Tanzania is a country with variable climatic conditions as it is just south of the equator. The elevation and geography makes the weather tropical on the coast. The climate is comfortable year around, with the tropical coast being heat and humid with heavy rainfall during the rainy season. The plateau in the centre is cool always. The best time of year to visit Tanzania would be the dry season as most of the wildlife spot on the plains and river banks.
Weathers In Tanzania
Tanzania weather conditions experience two seasons; Dry Season and Wet Season, which are further categorized as summer, Rainy, winter and spring.
Summer:
Tanzania weather during summer is just perfect for a safari adventure. The maximum day time temperature reaches 29 degree Celsius in the east coast and 22-25°c in the northern mountains and central region. Summer would be the best time to visit coastal Tanzania and the temperature of the water is perfect for seaside activities like swimming, snorkelling, kite-surfing, etc.
The summer months are:
June – with a maximum temperature of 27°c and minimum of 14°c
July – with a maximum temperature of 25 °c and minimum of 13°c
August – with a maximum temperature of 28°c and minimum of 14°c
Rainy:
November to May is considered as wet season in Tanzania, with long rainy days between March and May. Afternoon showers occur from November to February.
During this season there is a great biological activity in the reserves, beautiful green landscapes and panoramas, and this is the time wildebeest calving process starts in Serengeti.
November has the short rains with greening of plants, and birds begin arriving from other places.
Intermittent rains starts during March and game viewing is excellent at this time over the new short grass on the plains. Wildebeest are gathering in large number to south of Serengeti.
Winter:
Tanzania weather during winter is the hottest with the Day time temperature which reaches 35 degree Celsius. Those are sensitive to heat should be taking extra precautions as per the humidity.
In the western and northern portion of the countries winter is opposite. Weather is great and provides every kind of promotion for tourist activities.
The winter months are:
December -Maximum temperature – 31°c and minimum -18°c.
January – The day temperature remains around 29°c , where the night temperature 18°c.
February – Maximum temperature- 29°c and minimum temperature remains 18°c.
Spring:
Southern part of the country is drenched by rains at the first half of the season and rest of the territories are perfectly fine weather through whole March. In the middle of April it is quite opposite, southern portion is dry while other part of the country is drenched in rain.
The humidity is very high and overall annual temperature lies between 28 and 31 degree Celsius.
The Spring Months are:
March – maximum temperature remains 29°c and minimum temperature is 18°c.
April – maximum temperature is 29 °c and minimum is 17°c.
May – maximum temperature is 28 °c and minimum is 16°c
A good weather will present you a better wildlife exploration option:
If the weather is good, considerably during the dry season you will be able to spot as much wildlife as possible. During this time the comparatively lower dense grass on the plains gives you much better view of the animals from your safari vehicle.
The other place where you can spot the wildlife is near the river banks as the animals often come near the rivers or water holes to drink water during the dry season.
The best time of year to visit Tanzania is during a good weather as it will present you a better wildlife exploration option.
Cyclones in Tanzania:
As the central and southern Tanzania is just below the equator, it is common to experience cyclones. The cyclones affect the northern coast of the country and sometimes it also may affect southern coast. The cyclones normally occur through mid of April.
The tropical cyclones of Tanzania include; Cyclone Kenneth, Cyclone Fantala, Cyclone Favio and Cyclone Hellen.
Rains can actually ruin it:
Tanzania weather may give you an experience of heavy rainfall and you may not be able to walk out during this time. However, the safari jeeps will have ponchos in the vehicle to protect from shower as the rainfall is not predictable in these areas. The wet season in Tanzania welcomes comparatively lower number of visitors. After all nobody would like to walk on a muddy –bumpy path during the safari. Taking the advantage you can also avail some good service & accommodation option at cheaper price during this wet season.
Overall the weather in Tanzania is good year around, except few days which rains heavily. Apart from the rainy days, the Tanzania weather condition is excellent and the best time of year to visit Tanzania would be year around according to your taste and preferences of sighting.
