Tanzania in January-February

While the Northern Hemisphere experiences some of its coldest weather around this time of year, January and February bring heat and high humidity to Tanzania during its green season. The landscapes are lush, and many animals give birth to their offspring around this time which means it's a prime time for wildlife viewing: calving season means plenty of baby wildebeest, but also plenty of active predatory kills. Migratory birds are present and visible around this time of year, and as many animals are heading north in search of vegetation and water, you're more likely to spot them grazing. While the humidity is high in surrounding areas, the high altitude of Ngorongoro Crater makes it a cooler haven for animals and travelers alike.

Holidays & Events

• February: Sauti za Busara is an African music festival that takes place annually in Stone Town, Zanzibar.

Must See

Because this is calving season, baby wildebeest are filling the plains and attracting larger preditors. You may be surprised to see that wildebeest calves are born with the ability to walk, and may even begin running minutes after birth.

Tanzania in March-May

March begins a period of heavy rains that typically continues through May, though in recent years it's become less predictable, with May being uncharacteristically dry. With the torrential rains come floods, and even higher humidity. Due to flooding, Tanzania's roads are sometimes subject to closure, meaning certain safari camps don't operate this time of year. Depending on the year, this may mean less access to national parks, but also less tourists. Some even say it's the best time to go when there are fewer crowds and more animals taking advantage of the abundant water sources.

Holidays & Events

• April 26: Union Day (also known as Unification Day) commemorates the 1964 joining of Tanganyika with the People's Republic of Zanzibar to form what is today known as Tanzania.

Must See

The heavy rains this time of year bring higher water levels to Ngorongoro Crater, increasing your chances of seeing huge flocks of flamingo populate the area.

Tanzania in June-August

June begins Tanzania's dry season, attracting the largest crowds of the year. Late June is usually when there are the most safari vehicles. Decreases in both temperature and humidity make it a very comfortable time to be out on safari. June is also the mating season for migrating wildebeests. As the land becomes drier, watering holes disappear, meaning larger groups of animals congregate at whatever water sources they can find. July begins to warm up a bit and we continue to see clear skies. Still one of the driest times of the year, this is when you typically begin to see clouds of dust generating from safari vehicles. (Pro-tip: bring a scarf and sunglasses if you choose to go on safari this time of year.) By August, the dry conditions clearly have taken a toll on the thinning grasslands, making animals easier to spot from far distances. 

Holidays & Events

• July: Zanzibar International Film Festival
• Late July: the annual Mwaka Kogwa Festival in Zanzibar is a traditional celebration of the Shirazi or Persian new year.

Must See

As the land dries out starting in June, millions of wildebeest, antelope, and zebra head north in search of water and better grazing opportunities in what is known as the Great Migration. Individuals form groups, and those groups combine and grow into larger and larger herds as they start to relocate. While catching sight of this sought-after phenomenon is rare, you may see the herds encountering crocodiles as they struggle to make their way across the Serengeti's Grumeti River, one of the first dramatic obstacles nature throws their way. By August, many of the surviving members of the large herd will have made it into Kenya.

Tanzania in September-October

Dry, less humid weather continues around this time of year, and the moderate climate and reduced cloud covering make it a great time to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. Because peak season is over and the animals of Ngorongoro Crater don't migrate, this is also prime time for wildlife viewing at the world's largest inactive volcanic caldera. Though most are still up north, some of the animals of the great migration may begin their journey back south from Kenya. Come October, the temperatures are back on the rise and rainfall begins a gradual increase, though it's still nowhere near that of the wet season. 

Tanzania in November-December

Short overnight rains in the north signal the beginning of the green season and attract animals who had previously left in search of more hospitable lands. In the southern and western regions of Tanzania, these rains may continue through May. Any of the animals who still haven't returned from the great migration typically will have come back to the Serengeti from Kenya by November. Short rains persist into December, freshening up landscapes that had become powdered with dust.

Holidays & Events

• December: Swahili Fashion Week is an annual showcase for fashion and accessory designers from Swahili speaking countries.