Best Time to Visit Tanzania

Wildlife

Wildebeest calving peaks in the southern Serengeti (Ndutu area). Predators are active — lions and cheetahs hunt the vulnerable newborn calves. This is one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles you can witness.

Weather

Hot and dry. Daytime temperatures 25–30°C on the Serengeti plains. Cooler at Ngorongoro Crater rim. Clear skies and long sunny days.

Crowds & Pricing

Moderate — school holiday crowds from Europe towards the end of the month

Peak season pricing. Advance booking essential — lodges in the Ndutu area fill 3-4 months ahead.

Verdict

“Excellent for wildlife. One of the best times to see predator action on the southern Serengeti plains.”

Wildlife

Calving season continues in the southern Serengeti through mid-February. By late February, the wildebeest begin their slow northward movement. Flamingo colonies at Lake Manyara and Lake Natron are at their most vibrant pink.

Weather

Hot and dry. The driest month overall. Temperatures regularly reach 32°C on the Serengeti plains. Excellent visibility and dust-free air.

Crowds & Pricing

Moderate — fewer families than January, more serious wildlife photographers

Peak season. Late February bookings are easier than January but still require advance planning.

Verdict

“Exceptional for the calving spectacle and predator action. Some of the best big cat sightings of the year.”

Wildlife

The long rains begin and the migration moves into the central Serengeti. Wildlife remains excellent — the green season means easy sightings as animals feed on fresh growth. Bird migration brings hundreds of species from Europe and Asia.

Weather

Transitional — the first rains usually arrive in March. Temperatures remain warm (25–30°C). The landscape begins to transform from gold to green. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.

Crowds & Pricing

Very low — one of the quietest months in Tanzania. March has some of the lowest tourist numbers of the year.

Green season pricing kicks in. Rates can be 30-40% below peak. Excellent value for experienced safari-goers.

Verdict

“Great value and wildlife, but be prepared for rain. The Serengeti in March is a different, quieter, more beautiful place.”

Wildlife

Full green season. The Serengeti is lush and beautiful. Game drives are rewarding — animals are well-fed and relaxed. This is peak birding season with migratory species present. Leopard sightings can be particularly good as leopards favour the denser cover.

Weather

Peak of the long rains. April is typically the wettest month. Heavy afternoon thunderstorms but mornings are often clear. Temperatures 22–28°C. Some remote roads become difficult to pass.

Crowds & Pricing

Very low — some lodges and camps in remote areas close for the month

Lowest pricing of the year at many lodges. April is the single best month for bargain hunters who don't mind rain.

Verdict

“Best value in Tanzania. Incredible green scenery and solitude. Not ideal for first-time safari visitors who want predictable weather.”

Wildlife

The green season continues. By late May, the wildebeest herds begin to consolidate in the western corridor of the Serengeti in preparation for the northward migration. Excellent for general wildlife — the quality of sightings remains high.

Weather

Rain decreases towards the end of the month as the long rains wind down. May is cooler than March and April (20–26°C). The Serengeti is at its most visually stunning — vivid green and full of flowers.

Crowds & Pricing

Very low — some areas still have reduced services

Still in green season territory. May offers excellent value with better weather than April.

Verdict

“A hidden gem month. The best of the green season — good wildlife, beautiful scenery, low rates, and more reliable weather than April.”

Wildlife

The dry season begins. Wildebeest herds mass in the western corridor and begin the dramatic Grumeti River crossings (similar to the Mara River crossings, though less famous). Wildlife concentrates around permanent water sources. Excellent general game viewing across all northern parks.

Weather

The transition month. Rain becomes increasingly rare. Temperatures cooling slightly (18–26°C). Humidity drops. The landscape transitions from green back to gold. Clear skies return.

Crowds & Pricing

Building — June is the start of the main safari season, with school holidays in Europe still a few weeks away

Transition from green season to peak. June offers a sweet spot — good weather, fewer crowds than July-August, and moderate pricing.

Verdict

“Great all-round month. The Grumeti River crossings are underrated and spectacular. June represents excellent value before peak season pricing kicks in.”

