Tanzania Weather

Tanzania Weather

Tanzania Weather

Tanzania has a generally comfortable climate year-round, although there are significant regional variations. The tropical coast stays quite hot and humid with heavy and reliable rainfall, especially during the rainy season. The central plateau is cooler and arid. There are two rainy seasons the heaviest rains usually fall from mid-March to May, and a shorter period of rain (called vuli) occurs from November to mid-January. The dry season, with cooler temperatures, lasts from May to October. The areas where we will be traveling are typically warm and dry, although it is surprisingly cold at higher altitudes. Summer usually lasts from November to March, and during this time there is always a chance of afternoon showers.

With altitudes ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 feet above sea level, average daytime temperatures are very comfortable and vary from 70° to 90°F, with a moderate 50° to 60°F at night.

Tanzania Monthly Weather Information and Recommendations:

January marks the end of the shorter rainy season (vuli), and Tanzania’s “short, dry season” begins, lasting for a few months before it begins to rain again in earnest in March. High temperatures in January are generally in the 80s F while lows range from the upper 50s to low 70s F. Travelers should be prepared for clear, sunny days with short-sleeved shirts and shorts or zip-off pants. February is typically the warmest month in Tanzania, with high temperatures reaching the upper 80s F in some areas. Be prepared with short-sleeved shirts and shorts or zip-off pants. The short rains can continue into February, so occasional showers are possible.

The beginning of March is much like February warm and mostly dry. The main rainy season in Tanzania (Masika) begins in mid-March. The humidity is high, and daily temperatures reach the mid-to-upper 80s F. Temperatures typically do not cool off much at night lows do not usually drop below about 60 F, and in some areas remain in the 70s. Afternoon tropical downpours are common, and we recommend a lightweight, “breathable,” waterproof rain jacket, rain pants, and an inexpensive rain poncho. As the heavy rains continue, you can expect conditions in April to be much the same as in March.

By May the landscape in Tanzania is usually lush and green as the heavy rains continue, with significant bursts of rain occurring most often in the afternoon. The rains have ended for the most part by June and temperatures begin to drop as a cooler, dryer climate sets in for the next several months. Note that it can become very cold at night on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, and early morning game drives may be chilly before the sun comes up. Temperatures in June range from the mid-40s to the low 50s at night to the upper 70s to low 80s during the day. July is another cool, dry month in Tanzania. It can be quite cold at night and in the early mornings, especially at higher elevations. Temperatures can drop as low as 40 F; be prepared with warm layers including jackets, sweaters, warm long pants and warm hats, gloves, and a scarf.

The month of August is mild, with lows in the mid-50s F and highs in the upper 70s and low 80s F. A jacket or sweater is recommended for nights and early mornings, and a hat, gloves, and a scarf may also be appreciated for cooler spells. Temperatures in September tend to be comfortable during the day with highs in the low to mid-80s F while nights and early mornings can be cool, with temperatures in the upper 50s F. We recommend a jacket or sweater, long pants and a hat, gloves, and a scarf.

October is typically the last month of the long dry season, and it is still relatively cool, clear, and sunny. Daytime temperatures will be mild, and evenings and early mornings will be comfortably cool. Temperatures will increase slightly, ranging from the low 60s F to the mid-to-upper 80s F. The short rains begin in November. These are much lighter and less predictable than the long rains. We recommend being prepared with a lightweight, “breathable,” waterproof rain jacket, rain pants, and an inexpensive rain poncho. When it is not raining, temperatures will be pleasant, ranging from lows in the mid-60s F to highs in the low 80s F. The short rains continue in December, and clothing recommendations remain much the same as for November. Temperatures range from the mid-60s F to the low 80s F, and light rain is possible each day.

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