yet, and with a bit of luck, you can enjoy less rainy weather.

Tanzania and Zanzibar

Tanzania – Ruaha National Park

Tanzania – the weather in June

In June, the sky brightens, the sun is seen more often, and heavy rainfall stops. The daytime temperatures fluctuate between 25-30 ° C, and at night they drop to 15 ° C. Katavi and Mahale national parks become available again and you can observe bison life in them. Most of the animals can be seen this time in the western part of the Serengeti Park and this is the best time to go on a safari, as the lack of rain means that the animals gather at the water reservoirs and it is easier to see them, and the savanna is not so densely covered. Additionally, the period of the Great Migration of animals begins in June, when almost 2 million of them migrate to the north of the country. It is worth taking a warmer sweatshirt or sweater with you, as it can be slightly cooler in the afternoons.

Tanzania – the weather in July

It is the driest month of the year with only 13mm of rainfall! The sky is clear, but the nights are cool, and the air is often dusty from dry land. Crowds of people flock to Tanzania and to avoid them, it is worth visiting the national parks in the west or south of the country. It is also the perfect time to relax at Lake Tanganyika. The animals continue to travel towards Kenya, with the largest number of elephants in Tarangire Park. Sunglasses and warmer clothes must be in the traveler’s suitcase.

Tanzania and Zanzibar

In July, you will see the most elephants in Tarangire Park

Tanzania – the weather in August

The third drought month turns Tanzania’s landscape into a more barren landscape, and some of the water bodies dry up. The temperatures are pleasant and are conducive to the exploration of the country. In August, the chances of seeing the African Big Five (elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, and leopard) are high as the guides know which bodies of water the animals are heading to. The water in the ocean is crystal clear, so it’s also a good time to sunbathe – so you can say that August is the perfect month to travel to Tanzania!

Tanzania and Zanzibar

August is the perfect month for a Tanzania safari

Tanzania – the weather in September

This is actually the last month of high season, when the rains are low, the temperature is pleasant and the humidity is low. This is a good month to spot zebras returning from Kenya and heading south. Climbing Kilimanjaro or Meru is also a good idea, but it is worth remembering that the high parts of these mountains are snow-covered.

Tanzania – the weather in October

Temperatures are rising to 28 ° C during the day, and spring begins all over the country. The number of tourists is gradually decreasing, so this is also a good time to go on vacation to Tanzania. Rainfall is higher, but it is not yet heavy rains. Most of the animals are in Kenya, but many can still be seen on safaris.

Tanzania and Zanzibar

September and October are good months to spot zebra

Tanzania – the weather in November

This is the beginning of the mvula’s short rainy season, which lasts only 2 months. The rains are abundant but short, reaching 110 mm and the humidity is increasing. There are fewer cars on the safari, so you can enjoy a more intimate atmosphere. Additionally, rains reduce dust and the landscape of Tanzania turns green, creating a beautiful scenery for photographers.

Tanzania and Zanzibar

Tanzania – Luxury safaris and luxury holidays in Zanzibar

Tanzania – Luxury safaris and luxury holidays in Zanzibar | Arusha, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Zanzibar

Private safari with predatory lionesses, migrating wildebeest, dignified giraffes and lovable hippos, the Big Five of Africa in Ngorongoro, the vast expanses of the Serengeti savannahs, the tranquil Tarangire and idyllic beaches of Zanzibar – ready for an exciting luxury vacation in Tanzania? The excitement of the safari will be complemented by accommodation in exclusive African-style lodges, and then you will move to the Island of Spices, a mosaic of four cultures mixed together like the ubiquitous scents of cardamom and vanilla. Wild Africa and luxury holidays in Zanzibar? We invite!

Tanzania – the weather in December

The weather is similar to the November one and it is difficult to predict at times. This is a good time to watch birds returning to the country. The temperature ranges from 16 to 26 ° C, and rains, like in November, reach 110 mm. The country is less crowded and accommodation prices are often lower.

Tarangire

Tarangire National Park

Water temperatures in Tanzania

Tanzania is located on the Indian Ocean, and its equatorial location means that the water temperatures are high all year round and are favorable for bathing. In August and September they reach approx. 25 ° C, while between September and April 28/29 ° C. The water is the warmest in March (approx. 29 ° C), and the coldest (if we can describe the temperature at all) in August (approx. 25 ° C). The warm Mozambique current that brings warm waters to the East African coast has the greatest influence on these temperatures.

Zanzibar Africa

Zanzibar is idyllic Africa …

Zanzibar

The most beautiful beaches of Zanzibar

Tanzania – on the beach in Zanzibar | Pongwe, Nungwi, Stone Town

Discover the white beaches of Zanzibar on two shores with the magical Stone Town at the end. On the east coast you will find unspoiled beaches and a beautiful reef, in the north sand of the flour structure and turquoise water.

