Month by month

Tanzania in September

September continues the dry season with excellent visibility for wildlife photography and comfortable daytime temperatures. This is one of the busiest months for safaris and beach tourism combined.

SeasonHigh Season Temperature 20-27°C (68-81°F) Crowds High Prices High

Muhammad Mahdi Karim derivative work: JamesA CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

High season Shoulder Low season

Weather by City in September

CityLow / highRain
  • Dar es Salaam Warm 20° 30° 35 mm
  • Mwanza Mild 18° 28° 34 mm
  • Dodoma Mild 15° 28° 0 mm
  • Zanzibar City Warm 20° 30° 41 mm
  • Arusha Mild 13° 24° 10 mm
  • Mbeya Cool 10° 25° 4 mm
  • Morogoro Warm 18° 30° 26 mm

Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.

Temperature map

Tanzania average temperature in September
-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°

Average temperature across Tanzania in September.

Where to Go in Tanzania in September

Northern Circuit

Arusha, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro

September still leans dry and is often the sunniest month for the northern parks; wadis and rivers are lower and predators concentrate around predictable water points for excellent photography. Kilimanjaro remains favorable for summit pushes before the short rains begin, and visibility from the crater is usually good. Temperatures begin to rise slightly during the day, and bookings start easing late in the month. This is a good month for combining beach extensions on Zanzibar after a safari because island seas are calmer.

Zanzibar & the East Coast

Stone Town, Nungwi, Mafia, Dar es Salaam

September typically remains dry and warm with calm seas and excellent diving conditions around Mafia and Mnemba; it’s one of the best months for underwater photography. Wind remains moderate, keeping the heat bearable, and the crowds start to ease halfway through the month. Book on-shore excursions like spice tours and Jozani Forest visits a little ahead as local guides manage high demand. Bring sunscreen and a light hat for daytime outings.

Lake Victoria & Northwest

Mwanza, Bukoba, Kagera

September warms up with stable weather and little rain; lake breezes keep humidity moderate and visibility for photography is excellent. Wildlife in the smaller reserves around the lake is easy to visit now, and the fishing villages are lively with harvests. Travel arrangements are reliable and accommodation choices are broader as the shoulder season continues. Keep lightweight layers for cooler mornings and evenings by the shore.

Southern & Eastern Parks

Nyerere/Selous, Ruaha, Mikumi

September is often warm and dry with very low rainfall; water becomes scarce in smaller pans and animal concentrations around rivers and permanent pools intensify. The light is excellent for photography and late-season sightings of predators hunting at predictable watering holes are common. Temperatures gradually climb during the day but remain bearable; nights can be chilly. Reserve any walking or boat safaris in advance, as availability tightens.

Southern Highlands

Mbeya, Iringa, Rungwe, Lake Nyasa/Malawi border

September warms steadily and the weather remains mostly dry, creating pleasant conditions for hikes and cultural visits to villages around Iringa. Daytime warmth invites longer walks; evenings grow less chilly. This is a quieter shoulder season with comfortable travel conditions and excellent views of the Rift escarpment on clear days. Pack lightweight layers plus a warmer top for early starts and nights.

Central Plateau & Dodoma Region

Dodoma, Singida, Tabora

September warms noticeably as the dry season peaks, with hot afternoons but typically clear skies; this is good for long drives before the short rains begin. Road maintenance in rural stretches can be limited, so carry extra water and spares if self-driving. Villages prepare for planting season so you may encounter seasonal market activity. Lightweight breathable clothing is recommended for daytime travel.

Events & Festivals in September

Great Wildebeest Migration river crossings (July-September peak)

Many river crossings of the Mara and other rivers occur around this season in the northern Serengeti.

Planning a trip to Tanzania?

See how September compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.