Wildlife

The Great Migration is in full force in the northern Serengeti. Wildebeest cross the Mara River daily — sometimes multiple times a day — creating one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles on Earth. Lion, leopard, and cheetah sightings are exceptional across the Serengeti.

Weather

Dry and sunny. Clear skies every day. Temperatures 18–28°C on the Serengeti plains. Cooler at altitude in Ngorongoro. The best weather of the year for game viewing.

Crowds & Pricing

Peak — July is the busiest month in the northern Serengeti. Popular sighting points can have many vehicles.

Highest peak season rates. Booking 6+ months ahead is essential for the best camps in the northern Serengeti.

Verdict

“Iconic. The Mara River crossings are a genuine life-list experience. Book early, expect crowds at famous crossings, and consider the Lamai Wedge for fewer vehicles.”

Wildlife

The Great Migration continues in the northern Serengeti and Lamai Wedge. crossings can happen any day from July through October. August is also excellent for elephant in Tarangire — the park has some of the highest elephant densities in Africa during the dry season.

Weather

Dry and sunny, occasionally cool (15–25°C). Clear skies and excellent game viewing conditions. The lowest humidity of the year.

Crowds & Pricing

Peak — August is the European summer holiday month. Northern Serengeti is busy.

Peak season pricing continues. August is one of the most expensive months to visit Tanzania.

Verdict

“Fantastic for wildlife but busy and expensive. Consider Tarangire and Lake Manyara as quieter alternatives with excellent wildlife.”

Wildlife

The Great Migration continues — September is often considered the finest month for Mara River crossings. Wildebeest are still in the northern Serengeti and Lamai Wedge. The crossings remain dramatic with large herds. Excellent general wildlife across all northern parks.

Weather

Dry and sunny. Temperatures begin to rise slightly (20–30°C). Clear skies continue. The last month of the main dry season.

Crowds & Pricing

High but slightly less than August — European school holidays end mid-September

Still peak season. Late September bookings are easier than July-August and sometimes available at slightly better rates.

Verdict

“September is our top pick for the Great Migration. Superb wildlife, good weather, and slightly fewer crowds than August.”

Wildlife

The migration begins its southward movement. Wildebeest start leaving the northern Serengeti. The southern Serengeti around Ndutu begins to receive the first herds. October is also exceptional for elephant in Tarangire, which remains lush and green while other parks dry out.

Weather

The dry season continues. Temperatures rise (25–32°C) as the year-end approaches. October is one of the hottest months on the Serengeti plains.

Crowds & Pricing

Decreasing — European half-term holidays in the UK bring a brief spike, otherwise moderate

Prices start to ease from peak. Late October can offer better rates as the season transitions.

Verdict

“Excellent wildlife and slightly better value than July-September. October combines great game viewing with more availability.”

Wildlife

The short rains usually begin in November, transforming the southern Serengeti. Wildebeest arrive in the Ndutu area — sometimes in enormous numbers. This is an unofficial second calving season, though smaller than January-February. November wildlife can be extraordinary with the green flush.

Weather

Transitional. The short rains typically arrive in November — usually afternoon or evening showers rather than all-day rain. Temperatures remain warm (24–30°C). The landscape begins to turn green.

Crowds & Pricing

Low — one of the quietest months. November is one of the best-kept secrets in Tanzania safari.

Green season pricing returns. November offers exceptional value — wildlife comparable to peak season with 30-40% lower rates.

Verdict

“A hidden gem. November offers some of the best value in the entire safari calendar — great wildlife, green scenery, few tourists, and low rates.”

Wildlife

The green season continues. The wildebeest are in the southern and central Serengeti. December is a magical time — the Serengeti is green and beautiful, wildlife births are beginning, and birdlife is at its richest. This is peak birthing season for many antelope species.

Weather

Warm and variable. Short rains continue (typically afternoon showers). Temperatures 25–30°C. Humidity rises. The Christmas and New Year period brings brief spikes in rain.

Crowds & Pricing

Moderate to high around Christmas and New Year — peak holiday season

Peak season pricing for Christmas/New Year period. Early December still has green season rates.

Verdict

“Christmas in the Serengeti is extraordinary. Book 6+ months ahead for the festive period. Early December offers the best of both worlds — green season scenery with increasing wildlife activity.”