Tanzania lies below the equator, the coolest months occur during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer, and all-year round the weather remains pleasant and comfortable.

Between June to October, temperatures range from around 10 degrees C in the northern highlands to about 23 degrees C on the coast. On the plains and the lower-altitude game reserves, the temperatures from June to October are warm and mild. On the coast, these months are some of the most pleasant to visit , with balmy, sunny weather much of the day and cooling ocean breezes at night.

From December to March, the days are hot and sunny with often not a cloud in the sky. Temperatures range from the mid-twenties to the low thirties throughout the country, while visitors flock to the parks and beaches to escape the dreariness of late winder in colder climes. Clear sunny days are the norm in the northern highlands and the golden light tempers the heat of mid-day in late afternoon and the especially striking sunsets. In the game parks and central plains, the beautiful weather provides perfect opportunities for unhampered game viewing, and clear night skies offer perfect opportunities for star-gazing and romantic evenings in the bush. On the shores of the Swahili Coast, the Indian Ocean reaches its highest temperatures and is ideal for swimming at any time of day or night.

As mentioned earlier, Tanzania lies so close to the equator that seasonal variations in temperature are not extreme. The elevation in the north is such that it doesn’t ever get too hot. While the weather is best between June and September, don’t plan on seeing any animals in the Serengeti - they will have migrated to Kenya. September to March is a good time to go, but avoid April and May, when the weather is at its rainiest. As you approach the top of Kilimanjaro, temperatures can be well below freezing year-round, especially at night. Many of the northern wildlife reserves are about 10 degrees C cooler year-round than elsewhere. Take along a heavy sweater and a windbreaker or jacket.

Owing to the country’s widely varying topography, Tanzania’s climate displays a great range of regional differences.

The climate along the coast: Coastal region, Dar-es-Salaam, Lindi, Mtwara and Tanga, and the off-shore Islands of Mafia, Pemba and Unguja are tropical with relatively high humidity. The average temperature, which is moderated by the sea breeze, especially on the islands, ranges between 27 and 29 degrees C.

In the central, northern and western: Around Mwanza Kagera, Kigoma, Shinyanga and Tabora, the climate is modified by highland plateau; low humidity, with temperatures ranging between 20 and 27 degrees C during the cooler months of June and August. The temperature can reach as high as 30 degrees C and higher between the months of December and March.

North-east and south-west: In the mountainous areas of the Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Mara region and Mbeya, Rukwa, Iringa and Ruvuma, and Makonde Plateau (Newalla, Masasi, Nachingwea and Tunduru), the temperature occasionally drops below 15 degrees C at night during the months of June and July. In the area around Rungwe Mountains, the temperature can reach as low as 8 or 6 degrees C.

Central: A large part of the central regions (Dodoma and Singida) is semi-arid, receiving less than 500 mm of rain annually. In contrast, the mountainous area in the north-east and south-west receive over 2000 mm of rain annually. Along the coast (Dar-es-Salaam, Tanga, Lindi, Mtwara and coastal region), rainfall ranges between 1000 and 1900 mm.

General: There are two rain seasons throughout the country: the long season from mid March through May, the short rain seasons fall during November, December and January. The coolest months are from June to October, and the warmest are December to March.