Best and Worst Time to Visit Tanzania and Zanzibar
Tanzania and Zanzibar offer an unmatched blend of iconic wildlife safaris and tropical beach escapes. Whether you’re planning to witness the Great Migration, relax on white-sand shores, or combine both in a single itinerary, choosing the right time to visit is essential.
timing your trip can impact:
- The quality of game viewing
- Your chances of seeing key wildlife events like the Migration or calving season
- Beach weather in Zanzibar
- Travel costs, lodge availability, and overall comfort
This detailed month-by-month breakdown helps you avoid rainy disappointments and plan for the most rewarding adventure.
Best Time to Visit Tanzania and Zanzibar: June to October & January to February
These months bring the best combination of dry weather, peak wildlife visibility, and beach-perfect conditions.
June to October – Peak Safari and Dry Season
- June: Start of the dry season. The bush begins to thin, making wildlife easier to spot. Fewer tourists than peak July-August.
- July to September: Arguably the best safari months. The Great Migration reaches the Grumeti River (June–July) and Mara River (August–September) in northern Serengeti. Water sources shrink, drawing large animal concentrations.
- October: Still dry, slightly warmer, and less crowded than August. Excellent conditions across all major parks.
Zanzibar Conditions:
- Ideal beach weather: warm, sunny days with low humidity.
- Ocean visibility is great for snorkeling and diving.
- Less rainfall, calmer seas.
Highlights:
- Peak chance to see Big Five
- Ideal for combining northern circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro) with Zanzibar
- Safari lodges are fully open and running at top quality
- Pleasant weather across inland and coast
Late January to February– Calving Season + Prime Beach Weather
- Calving season in southern Serengeti (Ndutu region) attracts predators in dramatic numbers. Thousands of wildebeest give birth daily.
- Easy sightings of lions, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals hunting or protecting young.
Zanzibar Conditions:
- Hot but dry. Clear skies, warm ocean, little rain.
- Peak for honeymooners and beach lovers.
Highlights:
- Fewer crowds than peak July–August
- Photography heaven: dramatic skies, newborn wildlife, predator action
- Excellent marine conditions in Zanzibar
Worst Time to Visit Tanzania and Zanzibar: March to May
This period sees the “long rains” across the region, making travel difficult and less enjoyable for most visitors.
March to May – Long Rains (Low Season)
- March: Rainfall increases steadily, especially mid-to-late month. Roads in Serengeti and Tarangire can become slippery.
- April: Wettest month. Many lodges in remote parks close temporarily. Game drives can be disrupted by flooding.
- May: Still rainy, though showers taper later in the month. Grass is lush, which means fewer sightings as wildlife is harder to spot.
Zanzibar Conditions:
- High humidity
- Regular afternoon downpours
- Rougher seas, reduced visibility for diving/snorkeling
- Beach conditions can be disappointing
Challenges:
- Thick vegetation hides wildlife
- Insects (mosquitoes, tsetse flies) increase
- Flights may be delayed due to storms
- Coastal humidity can be exhausting
When Might It Still Work?
- Budget travelers may find good deals
- Photographers may appreciate the green landscapes and dramatic skies
- Less crowded parks and beaches (for seasoned, flexible travelers)
Shoulder Season Warning: November to Early December
November – Start of Short Rains
- Intermittent showers begin, especially in northern Tanzania.
- Wildlife disperses slightly after the dry season but some animals remain near permanent waterholes.
- Roads in remote areas become slippery again.
Zanzibar Conditions:
- Rain begins in short bursts, typically in the afternoons.
- Diving and marine visibility start to decline.
Travel Tip:
- If you want lower rates but still decent safari and beach access, consider early December, just before holiday season prices soar.
Month-by-Month Travel Guide: Tanzania & Zanzibar
| Month | Safari Experience | Zanzibar Weather | Recommendation |
| January | Wildebeest begin calving in Ndutu; predators active | Hot, sunny, beach-perfect | ✅ Excellent for safari + beach |
| February | Calving peak in Serengeti; big cat sightings surge | Dry and beautiful | ✅ One of the best months |
| March | Long rains begin; wildlife harder to spot | Humid, wet afternoons | ❌ Avoid for beach or safari |
| April | Peak of long rains; some lodges close | Heavy rain, high humidity | ❌ Worst time for both |
| May | Rains taper off; grass tall; animals dispersed | Cloudy, occasional storms | ❌ Not ideal |
| June | Dry season starts; safari conditions improve | Warm, dry, and sunny | ✅ Great time to visit |
| July | Great Migration moves north; peak Big Five sightings | Dry, cool evenings | ✅ Peak season – plan early |
| August | Iconic Mara River crossings possible | Still dry and very pleasant | ✅ Top safari month |
| September | Excellent safari and beach balance | Slightly warmer, no rain | ✅ Ideal month for honeymooners |
| October | Still dry; fewer crowds; game viewing strong | Hot, clear skies | ✅ Good value, great weather |
| November | Short rains start; unpredictable conditions | Afternoon storms, humid | ⚠️ Mixed – better in early November |
| December | Green season begins; good early month safaris possible | Good early, wetter later | ⚠️ Early Dec fine, avoid late holidays |
Regional Safari Recommendations by Season
| Park/Region | Best Months | Why |
| Serengeti North (Migration) | July–September | Wildebeest river crossings, predator action |
| Serengeti South (Ndutu) | January–March | Calving season + predator hunting |
| Ngorongoro Crater | Year-round | Closed ecosystem with permanent wildlife |
| Tarangire National Park | June–October | Huge elephant herds, dry-season river access |
| Ruaha National Park | July–October | Remote, dry, excellent for big cats |
| Zanzibar Beaches | Dec–Feb, June–Oct | Warm seas, sunny days, ideal beach weather |
When to Visit Tanzania and Zanzibar?
Best overall months:
February—Calving + perfect beach weather
July–September—Migration + dry coast
October—Great safari, less crowded, shoulder rates
Worst months:
❌ April & May – Long rains and closed lodges
❌ Late November – Rainy and humid across the region
Your perfect safari-and-beach combo in Tanzania and Zanzibar hinges on balancing wildlife movement, weather patterns, and your comfort with crowds or costs.
