Best Time to Visit – Tanzania

Tanzania is best visited during the dry season, which runs from late June to October, when wildlife watching is at its peak. The Serengeti’s wildebeest migration takes place in June and July, and the best time to view wildebeest calving is late January to February. The southern and western circuit parks, in contrast to the more popular northern circuit parks, are best visited during the dry season (June to October).

Best Time: June to October (All parks), June-July and January-February (Serengeti for the wildebeest migration and calving)

High Season: July to March (northern circuit parks; they get crowded), July to October (southern and western circuit parks; they don’t really get crowded any time of the year)

Low Season: April and May (northern circuit parks still get quite a few visitors unlike the southern and western circuit parks, where many lodges close down)

Best Weather: June to October (Little to no rainfall)

Worst Weather: March and April (Peak of Wet season)

June to October –Dry Season

June to October Dry Season

  • June and July are the best months to see the wildebeest migration
  • August to September is the best time to see the wildebeest river crossings in northern Serengeti
  • Animals are easier to spot since they concentrate around waterholes and rivers
  • There are fewer mosquitoes because there is little to no rain
  • Skies are clear and most days are sunny
  • Mornings and nights get cold; it’s recommended to bring warm clothing

November to May –Wet Season

  • January-February is the time to see the calving in the southern Serengeti, and an excellent time to see predator action
  • The scenery is green and beautiful; it’s low season, meaning lower rates and less crowded parks
  • Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you’ll still see plenty, especially in the northern circuit parks
  • Migratory birds are present, and bird watching is at its best
  • Except for March, April and May, rains are mostly short afternoon showers and seldom interfere on your trip
  • March to May is the peak of the Wet season
  • Wildlife viewing in Tarangire, Katavi, Nyerere and Ruaha is better during the Dry season

Best Time to Go to Tanzania by Major Park

Throughout the year, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater provide excellent animal viewing opportunities. The greatest months to witness the migration are June and July, and February is the optimum month for wildebeest calving. Throughout Tanzania, the dry months provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The best time to visit Tarangire and the southern and western circuit parks (including Katavi, Nyerere, and Ruaha) is from June to October.