When to go · Tanzania
Tanzania in January
Great month. Herds gather on the southern Serengeti plains around Ndutu; calving starts late in the month.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Great
- Crowds
- Medium
- Tanzania
- Prices
- Medium
- Tanzania
Verdict
Herds gather on the southern Serengeti plains around Ndutu; calving starts late in the month.
Weather in January
- Northern circuit · Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengetibest weather
Short rains Nov–Dec are light; long rains Apr–May close some camps. Migration position changes month to month.
- Kilimanjaro · Moshi, Marangu, the mountainbest weather
Summit nights below −10 °C all year; best climbing Jan–Mar and Jun–Oct.
- Zanzibar and the coast · Stone Town, Nungwi, Paje, Dar es Salaam, Pembabest weather
Humid; the masika rains Apr–May are heavy and several resorts close.
- Southern parks · Nyerere (Selous), Ruaha, Mikumirainy
One long wet season Nov–Apr; many camps open only June–October.
- Western lakes · Mahale, Gombe, Katavi, Lake Tanganyikarainy
Chimp trekking is easiest in the dry season when chimps come down the slopes.
- Arusha27° / 13°, 6 rain days
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
New Year's Day
1 Jan
Zanzibar busy.
Zanzibar Revolution Day
12 Jan
Holiday; events in Stone Town.
Southern Serengeti calving season begins check
Through February · Arusha
Peak safari demand; Arusha hotels and vehicles book up.
Peak safari season start
December–February · Arusha
Southern Serengeti calving season draws safari traffic through Arusha; book lodges and vehicles early.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Tanzania
- Medium
- Prices · Tanzania
- Medium
What to pack
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast
Where to go in January
Rated best or good this month
Northern circuit
Best weather of the year (Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti)
Kilimanjaro
Best weather of the year (Moshi, Marangu, the mountain)
Zanzibar and the coast
Best weather of the year (Stone Town, Nungwi, Paje, Dar es Salaam, Pemba)
Short dry spell; warm.