tanzania-weather-and-climate

What is the Tanzania Weather Look Like

The Republic of Tanzania weather: It stays hot and humid throughout the year, with rainfall a possibility even during the dry seasons. During the rainy seasons, precipitation is more reliable here than it is inland. Afternoon downpours are heavy but brief, and often bookended by sunny weather.

Just south of the equator, Tanzania is huge and its sheer size means that the climate varies considerably within it. However, generally the main rainy season, or the 'long rains', lasts during about March, April and May. Afternoon tropical downpours are the norm – which are heavier and more predictable beside the coast and on the islands. The humidity is high and daily temperatures reach the low-mid 30°s.

The Tanzania Long Dry Season

The long dry season lasts throughout June, July, August, September and October is when rainfall is unusual, even on the islands. Temperatures vary hugely with altitude and location, but it's usually a fine, clear sky and sunny weather – it's a great time to visit Tanzania. During November and December there's another rainy season: the 'short rains'. These are much lighter than the main rains and less reliable.

The Best Time to Visit Tanzania

The best time to visit Tanzania is from July to October when the country is at its driest. This coincides with the migration river crossings, however, all the parks offer amazing wildlife sightings at this time as the grasses and bush are at their least dense.

January And February Weather In Tanzania

If it has rained during the short rains, then it normally dries up for a few months, January and February, which is Tanzania's 'short dry season', before starting to rain again in earnest in March.

The best time to see the great wildebeest migration

Most of Tanzania's popular tourist destinations experience two rainy seasons and two dry seasons every year. The long rains usually last from early March to late May, bringing with them heavy afternoon downpours and high humidity. Temperatures at this time of year frequently exceed 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius). The short rainy season (November and December) sees lighter, less reliable rains and the start of the hottest time of year, which lasts until the end of February. Temperatures during this period can get as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius).

Tanzania Weather and Climate, Seasons and Average Monthly Temperature

Here is a broad guide to the climate of Tanzania – although remember that this comes from records and experience, not from a crystal ball. Weather patterns across Africa are becoming increasingly unpredictable, probably due to global warming; we're seeing downpours in the middle of deserts and damaging droughts when rains should be falling.

Given the temperatures, light clothing (preferably made of natural materials) is best. Include a light sweatshirt and raincoat, as well as a sun hat and sunscreen. At higher elevation, a jacket might be necessary for the evening when temperatures drop.

Average Monthly Temperature, Rainfall, and Daylight Hours
Month Avg. Temp. Rainfall Daylight
January 90 F 3 in 12 hours
February 90 F 2.2 in 12 hours
March 90 F 5.5 in 12 hours
April 88 F 10 in 12 hours
May 82 F 7.9 in 12 hours
June 84 F 1.8 in 11 hours
July 84 F 1 in 11 hours
August 84 F 1 in 11 hours
September 86 F 1 in 12 hours
October 88 F 2.8 in 12 hours
November 88 F 4.9 in 12 hours
December 90 F 4.7 in 12 hours

What is Tanzania's national dish?

Ugali. Ugali is the meal that could be considered as Tanzania's national dish. It is a stiff dough prepared with cornmeal (maize meal), cassava flour, sorghum or millet. The dish is usually served with a sauce that contains either fish, meat, cooked vegetables or beans.

What is Tanzania's culture?

The largest ethnic groups include the Sukuma (over three million), Chagga, Haya, and Nyamwezi (over one million each). Despite the numerous cultural diversity represented by all these tribes, they are all united by use of Swahili or Kiswahili - a coastal Bantu language with Arabic influence.

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