Weather and Climate in Tanzania and Zanzibar
When to travel to Tanzania and Zanzibar?
Mountaineering Tanzania and exotic Zanzibar are located in the middle of the tropical climate belt, quite close to the equator. Therefore, it is relatively hot here all year round. Due to the height differences, which are especially found on the mainland, you can experience large climatic variations. Tanzania and Zanzibar offer alpine, temperate and tropical climates.
Twice a year, the rain falls heavily over the country. The light rainy season is in November, while the heavy rainy season lasts from April to May. You will find the best and driest climatic conditions in Tanzania and on Zanzibar if you travel in the high season from December to February or in the secondary high season from June to October. It is also during these seasons that there is the best opportunity to experience the African wildlife and to enjoy warm evenings on Zanzibar’s white sandy beaches.
General about the weather in Tanzania and on Zanzibar
According to topb2bwebsites, the weather in Tanzania and Zanzibar is mainly due to sun and high temperatures due to the country’s beautiful location. The Tanzanian mainland has a number of sky-high mountain peaks. It provides a terrain that beats in bays, which is why there can be large weather differences depending on how far inland you are and at what altitude. On Zanzibar, the climate is more monotonous throughout the island. Zanzibar is surrounded by water and therefore it is a coastal climate that characterizes the delicious holiday paradise.
When we have winter in Denmark, it is summer in Tanzania and on Zanzibar. If you dream of traveling away from the Danish cold, then the weather here is probably what you are looking for. Whether you should travel to the mainland or the holiday islands depends on what you want to experience on your holiday. If you dream of a safari or an active holiday with, for example, mountaineering Kilimanjaro or Arusha, then you should go to the mainland of Tanzania. If the white sandy beaches, relaxation and perhaps water activities attract you, then Zanzibar is a really good offer for the perfect destination for you. Wherever you go in Tanzania, you are guaranteed a fantastic trip under the African sun.
At the coast
The warmest skies on your trip to Tanzania, you will find in the cities along the coast or on amazing Zanzibar. The tropical climate belt adds color to your skin with an average temperature of 27-28 ° C.
On the African coastline, however, a little more rain falls than in the rest of the country. Especially during Tanzania’s two rainy seasons, this will be felt. The rain naturally affects the climate so that here it is more humid and hot than in other parts of Tanzania.
Zanzibar | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Christmas | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Rain | 84 | 54 | 150 | 385 | 254 | 70 | 50 | 48 | 52 | 96 | 216 | 184 |
Max. temp. | 32 | 33 | 32 | 30 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 31 |
Mine. temp. | 23 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
At the plateaus
In the central part of Tanzania where plateaus and savannas stretch widely, the climate is also tropical. However, it will feel more temperate and less humid as the climate is not affected by the water as it does on the coast.
If you travel to Tanzania, it often includes safaris on the Serengeti Plain. Here it is obvious to travel in December-March, when the plain is lush and the wildlife shows itself at its best. If you want to experience the big wildebeest hike, you have to wait until April.
Serengeti | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Christmas | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Rain | 79 | 101 | 130 | 156 | 89 | 34 | 13 | 28 | 54 | 71 | 117 | 106 |
Max temp. | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 28 |
Mine. temp. | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
In the mountains
Everywhere in Tanzania, huge mountains and extinct volcanoes shoot up into the air. Africa’s highest mountain Kilimanjaro in particular is a favorite among tourists. At the top of the 5,895 meter high mountain, you will somewhat surprisingly experience an alpine climate, despite the fact that you are in a tropical climate on land.
To the tops of Kilimanjaro it will at times be minus degrees, and in a few areas there will also be snow. If you take the hard hike up one of the Tanzanian mountains, you will be taken on a journey through several climates.
Kilimanjaro | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Christmas | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Rain | 47 | 42 | 119 | 327 | 174 | 41 | 31 | 21 | 20 | 41 | 88 | 63 |
Max temp. | 31 | 32 | 32 | 29 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 26 | 28 | 30 | 30 | 31 |
Mine. temp. | 17 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 18 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 19 |