The Best Time to Visit Tanzania: When to Go for Safaris, Beaches & Adventure

Tanzania is a land of breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, and paradise-like beaches—but when is the best time to visit? That depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for! Whether you want to witness the Great Migration, climb Mount Kilimanjaro, relax on Zanzibar’s beaches, or explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, here’s a guide to help you plan your perfect trip.

Best Time for a Safari (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Ruaha, Selous)

✅ Best Months: June – October (Dry Season)

✅ Why? This is the peak wildlife-viewing season when animals gather around waterholes, and the grass is shorter, making it easier to spot predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards.

The Great Migration: When to See It?

• June – July: River crossings begin as thousands of wildebeests and zebras move from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara in Kenya.
• August – September: The most dramatic crossings happen at the Mara River—expect heart-stopping moments as herds attempt to escape crocodiles!
• January – March: The best time for the calving season in the southern Serengeti, where thousands of wildebeest give birth, attracting predators like lions and hyenas.

Avoid: March – May (Heavy rains make some roads impassable, and animals disperse due to abundant water sources.)

Best Time to Visit Zanzibar & Tanzania’s Beaches

✅ Best Months: June – October & December – March

✅ Why? These months bring dry, sunny weather, ideal for relaxing on the Zanzibar, Mafia, and Pemba Islands, or for exploring Tanzania’s lesser-known coastal gems like Pangani and Bagamoyo.

Best Time for Diving & Snorkelling

• October – March: Best visibility for exploring coral reefs, tropical fish, and shipwrecks.
• October – February: Whale shark season in Mafia Island—swim with the ocean’s gentle giants!
• July – October: Best time for spotting humpback whales migrating through the Indian Ocean.

Avoid: April–May (Rainy season can make the water murky and beaches less enjoyable.)

Best Time to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

✅ Best Months: January – March & June – October

✅ Why? These months offer clear skies and comfortable temperatures, increasing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa!

• January – March: Fewer crowds, a bit colder, occasional snowfall at the summit—ideal for those who love a quieter, challenging climb.
• June – October: The most popular months—drier conditions, warmer weather, and amazing views!

Avoid: April – May (Heavy rain makes the trails slippery and more challenging.)

Best Time for Chimpanzee Trekking (Mahale Mountains & Gombe Stream)

✅ Best Months: July – October

✅ Why? The chimps are easier to track during the dry season, as they stay in lower forest areas instead of disappearing deep into the mountains.

Avoid: April – May (Heavy rain makes trekking difficult.)

Best Time for Budget Travellers

✅ Best Months: March – May & November

✅ Why? Low season = fewer tourists, cheaper lodges, and discounted safaris! While some areas experience rain, you can still enjoy game drives in places like Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and the Serengeti, where wildlife remains abundant.

Summary: When Should You Visit Tanzania?

✅ For safaris & the Great Migration → June – October

✅ For baby animals & predator action → January – March

✅ For Zanzibar beaches & diving → June – October & December – March

✅ For Kilimanjaro climbs → January – March & June – October

✅ For chimpanzee trekking → July – October

✅ For budget-friendly travel → March – May & November