Best Time to Visit Tanzania: Safari Seasons, Kilimanjaro Weather and Zanzibar
The dry months from June to October suit most safaris, while the green season has its own rewards.
Tanzania has a long rainy season from March to May and short rains in November. The long dry season, June to October, is the most popular for wildlife viewing, and January to February is a shorter dry period that coincides with calving in the south.
Match your activity to the season: the migration crossings in the north from July to October, calving in the south from January to March, Kilimanjaro in dry windows, and Zanzibar for beach days outside the heaviest rains. See the migration calendar.
This guide is part of our East Africa travel guides. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.
At a glance
- Long rains: March to May
- Short rains: November
- Main dry season: June to October
- Calving: January to March
Safari
The dry months make animals easy to find near water. The green season has fewer visitors, lower rates and beautiful scenery.
Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar
Climb in the drier windows. Zanzibar is hot all year, with heavy rains in April and May. See Kilimanjaro best time.
Comparing Countries
See Kenya and Uganda for seasonal comparisons.
Adding Tanzania to a Uganda safari? Tell us your dates and we will arrange one itinerary with flights, transfers and lodges for both countries.
Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- Tanzania Travel Guide: Where It Is, Capital, Map, Parks and Best Time to Visit
- Serengeti Great Migration Calendar by Month: Calving, Crossings and Where the Herds Are
- Uganda vs Kenya vs Tanzania Safari: How to Choose
- Tanzania Northern vs Southern Circuit: Which Safari Route Should You Choose?
- Arusha: Tanzania's Safari Gateway, Airports, Markets and Things to Do
- Tanzania Safari Itineraries: 4, 7 and 10 Day Ideas for the North, South and Zanzibar
- Tanzania Safari and Travel Guides: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar
Ready to Plan Your Uganda Safari?
Tell us your dates, group size and interests and our Kampala team will reply with a clear, personal itinerary.
Back to the Ameera Africa Safaris homepage for Uganda tours and safaris, our featured tours and the latest Uganda park fees.