Weather in Tanzania in February
What is the temperature like in Tanzania in February? It depends where you are! The mainland enjoys quite a range, from a cool 16°C (pack a jacket!) to a warm 29°C. If you are heading for one of our island paradises, you can expect it to be hot with lows of 23°C, up to a high of 32°C. Make sure you keep sun protection on hand!
February marks the end of our short rains, and so everything is lush, green, and humid. You may want to have a raincoat on hand for the scattered showers, but it’s worth it at this time of year since the scenery is absolutely beautiful. You also have the benefit of enjoying the highest average hours of sunshine that we get all year – and you know what that means…the best photographic conditions available countrywide!
Lodges in Tanzania in February
Tanzania is a traveller’s paradise and there are so many beautiful accommodation options to choose from. February is part of our peak season for the Northern and Eastern circuits, which means that accommodations can get very busy.
On the other hand, it is much less busy in the Southern and Western circuits during February, so it depends where you would like to visit. If you need some advice, chat to us and we can help you choose the trip of a lifetime!
Northern Tanzania Safari in February
1. The Wildebeest Migration in February
The sighting of a lifetime should be timed well, don’t you agree? So when is the best time to see the Great Wildebeest Migration? February is a wonderful time to see the migration in action and, even better, it’s the ideal time of year to see some calving. You could witness the birth of a wildebeest calf!
It’s a perfect time to see some newborn calves – and with an increase in babies, there’s an increase in sightings of the predators who hunt them. Nothing beats the thrill of witnessing a hunt in the wild, and if you visit us in February, your chances of viewing one in the flesh are excellent!
2. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in February
Your heart is set on adventure and the mountain awaits you. But when is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? February is a great month for your climb – it’s warm and you are blessed with clear, sunny skies in the mornings and evenings, making the view all the more beautiful. The afternoons tend to bring some clouds and there’s a chance of rainfall.
February is probably the warmest month on the mountain, which is wonderful – but it can get crowded, as trekkers flock to Mount Kilimanjaro in February. Make sure that you book your trek with us well in advance so you can capitalise on getting your climb in during the warmest month.
3. Game drives, wildlife and birds in February
Are you a birding enthusiast? February is one of the best times for you to visit Tanzania! So many migratory birds are not just visible but resplendent in their full breeding plumage, and bird-watching is at its finest, particularly in Tarangire National Park.
The birds enjoy the increased number of insects during the wet season, but humans tend to enjoy this a little less – pack some bug repellent to be safe! Oh, and of course the calving season means your chances of spotting babies are excellent.
Tanzania Beaches in February
1. Zanzibar Island in February
February is one of our favourite times to visit Zanzibar. Let your worries melt away in the deliciously warm weather, with temperatures averaging a summery 35°C most days and cool down in the vibrant blue lagoons and bays populating Zanzibar’s coast.
The Zanzibar Archipelago is also fantastic for exploring: February is the perfect time to explore the seas to see pods of dolphins, take a tour of UNESCO World Heritage Site Stone Town, or even take a tour of the spice farms to see where the Spice Islands got their name from!
2. Mafia Island in February
Mafia Island is a warm, welcoming, and wonderful place. February in Mafia is hot, humid, and oh so sunny. Lounge around on Mafia’s intimate beaches or cool off from the heat by taking a dive and exploring the exquisite ocean ecosystem surrounding the island.
3. Pemba Island in February
Pemba Island, the lesser-known of Tanzania’s spice islands, is a tourist’s paradise. Known as the ‘Green Island’ by locals, in February you can certainly expect this island to live up to its name. Be sure to pick up some local mangoes, coconuts, and bananas before hitting the beach!
Southern Tanzania Safari in February
1. Game drives, wildlife, and birds in February
One of the most incredible things about southern Tanzania in February is the incredible number of birds that take to the sky. The early part of the year is breeding season for the migratory birds in Tanzania, meaning there is a lot of avian activity in the national parks.
Add to that the incredible foliage of Ruaha, Tarangire, and Nyerere in full bloom and you have an exquisite burst of colours awaiting you should you visit the Southern Circuit of Tanzania in February.
2. Ruaha National Park in February
February is a great time of year to visit Ruaha National Park if you are an avid birdwatcher. Migratory birds return in full breeding plumage, creating a beautiful display for bird enthusiasts. They feast on the array of insects available, which is wonderful for photos but you will definitely want to bring along some repellent.
The southern circuit is much less busy in February, so this is an ideal time to capitalise on some privacy while viewing wildlife in our lush parks.
3. Nyerere National Park in February
February offers you the delightful spectacle of the park’s nature in full bloom. Because the park is more often frequented in the dry season, going in February will offer you a more intimate experience. February is an excellent time to visit the park if you are an avid birder, as it is peak migration season.
Chimpanzee trekking in February
1. Mahale Mountains National Park in February
The Mahale Mountains National Park feels like a prehistoric jungle in February. While the most famous inhabitants, the chimpanzees, are higher in the mountains in February, the densely-forested and remote park offers a glimpse of nature untouched by human beings with its flora flush and blooming from rain.
2. Katavi National Park in February
Slip out of the traditional and jump headfirst into the unknown by visiting Katavi National Park. February’s weather makes the deep jungles and wild, rolling plains of Katavi bursting with life. Trekking through Katavi in February feels like a legitimate adventure with how quiet the park is at this time of year.
3. Gombe Stream National Park in February
February in western Tanzania is in the middle of the region’s wet season. While this may be off-putting to some, to others this can be the adventure of a lifetime. Delightful warm temperatures, wild rainstorms, and jungles and grasslands bursting with life await you in Gombe this time of year!
Frequently Asked Questions About Tanzania in Debruary
Is February a good time to visit Tanzania?
Yes, February is one of the best months to visit Tanzania. The Serengeti’s Ndutu region is at the peak of the wildebeest calving season, offering dramatic predator-prey action. Kilimanjaro climbs are popular thanks to clear, dry weather, and Zanzibar beaches are hot and sunny.
What is the weather like in Tanzania in February?
Tanzania in February is warm and mostly dry, with average daytime temperatures around 26°C to 30°C. The northern safari circuit enjoys clear skies, while Zanzibar has hot, sunny conditions with only occasional short showers, making it excellent for safaris and beach travel.
Can I see the Great Migration in February?
Yes, February is peak calving season in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu. Hundreds of thousands of wildebeest give birth on the short-grass plains, attracting predators such as lions and cheetahs. It is one of the most thrilling times to witness the Great Migration.
Is February a good time to climb Kilimanjaro?
February is considered one of the best months to climb Kilimanjaro. Conditions are typically dry and clear, offering great summit success rates and panoramic views. While nights are cold at higher altitudes, trails are firm and weather patterns are stable.
Can I visit Zanzibar in February?
Yes, Zanzibar is an excellent destination in February. The island enjoys hot, sunny weather perfect for beach relaxation, snorkeling, and diving. Popular beaches like Nungwi, Kendwa, and Paje are lively, while spice tours and Stone Town visits are also enjoyable at this time.