Tanzania in August: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for August
Average temperature across Tanzania in August.
City Weather in August
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam | 29° | 19° | 33 mm | extreme | Warm |
| Mwanza | 28° | 17° | 20 mm | extreme | Mild |
| Dodoma | 27° | 14° | 0 mm | extreme | Mild |
| Zanzibar City | 29° | 20° | 34 mm | extreme | Warm |
| Arusha | 22° | 13° | 8 mm | very high | Cool |
| Mbeya | 23° | 8° | 1 mm | extreme | Cool |
| Morogoro | 28° | 17° | 14 mm | very high | Mild |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
Northern Circuit (Arusha, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro)
August remains reliably dry and cool, ideal for watching migration crossings in the northern Serengeti and for climbing Kilimanjaro on stable weather windows. Moshi and Arusha have crisp mornings that warm quickly; expect dust on some unpaved roads. This is a busy month - hotels, camps and flights sell out - and prices are at a high. Bring sun protection, layered clothing for cool dawns, and permits for Kilimanjaro that you should have secured in advance.
Zanzibar & the East Coast (Stone Town, Nungwi, Mafia, Dar es Salaam)
August stays cool by island standards, with consistent trade winds that make daytime heat manageable and seas calm - perfect for day trips and snorkeling safaris. Beachside restaurants and dive operators are in full swing; expect lively evenings in coastal towns. Malaria risk is lower than in inland marshlands but still present in mangrove fringes; a few mozzie coils at dusk are useful. Prices remain high in popular resorts.
Lake Victoria & Northwest (Mwanza, Bukoba, Kagera)
August tends to be the coolest month by the lakeshore with clear, sunny days and cool evenings; this is a prime month for outdoor activities and long hikes around the lakeside hills. Traveling between Mwanza, Bukoba and the countryside is straightforward as roads are dry. Cultural visits and village homestays are more comfortable now that rains have receded. Take sunscreen for daytime and a warm layer for nights on the water.
Southern & Eastern Parks (Nyerere/Selous, Ruaha, Mikumi)
August continues the dry, clear conditions that make it one of the best months for western and southern Tanzania safaris: long game drives in Ruaha and motorboat safaris in Selous run reliably. Daytime heat is moderate, and evenings remain cool-ideal for night drives where permitted. Expect dust on unpaved tracks and bring sunglasses and a buff for dusty mornings. This is prime time for photography and wildlife-focused holidays.
Southern Highlands (Mbeya, Iringa, Rungwe, Lake Nyasa/Malawi border)
August is typically the coolest month in the highlands with bright, dry days and frosty mornings in sheltered spots - a comforting contrast to the coast’s heat. The trekking season is at its peak for those wanting crisp conditions and clear vistas across valleys and tea estates. High-altitude birding is excellent, and accommodations are generally open and reliable. Bring warm layers for night and early-morning activities.
Central Plateau & Dodoma Region (Dodoma, Singida, Tabora)
August remains pleasantly dry and warm, making it one of the most reliable months for cross-country drives; dust can still be a factor on unpaved stretches. Wildlife is less concentrated here than in national parks, but birding and rural cultural experiences are accessible and comfortable. Accommodation is widely available and local markets are busy. A sun hat and sunglasses will keep daytime travel more comfortable.