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Seasonal Guide
Best Time to Visit Tanzania
Tanzania offers incredible experiences year-round. Discover the perfect season for your safari, trek, or beach holiday.
Two Main Seasons
Season Overview
Tanzania's climate is shaped by two distinct seasons, each offering a unique safari experience.
Dry Season
June – October- Best time for game viewing as animals gather at water sources
- Clear skies and sunny days with cool mornings
- Peak safari season across all national parks
- Higher prices and advance booking recommended
- Ideal for the Great Migration river crossings
Wet Season
November – May- Lush green scenery and dramatic skies for photography
- Calving season (Jan–Feb) with incredible predator action
- Fewer tourists and a more intimate safari experience
- Lower prices and excellent value across lodges
- Short rains Nov–Dec, long rains Mar–May
12-Month Breakdown
Month-by-Month Guide
Plan your trip around the weather, wildlife, and migration patterns that matter most to you.
January
Short dry
20–30°C
Low Rainfall
Calving in southern Serengeti, excellent birdwatching
Southern Serengeti, calving grounds
February
Short dry
20–30°C
Low Rainfall
Calving continues, best time for predator action
Southern Serengeti, peak calving season
March
Long rains begin
20–28°C
High Rainfall
Green season starts, lower prices across lodges
Southern to central Serengeti
April
Long rains
19–27°C
High Rainfall
Budget travel, lush green landscapes
Central Serengeti
May
Rains end
18–27°C
Medium Rainfall
Shoulder season, great value for travelers
Western Serengeti corridor
June
Dry
15–27°C
Low Rainfall
Excellent game viewing begins, migration moving north
Western corridor heading north
July
Dry
14–27°C
Low Rainfall
Peak season, migration river crossings begin
Grumeti River crossings
August
Dry
15–28°C
Low Rainfall
Peak season, dramatic Mara River crossings
Mara River, dramatic crossings
September
Dry
16–29°C
Low Rainfall
Excellent wildlife viewing, migration in northern Serengeti
Northern Serengeti and Mara
October
Dry ends
18–30°C
Low Rainfall
Last of the dry season, migration heading south
Northern Serengeti heading south
November
Short rains
19–30°C
Medium Rainfall
Green season starts, bird migration arrives
Central Serengeti, moving south
December
Short rains end
20–30°C
Medium Rainfall
Festive season, herds heading to southern Serengeti
Southern Serengeti, herds arriving
The Great Migration
Migration Calendar
The Great Migration is one of nature's most spectacular events, with over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle traveling in a continuous circular route through the Serengeti ecosystem.
The herds follow the rains in a clockwise loop across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. The migration is continuous, with no true beginning or end, but key events happen at predictable times each year.
Jan – Mar
Calving Season
Southern Serengeti
Hundreds of thousands of calves are born on the short-grass plains of Ndutu. Predator action is at its peak.
Apr – Jun
Northward Trek
Central & Western Corridor
The herds begin their long march north through the western corridor, crossing the Grumeti River.
Jul – Sep
River Crossings
Northern Serengeti & Mara
The most dramatic moments of the migration as herds brave crocodile-infested Mara River crossings.
Oct – Dec
Return South
Eastern Serengeti & South
Following the short rains, the herds begin their journey back to the southern Serengeti calving grounds.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
No matter the season, Tanzania has something extraordinary waiting for you. Let our local experts help you choose the perfect time and itinerary.