Tanzania’s Weather & Climate

As Tanzania is positioned very close to the equator which means that its weather is very stable at most times of the year and never gets too hot, although there are regional differences. However, it’s safe to say that Tanzania’s weather offers something for everyone. The peak period for holidaymakers is from June to October and this is mainly because it coincides with holiday times in many other countries.The rainy seasons in Tanzania are the long rainy season which runs from the middle of March to May and the short rainy seasons which fall from November through to January. Cooler months are June, July, August, September and October and then if you’re looking for warmth, visit from December to March.

When Is Best To Visit Tanzania?

Tanzaniais a great destination to visit from November to March; however, while April is still a good month to visit Tanzania, it is notoriously the rainiest month of the year. May is known as “The Green Season? which is when migrating wildebeests move from one region to another in their millions!

The Mountains

The peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro are extremely cold and temperatures normally fall significantly below freezing, no matter what time of year. It is especially cold at night time.

The Wildlife Reserves In The North

The wildlife reserves in the North of Tanzania are approximately 5 Deg C (10 Deg F) cooler than anywhere else in the country year round. It’s best to take a heavy sweater and a windbreaker or suitable jacket when visiting these areas.

Tanzania Coastal Climate

These areas include the Dar es Salaam, Limdi,Coastal Region, Tanga, Mtwarathe offshore islands of Pemba, Unguja and Mafia. You’ll find the weather tropical with high levels of humidity and an average temperature ranging between a very pleasant 27 and 29 Deg C (this temperature is cooled off by the breeze from the sea, especially on the islands).

Central, Northern & Western Tanzania Climate

These areas includeKigoma, Shinyanga, Tabora, Mwanza and Kagera where the climate is changed by highland plateaus. There is low humidity and temperatures rangefrom 20 to 27 Deg C during the June, July and August. From December to March, temperaturescan peak at 30 Deg C +.

North East & South East Tanzania

These areas include the mountainous Kilimanjaro, Mara Region, Arusha, Mbeya, Rukwa, Ruvuma, Makonde Plateau (Masasi, Nachingwea, Tunduru and Newalla), Iringa and Mbeya where the temperature sometimes drops below 15 Deg C during the night in June and July. In the Rungwe mountain area, temperatures can drop to 6, 7 or 8 Deg C.

Rainfall

There are two rainy seasons in Tanzania, the long and the short season. Central Tanzania areas include the capital Dodoma and Singida. These areas are semi-dry with less than 500mm of rain a year. The mountains in the South West and North East of Tanzania get over 2000mm of rain a year. The coastal areas (Tanga,Dar es Salaam, Mtwara, The Coastal Region and Lindi)rainfall can be anything from 1000 mm to 1900 mm annually.