Best Time to Visit Tanzania for Safari: Month Guide

Quick answer

The best time to visit Tanzania is late June to October, the long dry season, when animals gather near water, grass is short and the Great Migration crosses the Mara River in the northern Serengeti, usually July to September. January and February are the second window, when wildebeest calve in the southern Serengeti. April and May bring heavy rain and the lowest prices.

Month-by-month at a glance

Jan28°Good
Feb28°Best
Mar27°Fair
Apr26°Avoid
May25°Fair
Jun25°Good
Jul25°Best
Aug26°Best
Sep27°Best
Oct28°Good
Nov27°Fair
Dec27°Good

BestGoodFairAvoidTemperatures are average daily highs (°C).

Tanzania weather, crowds and what to expect

Monthly weather, crowds and our verdict
Month	High / Low	Rain	Crowds	What to expect
JanuaryGood	28° / 15°	90 mm	medium	Short dry spell; calving begins around Ndutu.
FebruaryBest	28° / 15°	80 mm	medium	Calving peak; strong big-cat sightings in the south.
MarchFair	27° / 15°	130 mm	low	Long rains begin; green and quiet.
AprilAvoid	26° / 15°	190 mm	low	Heaviest rain; some camps close and roads turn to mud.
MayFair	25° / 14°	100 mm	low	Rains taper; herds start moving north-west.
JuneGood	25° / 12°	20 mm	medium	Dry season starts; Grumeti River crossings in the west.
JulyBest	25° / 11°	10 mm	high	Mara River crossings begin; peak rates.
AugustBest	26° / 12°	15 mm	high	Crossings in full swing; busiest month.
SeptemberBest	27° / 13°	25 mm	high	Excellent game viewing; still busy in the north.
OctoberGood	28° / 14°	50 mm	medium	Dry and dusty; crossings slow; better lodge rates.
NovemberFair	27° / 15°	110 mm	low	Short rains; herds head south again.
DecemberGood	27° / 15°	110 mm	medium	Green season; Christmas week rates spike.

Long-term monthly averages. Individual years vary — check a forecast in the week before you travel.

Festivals and events in Tanzania

Late January to February
Calving season, Ndutu and southern Serengeti
Thousands of wildebeest calves a day at the peak, with lions, cheetahs and hyenas close behind.
July to September
Mara River crossings, northern Serengeti
Crossings are unpredictable; give the north at least two full days.
About 8 February to 9 March 2027 (moon-dependent)
Ramadan in Zanzibar
Many Stone Town eateries close in daylight; beach resorts run as normal. Dress modestly in town.
February
Sauti za Busara, Stone Town
East African music festival at the Old Fort; Stone Town rooms go early.
July
Zanzibar International Film Festival
Screenings and concerts at the Old Fort; fits neatly after a dry-season safari.

When is the best time for a Tanzania safari?

Two windows work well: late June to October, the dry season with the easiest game viewing, and January to February, calving season in the southern Serengeti, when the plains are green and predators are busy. The table shows Serengeti averages. The plains sit at about 1,500 m and the Ngorongoro rim at 2,300 m, so dawn game drives are cold all year, often 8–12°C.

Where is the Great Migration each month?

Months	Where the herds usually are
December to March	Southern Serengeti and Ndutu (calving January–February)
April to May	Moving north through the central Serengeti
June to early July	Western corridor (Grumeti River crossings)
July to October	Northern Serengeti, Mara River crossings
November	Heading south with the short rains

The herds follow rain, not a calendar, so treat this as a guide. The central Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater hold resident wildlife year-round, which is why a 7-day trip is good in any dry month.

Dry season (late June to October)

Clear skies, short grass and fewer mosquitoes. It is also peak demand: northern Serengeti camps for July–August book six to nine months ahead. Indian school holidays in May–June fall at the tail of the long rains; mid-June works, but the river crossings will not have started.

Short rains (November to mid-December)

Brief afternoon showers, green landscapes and better lodge rates. A good value window.

Long rains (March to May)

April and May bring the heaviest rain, muddy tracks and closed camps, especially in the north. Rates drop sharply. Zanzibar is also at its wettest.

When to add Zanzibar

The island pairs best with June to October or December to February. Many beach hotels close or slash rates in April–May.

Indian passport holders need a Tanzania e-visa, about USD 50, applied for online before you fly. Allow at least two weeks. See our Tanzania visa guide.

Work out the budget on our Tanzania trip cost page, see things to do in Tanzania and read the vegetarian food guide.

Frequently asked questions

When can I see the Mara River crossing in Tanzania?

Crossings in the northern Serengeti usually happen from July to September, sometimes stretching into October. They are unpredictable: herds can gather on the bank for hours and then turn back. Base yourself in a camp in the Kogatende area for at least two full days, and leave early each morning with a packed breakfast.

Is April or May a bad time for a Tanzania safari?

It is the long rainy season, so expect heavy afternoon downpours, muddy roads and some camps closed, especially in the northern Serengeti. Wildlife is still there, Ngorongoro Crater remains good, and lodge rates are at their lowest. It suits flexible travellers on a budget; first-timers are better off in the dry season.

Is Tanzania cold during the safari season?

Mornings are colder than most Indian travellers expect. From June to August, dawn on the Ngorongoro rim can drop to 5–8°C, and open-roof vehicles are windy at speed. Pack a fleece, a windproof jacket, a cap and light gloves. By midday it warms up to 24–27°C.

How far ahead should I book a July–August safari?

Six to nine months ahead for good mid-range lodges and tented camps, especially in the northern Serengeti where camp numbers are small. Indian families travelling in a group of six or more should book even earlier to secure two vehicles and adjacent rooms. Shoulder months such as June and October usually need three to four months.

How we checked this page

Last reviewed 28 October 2026

Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.