Zanzibar – climate

Zanzibar is the largest island belonging to Tanzania, which is a tropical oasis practically all year round! The dry season, which falls in the same months as in mainland Tanzania, is the best time to rest on the island, while light rainfall, mainly in November and December, will not be a nuisance, and often bring relief on a hot day.

Zanzibar - Michamvi

Zanzibar – Michamvi

In Zanzibar it is hot all year round and the water in the ocean is very warm (approx. 25-28 ° C). As in Tanzania, the rainfall in April and May is the strongest, so traveling during this period is not popular, but if you want to avoid the crowds, these months can also be considered as the air and water temperatures will still be high. Of course, the downside of holidays in Zanzibar at this time will be cloudy, unclear water and muddy roads, while the plus – much smaller number of tourists!

Weather and temperature in Zanzibar throughout the year

Zanzibar – the weather from January to March

Cloudless sky and crystal water, on the other hand, temperatures up to 33 ° C during the day and 21 ° C at night and very high air humidity. This is a good time for a vacation in Zanzibar to enjoy a great rest and unhindered sunbathing, because the sun shines for approx. 9 hours during the day and the water in the ocean is hot (approx. 29 ° C). It is not until mid-March that rainfall is expected, but usually it will be afternoon showers of short duration.

Zanzibar

Zanzibar has wonderful, heavenly beaches with white sand

Zanzibar – the weather in April and May

With the rainy season, Zanzibar’s beaches become wet and the skies overcast. The amount of rainfall can reach up to 400 mm, with the number of sunny hours being reduced to just 6 per day. If the main goal of your trip to Zanzibar is sunbathing, these two months will not be the best choice, while if you want to try your hand at scuba diving or snorkeling, the empty beaches will be just an additional bonus. Many hotels close during this period, but some of them offer tourists more attractive prices than in the high season.

Zanzibar Africa

Oman & Zanzibar

Oman & Zanzibar | Muscat, Jebel Shams, Jebel Akhdar, Wahiba Sands, Zanzibar

Oman is a country of great diversity. Rugged, wild desert, stone chains of high hills crisscrossed by rocky gorges, lush gardens and date plantations, exotic markets like those from the 1001 Nights, with the scent of incense over them. See the magnificent mosques and palaces in Muscat, traverse bumpy mountain trails, swim in cool wadis, spend the night in the desert under the stars and finally head to the former Oman colony of Zanzibar, where golden beaches and fragrant spice plantations await you.

Zanzibar – the weather from June to October

It’s high season in Zanzibar when the weather is perfect! Temperatures are around 26-30 ° C, and the water in the ocean is warm and turquoise. The sun shines for about 8–9 hours a day and the sky is cloudless. The number of tourists at this time is huge, so an earlier hotel reservation is essential, the prices also increase, but the stay in these months on this paradise island is unforgettable – it is a perfect time for a trip to Zanzibar!

Zanzibar

Collecting algae is one of the activities of Zanzibar women

Zanzibar – the weather in November and December

It is a period of a short rainy season and brief but heavy rains. The temperature rises slightly, averaging around 28 ° C, and the sun should be visible for most of the day. The amount of rainfall is 200 mm and the humidity is 80%. Nothing prevents you from going to the island during the holiday season, because the rains usually fall sporadically and can bring relief on a hot day. Anyway – what could be more pleasant than a winter vacation on an island full of sunshine?

Zanzibar and Tanzania

Traditional dhow boat

Sea water temperature in Zanzibar

As in mainland Tanzania, water temperatures are high all year round and often reach up to 30 ° C. All thanks to the Mozambique current flowing in the east of Africa, which warms the waters of the Indian Ocean. When going on vacation to Zanzibar, it is also good to know where and when to take into account the ebb and flow, which can be very strong on the island and occur twice a day. They are the least bothersome in the north of the island, e.g. near Nungwi, while in the east, south and west, the water can go back up to 1.5 km! You can use this time for a nap, visiting nearby spice plantations or nature reserves. Most hotels in Zanzibar have tide charts, or you can check out www.tide-forecast.com/locations/Zanzibar-Tanzania/tides/latest.

Zanzibar - Stone Town

Zanzibar – Stone Town

Tanzania and Zanzibar

Safari with Zanzibar

Tanzania – Safari with Zanzibar | Arusha, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Zanzibar, Stone Town

Private safari with predatory lionesses, migrating wildebeest, dignified giraffes and lovable hippos. All this in the vastness of the Serengeti plain and the largest caldera in the world, Ngorongoro. After the hardships of safari, you will move to Zanzibar.

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