The best time to visit Tanzania
The best time to visit Tanzania for warm, sunny weather is June to September, when its destinations average a Sunshine Score of 92/100 with daytime highs around 27°C / 81°F. May and October are quieter shoulder-season alternatives with still-reliable sun. The sea is swimmable (21°C+) year-round, warmest in February at 31°C.
Tanzania by month, averaged across 3 destinations from long-term climate normals — the best stretch is highlighted.
| Month | Sunshine Score | Avg day high | Rain | Sea | For a trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 81 | 29° / 84°F | 80 mm | 30° | Excellent |
| February | 83 | 30° / 86°F | 68 mm | 31° | Excellent |
| March | 72 | 30° / 86°F | 126 mm | 31° | Excellent |
| April | 68 | 28° / 82°F | 220 mm | 29° | Very good |
| May | 71 | 27° / 81°F | 142 mm | 29° | Excellent |
| June | 91 | 26° / 79°F | 24 mm | 28° | Excellent |
| July | 93 | 27° / 81°F | 11 mm | 27° | Excellent |
| August | 93 | 27° / 81°F | 14 mm | 27° | Excellent |
| September | 92 | 28° / 82°F | 21 mm | 27° | Excellent |
| October | 83 | 29° / 84°F | 66 mm | 28° | Excellent |
| November | 73 | 29° / 84°F | 121 mm | 30° | Excellent |
| December | 75 | 29° / 84°F | 110 mm | 30° | Excellent |
When to go — and when to think twice
Best overall: June to September — Tanzania's warmest, most reliable stretch (Sunshine Score 92/100, ~27°C / 81°F days). Shoulder season: May and October — quieter, still sunny. Hottest: February, ~30°C / 86°F. Wettest: April (220 mm) — pack for showers.
Where to base yourself for sunshine: Zanzibar (2,838 h/yr), Dar es Salaam (2,815 h/yr), Arusha (2,672 h/yr). See every Tanzania destination with a full climate card, or where it's sunny worldwide, month by month.