Tanzania weather and climate
Stretching from the sunlit shores of the Indian Ocean to the elevated plateaus and lush Savannah Tanzania reveals a complex interplay of weather patterns.
The weather is shaped by a number of factors such as nearness to the equator , altitude and proximity to waterbodies .
Typically the country experiences Tropical climate characterized by generally two seasons ie the dry and wet seasons however these seasons can slightly differ between the northern , southern, central and coastal regions .
The dry season runs from June to September and December to February and is the most popular time for tourists embarking on wildlife safaris . Rainfall during this season is minimal whereas temperatures are moderate . The skies are clear and temperatures range from range from 20°C to 28°C during the day and drop up to 12°C at night .
The wet season runs from March to May and here long rains are experience and from October to November short rains are experienced . The long rains usually affect transport routes in National parks as roads become muddy whereas short rains don’t affect travel plans . The long rains on the other hand are important for agriculture and growth of trees .
It’s important to note that the interplay between the coastal influences and inland altitudes give rise to markedly different climatic zones . Along the coastal regions like Zanzibar and Dar es salaam hot and humid climate is experienced through the year . Temperatures range between 25°C to 32°C and high humidity makes the region even feel more warmer .
The vast plateau regions and highland areas like Dodoma , Arusha , Serengeti, and Kilimanjaro experience weather greatly affected by altitude.
The highland areas mean that temperatures can be cooler than those at the coast and this provides a refreshing change from the relentless tropical heat .
In areas around lake Victoria , the lake contributes to higher humidity and frequent rainfall in the northwestern region in towns like Mwanza and Bukoba .
For travelers planning a visit in Tanzania to engage in barious safari activities. Wildlife enthusiasts and beach goers should visit in the dry season because of the favorable conditions . While for bird watchers the wet season is the best because many migratory birds visit the park then .
