Tanzania Weather & Climate 2023–2024 : Tanzania has a generally pleasant climate all year, though there are significant regional differences. The tropical coast remains hot and humid, with heavy and consistent rainfall, particularly during the rainy season. The central plateau is drier and cooler. The heaviest rains (called masika) typically fall from mid-March to May, with a shorter period of rain (called vuli) occurring from November to mid-January. From May to October, the dry season with cooler temperatures lasts.
The areas where we will be traveling are typically warm and dry, though higher altitudes can be surprisingly cold. Summer lasts from November to March, and there is always a chance of afternoon showers during this time. Average daytime temperatures range from 70° to 90°F, with a moderate 50° to 60°F at night. Altitudes range from 3,000 to 7,000 feet above sea level.
Required clothing:
All year round, tropical attire is worn, but from June to September, when it gets cooler, jackets and sweaters may be required, particularly at night. On the higher reaches of Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru, it is necessary to wear clothing appropriate for below-freezing temperatures. Also keep in mind that the Ngorongoro Crater’s rim can get very cold at night, and early morning game drives might be chilly before the sun rises.
Geography
On the east coast of Africa, the United Republic of Tanzania is bordered to the north by Kenya and Uganda, to the northwest by Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the west by the Indian Ocean, and to the south by Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique. The Tanzanian mainland is divided into a number of distinct regions, including the coastal plains, which range in width from 16 to 64 km (10 to 39 miles) and have lush, tropical vegetation; the Masai Steppe in the north, which rises to two notable mountains, Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak at 5,895 m (19,341 ft) above sea level, and Mount Meru, at 4,565 m (14,973 ft); and a high plateau in the west
Except for the coastal plains, the majority of the country is made up of savannah and bush, with the remaining area being semi-desert. Inland water covers an area of over 53,000 square kilometers (20,463 square miles), mostly in the form of lakes created in the Rift Valley and Tanzania’s portion of Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika, which are both on its western border. Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria, has a surface area of 69,490 square kilometers (26,832 square miles), and 49% of it is in Tanzania. Lake Tanganyika is thought to be the deepest lake in Africa, reaching maximum depths of 1,470m (4,821ft). It is 673km (420 miles) long and averages 50km (31 miles) across; 41% of its area is located in Tanzania. The islands of Zanzibar and Pemba are part of the United Republic of Tanzania and are located about 45 kilometers (28 miles) northeast of the mainland.
Average Monthly Temperatures & Rainfall (in Fahrenheit and inches):
Please remember that these are averages and that weather can be unpredictable. Check current weather conditions at www.weather.com a few days before your departure. Remember to check the weather for each stop on your itinerary because conditions can change.
TANZANIA MONTHLY WEATHER INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
January
The shorter rainy season (vuli) ends in January, and Tanzania’s “short, dry season” begins, lasting a few months before it rains again in earnest in March. January highs are typically in the 80s F, with lows ranging from the upper 50s to the low 70s F. Prepare for clear, sunny days by wearing short-sleeved shirts and shorts or zip-off pants.
February
In Tanzania, February is typically the warmest month, with high temperatures reaching the upper 80s F in some areas. Bring short-sleeved shirts, shorts, or zip-off pants. The short rains are expected to continue into February, so showers are possible.
March
The beginning of March is similar to the beginning of February in that it is warm and mostly dry. Tanzania’s main rainy season (masika) begins in mid-March. The humidity is high, and daily temperatures range from the mid- to upper-80s Fahrenheit. Temperatures do not typically drop much at night; lows rarely fall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and in some areas, temperatures remain in the 70s. We recommend a lightweight, “breathable,” waterproof rain jacket, rain pants, and an inexpensive rain poncho for afternoon tropical downpours.
April
As long as the heavy rains continue, conditions in April will be similar to those in March. Although it rains every day, it rarely rains all day. Heavy afternoon rain showers are common, so bring a lightweight, “breathable,” waterproof rain jacket, rain pants, and a low-cost rain poncho.
May
The landscape in Tanzania is usually lush and green by May as the heavy rains continue, with significant bursts of rain most often occurring in the afternoon. We recommend a lightweight, “breathable,” waterproof rain jacket, rain pants, and an inexpensive rain poncho, just as we did in March and April.
June
By June, the rains have mostly stopped (though you may still want a rain jacket just in case), and temperatures begin to fall as a cooler, dryer climate takes over for the next few months. It should be noted that the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater can get very cold at night, and early morning game drives may be chilly before the sun comes up. In the evenings, jackets or sweaters are recommended, and warm hats, gloves, and a scarf may be required in the early morning. In June, temperatures range from the mid-40s to the low 50s at night and from the upper 70s to the low 80s during the day. Layering is recommended so that you can make adjustments as the sun comes out and the daytime temperatures rise. By midday, you’ll want to wear light clothing, such as a T-shirt and shorts or zip-off pants.
July
In Tanzania, July is another cool, dry month. It can be quite cold at night and early in the morning, particularly at higher elevations. Temperatures can drop as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit, so dress warmly with jackets, sweaters, long pants, and warm hats, gloves, and a scarf. By midday, temperatures should be in the upper 70s, so swap out your warm layers for a short-sleeved shirt and shorts or zip-off pants.
August
August is a pleasant month, with lows in the mid-50s F and highs in the upper 70s and low 80s F. A jacket or sweater is recommended for the evenings and early mornings, and a hat, gloves, and scarf are also recommended for cooler weather. Layers are ideal for staying as comfortable as possible as temperatures change throughout the day.
Tanzania Weather & Climate 2023–2024 : September
September temperatures are pleasant during the day, with highs in the low to mid-80s F, but cool at night and early in the morning, with lows in the upper 50s F. A jacket or sweater, long pants, a hat, gloves, and a scarf are all recommended. As the temperature rises during the day, shed your outer layers in favor of a short-sleeved shirt and shorts or zip-off pants.
Tanzania Weather & Climate 2023–2024 : October
October is usually the last month of the long dry season, and it is still cool, clear, and sunny. Temperatures will be mild during the day but cool in the evenings and early mornings. Temperatures will rise slightly, with highs ranging from the low 60s to the mid- to upper 80s.
Tanzania Weather & Climate 2023–2024 : November
In November, the short rains begin. These are significantly lighter and less predictable than the long rains. We recommend having a lightweight, “breathable,” waterproof rain jacket, rain pants, and an inexpensive rain poncho on hand. The temperatures will be pleasant when it is not raining, with lows in the mid-60s F and highs in the low 80s F. When the weather is clear and warm, the best approach is to wear a comfortable base layer and then add warm and/or waterproof layers as needed.
Tanzania Weather & Climate 2023–2024 : December
The short rains continue in December, and clothing recommendations are largely unchanged from November. Temperatures range from the mid-60s to the low 80s F, with light rain expected every day.
