Tanzania Weather Overview
Tanzania has two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. The long dry season (June–October) is peak safari season. The short dry season (January–February) is excellent and less expensive. The long rains (March–May) bring lower prices but difficult conditions.
| Period | Months | Wildlife | Price | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short Dry | Jan–Feb | Excellent | Medium | Low–Medium |
| Long Rains | Mar–May | Good | Cheapest | Very Low |
| Long Dry (Peak) | Jun–Oct | Best | Highest | High |
| Short Rains | Nov–Dec | Good | Medium | Low |
Month by Month
- January–February: Calving season in southern Serengeti (Ndutu). Best time for predator action. Green landscapes. Good prices. Recommended for value.
- March–May: Long rains. Some roads become difficult. Wildlife is present but more dispersed. Luxury lodges offer up to 50% discount. Genuinely rewarding for photographers.
- June–July: Dry season begins. Wildebeest move north through Serengeti. Western Corridor river crossings begin. Prices rise.
- August–October: Peak season. Northern Serengeti crossings at maximum. Best overall wildlife viewing. Highest prices and most tourists. Book 6–12 months ahead.
- November–December: Short rains. Herds return south. Good wildlife, greener landscapes, lower prices and fewer tourists. Underrated period.
Excellent wildlife, green landscapes, end of the Migration in full circle, and prices dropping from peak. Often overlooked but highly rated by repeat visitors.
April–May (long rains) is the cheapest. Luxury lodges can be 50% cheaper than peak rates. Wildlife is still present and the landscape is photogenically green. Some roads may be muddy. Budget safari prices drop less significantly in low season.
For the famous Mara River crossings, July–October in the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara. For the calving season spectacle (predator action), January–February in southern Serengeti. The Migration is year-round in a circular route — there is no single "best" month without knowing what aspect you want to see.