Tanzania Weather in February: Travel Tips for First-Timers

In February, Tanzania receives low rainfall in the north near Kenya and heavy rain in the south. Most of the country has hot or very hot weather. February is part of a short dry season. The rainfall increases at the end of the month. February is a good time to go to wilderness areas and see the beautiful lush landscape and animals.

Read on for our travel advice and weather information including average temperatures, rainfall, and humidity, and travel tips…

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Tanzania Weather in February: Overview

Averages:

• Temperature range: 18–31°C (65–87°F)
• Rainfall: 8 cm (3 inches)
• Rainy days: 4
• Sunshine hours/day:8 hours

February is a good month for touring in the north since there is low or moderate rainfall at the main travel highlights.

Weather of Tanzania's Major Cities in February

In the short dry season, you can go to northern wilderness areas and see the animals. Tanzania is said to have the greatest concentration of large wild animals in the world.

Northern Tanzania: The various famous northern attractions such as the Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Lake Victoria, and the Ngorongoro Crater, as well as Arusha, have warm to hot temperatures and moderate to low rainfall in February. It is a wildebeest birthing month. Conditions are good to see the animals.

Southern Tanzania: February is further along in the south's wet season with heavy rainfall. In general, it is not a good month to tour the south because the popular southern natural parks such as Ruaha and Nyerere are hot, humid, and have heavy rainfall. Mosquitoes are a problem.

The Best Places to Visit in Tanzania in February

Top things to do in February include enjoying savanna and wilderness areas and watching the baby animals, going to the beaches, and touring in Dar Es Salaam.

1. Dar Es Salaam — Tour the Highlights

Dar Es Salaam is the capital with 6 million people and has the largest airport in Tanzania. Many tourists use its airport as a convenient way to access the natural parks in the south. It's sunny and hot with moderate rainfall, and the rainfall increases at the end of the month.

Places to go in Dar Es Salaam: The National Museum explains Tanzanian history and culture. Bongoyo Island is a protected island offshore that offers a natural getaway.

Natural highlights within driving distance of Dar Es Salaam: Pugu Hills Forest Reserve (1 hour drive). Further afield, there are Mikumi National Park (4½ hours' drive), Udzungwa Mountains (5 hours), Nyerere National Park (6½ hours), and Ruaha National Park (10 hours).

2. Serengeti — Spot the Wildlife

February is a good time to see the animals give birth and graze in the lush green Serengeti. The weather is good for a safari. It is warm, sunny, comfortable at night, and only moderately rainy.

Like the adjacent Maasai Mara, the Serengeti National Park is where the Maasai people live, and you could experience Maasai culture. The Serengeti is about 20 times bigger with a more diverse habitat. Many people want to tour both parks, however crossing the border is somewhat difficult.

Transport: It takes about 7 hours to drive to Serengeti from Nairobi. It takes about 3½ hours to drive there from Maasai Mara plus additional time at the border. From Arusha Airport, it takes about 9 hours.

3. Ngorogoro Crater — Safari

If you want to see a distinct ecosystem dense with wildlife to watch in the biggest volcanic crater in the world, Ngorogoro is the place, and it is easy to go to since it is only 180 km (110 miles) west of Arusha City (a 3-hour drive). Think of it as a big mammal aquarium in volcanic mountains.

February is a good month to go safariing there, since there is a short, somewhat dry, season in the crater in January and February. Expect comfortable weather in the crater, but freezing temperatures at night on the rim since the bottom is about a mile high at about 1,700 meters (5,577 feet) and the rim is about 2,300 meters (8,530 feet) above sea level.

A favorite thing for tourists to do other than stay at hotels on the rim is to take a safari ride to get up close to the trumpeting elephants! There is 260 square kilometers (100 square miles) to safari.

4. Arusha National Park — Hike, Sightsee, Safari

Arusha National Park is in the middle of a stretch of beautiful national parks across Kenya and Tanzania. February is one of the best months to go due to less rainfall and sunny skies, and you can watch the newborn animals in the 500 square kilometer (200 square mile) preserve.

You could also hike on the second highest mountain in Tanzania, Mount Meru. It is a volcano 4,566 meters (14,980 feet) tall with an easy slope for hiking, and there is great scenery. People usually hike it in 3 or 4 days. The first half of the month has less rainfall.

You could hike through extensive forests and see giraffes and other wildlife. Mount Meru is 70 km (44 miles) from Kilimanjaro. The park is an hour and a half from Kilimanjaro International Airport. Driving from Nairobi to Arusha National Park takes 5 hours.

5. Arusha — Resting, Food, and Excursions

Arusha is a little town called the Safari Capital. People visiting the region like to stay and rest there and use it as a base for northern excursions. It has luxurious lodges and hotels and a domestic airport and is close to Kilimanjaro Airport. The weather is mild in February, temperatures range from 17°C (63°F) to 30°C (85°F), and the average rainfall is a low/moderate 7 cm (2 inches).

There is a large expat population. There are many things to do there such as going to the nearby huge natural preserves for excursions and dining at gourmet restaurants.

Transport: Driving from Nairobi takes 5 hours and driving from Kilimanjaro International Airport takes an hour.

Moderate Tourist Season: Touring Advice for February

February is in one of Tanzania's moderate tourist seasons, and since Tanzania's north is in its short dry season, there is an attractive mix of lower prices, thinner crowds, great lush green wilderness, and activities to do. You can find deals on accommodation and flights. February is a good month for a tour Tanzania's north.

There are no public holidays in February.

What to Wear in February

Throughout the country, especially in the south where it is rainier in February, mosquitoes could be a big nuisance. A hat, long-sleeved shirt, and light trousers or long dress would help you to avoid mosquito bites and sunburn. A mosquito net might be handy. Carry mosquito repellent.

You would need a jacket for the highlands. Bring winter clothes for the high mountains. Bring rain gear or umbrellas. Wear neutral-colored clothes to avoid alarming the animals.

Monthly Weather in Tanzania

Recommended Tours for Tanzania in February

A private tour is recommended. Our travel experts know the local conditions and are good at optimizing your trip for comfort, enjoyment, safety and speed of travel and so are our local guides and private drivers.

With Global Highlights, if you want some private time with your traveling companion(s) while hiking in a wilderness preserve or going on safari, we are flexible to do as much itinerary tailoring and expert arranging as you need to make the best trip for you.

Contact us to begin a tour inquiry.