Tanzania is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to see and do. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown to help you plan your ideal adventure:
Best for: General wildlife viewing, Great Migration, comfortable weather
Clear skies, little rainfall, and cooler temperatures make it the perfect time for game drives.
Animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is in full swing in the Serengeti, especially in July–September for dramatic river crossings.
✔ Recommended for first-timers and classic safaris.
Best for: Birdwatching, calving season, fewer crowds
Short rains in November and December turn the landscapes lush and green.
January through March is calving season in the Southern Serengeti, a magical time to witness newborn animals and predator action.
Excellent birdwatching with migratory species arriving.
✔ Great for photographers, seasoned travellers, and those seeking fewer tourists.
Best for: Budget travel, lush landscapes, quieter parks
This is Tanzania’s wettest period. Some camps close due to muddy roads.
Wildlife viewing can still be rewarding in Ngorongoro Crater and central Serengeti.
Fewer travelers mean great deals on luxury lodges and flights.
✔ Ideal for budget-conscious travelers or those seeking solitude.
Migration Focus: Travel July–September for river crossings, or Jan–March for calving.
Avoiding Crowds: Visit in the shoulder months of May or November.
Zanzibar Beach Add-On? Visit June–October or December–March for sunshine and calm seas.
Sign up to receive updates about Women for Forum for African Women Educationalists,
campaigns, and ways to get involved. It’s free to join.
You can unsubscribe at any time, please read our privacy policy for more information