Tanzania sits just south of the equator and with its sheer size, the climate varies considerably depending on where you are. Listed below is a broad guide to each area we are visiting. Keep in mind that these are based on historical patterns and not necessarily a forecast for our trip in February/March 2020. There have been major weather shifts and unpredictable changes recently in parts of Africa and really throughout the world. If you follow our Africa Packing Recommendations, you should be well prepared for most anything.

TARANGIRE

Located southwest of Arusha, weather in Tarangire is temperate and enjoyable. The altitude varies widely from 3,232-5,013 ft. Temperatures drop by about 3.5°F for every 1,000 ft. you climb, so even within the park there are wide climatic variations. During the rainy parts of the year, it usually rains in the afternoon and rarely for the entire day. Over the year, temperatures do not change much. It rarely gets too hot but the evenings and mornings tend to get cooler. In January and February, a dry spell occurs after the short rains. The beginning of the spell is difficult to predict. Average temperatures in February: 62-86°F.

ARUSHA

Located at the foot of Mount Meru, at an elevation of approximately 4,600 ft., is the city of Arusha. Here, the temperature is pleasant year-round with a daily average of 66°F between January-April. Between November-March, it can get hot during the day. Nights are generally cool throughout the year. Average temperatures in February: 50-80°F.

NGORONGORO

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is to the west of Arusha and to the south of the Serengeti. It can be rainy, at least in the highest areas, which exceed 6,500 ft. Where the lodges are located (approximately 7,900 ft.), the weather is spring-like all year round, with cool nights, sometimes even a bit cold, while during the day it is pleasantly warm from October-March. Here, as in the far northwest, thunderstorms can sometimes occur even in the dry season (January and February). Average temperatures in March: 50-72°F.

SERENGETI

The Serengeti National Park is located northwest of Arusha, towards Lake Victoria and the border of Kenya. Here, the altitude varies 3,600/6,600 ft. This is the area of the savanna: a grassland which becomes greener and taller during the rainy parts of the year. Average temperatures in March: 61-84°F.

ZANZIBAR

Located off the coast of mainland Tanzania, this semi-autonomous island is tropical and hot year-round. The warmest period is from October-March but the sea in Zanzibar is always warm enough for swimming. The heaviest rainfall occurs in April but being a tropical island, rain is always a possibility and very welcome especially during the hot months. Average temperatures in March: 73-90°F.