Tanzania in January: Weather, Tips and More

Tanzania is often touted as one of the best places in the world to go on safari. And with good reason. This diverse east African country houses 22 national parks which take up approximately 15% of the total land area in Tanzania.

Tanzania is home to the world-famous Serengeti National Park as well as the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, sometimes referred to as the eighth natural wonder of the world.

With so much on offer, it’s no wonder that you are considering a visit to this fabulous country!

However, the time of year that you visit can have a big impact on your experience, therefore it’s crucial that you research the best times to visit Tanzania before you make your decision.

In this article we’re going to talk specifically about what it’s like to visit Tanzania in January and if I’d recommend it.

First thing’s first.

Is January a Good Time to Visit Tanzania?

The simple answer is yes!

January is classed as shoulder season – it’s nowhere near as busy as the summer months (July to September) and therefore the parks are quieter and you can also get better prices on your lodging.

Despite being in shoulder season, the weather is still decent. January falls in what is classed as the short dry season, meaning rainfall is limited. It is however hotter than the long dry season which may not be as favourable for some travellers. I’ll talk more about the weather in detail below.

In terms of wildlife sightings, January is a great time as it’s a time of new life. Baby animals will dot the plains and are simply adorable to watch. The abundance of prey means that the predators are never too far away, making this a fantastic time of year to spot them.

This is a brief overview of Tanzania in January. However I will go into much more detail throughout this article.

Weather in Tanzania in January

The end of December marks the end of the short-rains. The skies are now clear, brilliant sunshine shining down over east Africa, illuminating the now vibrant green landscape. What once was an arid scrubland has been transformed into a vista of lush vegetation.

January falls into the short dry season, days characterised by limited rainfall (although a few spells of rain are still possible) compared to the proceeding short-rains of November and December and the still-to-come long-rains of March and April.

In January you can expect clear sunny days.

January (as well as February) however is the hottest time of year in Tanzania, the average temperatures ranging between 27 °C (82 °F) at the warmest and 13 °C (55 °F) at the coolest in the north.

Despite this being the warmest time of year, the temperatures are still relatively comfortable, especially in northern Tanzania where the altitudes can get pretty high and thus the temperatures don’t get too hot.

Tanzania location	Daytime temperatures	Nighttime temperatures
Coastal Areas (e.g., Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar):	28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F)	23°C to 25°C (73°F to 77°F)
Northern Safari Circuit (e.g., Arusha, Serengeti, Ngorongoro):	25°C to 28°C (77°F to 86°F)	13°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F)
Southern and Western Tanzania (e.g., Selous, Ruaha, Katavi)	30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F)	20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)

Is January Good for a Safari in Tanzania?

Yes, January is a great time for a safari in Tanzania! There’s so much wildlife to see in Tanzania’s key national parks at this time of year as the proceeding short-rains have encouraged new plant growth, making it the ideal time for many animals to give birth.

Whilst the foliage is thicker in January than in the long dry season, which some argue make it harder to see wildlife, there are still ample opportunities to spot wildlife, especially in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, where the plains are vast, completely counteracting this objection.

Mid-January is the start of the wildebeest calving season. On the vast green plains of southern Serengeti, thousands of wildebeest per day will start giving birth. Watching the newborn wildebeest shakily take their first steps is a tender sight to witness. It’s then magical to see them running after just a couple of days.

Wildebeest aren’t the only species to give birth at this time of year. New life is everywhere! Tanzania’s famous predators will also be taking care of their own broods. If you’re lucky, you may be able to spot frolicking lion cubs or even some cheetahs.

The abundance of prey makes January a time of plenty for the predators. In fact this is one of the best times of year to catch them hunting.

Another great safari destination in January is Ngorongoro Crater. This magical destination holds the same density of wildlife throughout the year, animals not tending to migrate to or from this spectacular caldera. The lack of vegetation in the crater means that wildlife viewing is always great as there are few places for the residents to hide.

If you’re interested in witnessing the wildebeest calving in the Serengeti and visit the Ngorongoro Crater as part of a 5-day itinerary, you may be interested in my recommended wildebeest calving itinerary.

Whilst Tarangire has historically only been recommended if you are visiting during the long dry season (June to October), I’d be inclined to disagree and instead argue that it is worthwhile visiting during January.

The reason that many people only recommend Tarangire for the long dry season is because large migratory herds can be found here. Whilst it’s true that many herds leave for the other half of the year, huge quantities of animals still remain.

The foliage is denser in Tarangire during January compared to the long dry season but very little can conceal Tarangire’s flagship inhabitant, the African elephant.

I’ve heard countless reports of visitors still encountering huge numbers of elephants in Tarangire in January and one of the local tour operators that I have used (and would definitely recommend!) shared footage with me of a couple of lionesses hunting a zebra, taken in January in Tarangire.

Where is the Great Wildebeest Migration in January?

In January the great wildebeest herds congregate to the very south of the Serengeti, the majority of them settling in the Ndutu Plains which actually falls in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, just below the Serengeti National Park.

It’s here that they start to give birth, the lush grass providing them and their young the strength that they need to begin the journey back north again in just a couple of months.

Mid-January to late-February is one of the most exciting times to view the great migration. Up to 8,000 wildebeest calves are born each day. Once they take their first breaths, it’s then a race for them to get to their feet and learn to run, a skill that they need to hone as quickly as possible.

The abundance of new life makes January a time of plenty for the Serengeti’s predators. Lions, cheetahs and leopards are never too far away from the wildebeest herds, looking for the opportunity to catch an easy meal so that they can feed their own young.

Is January a Good Time to Visit Zanzibar?

Yes, January is a very good time to visit Zanzibar!

Whilst the dry season between June to October is generally considered to be the best time to visit Zanzibar because of the consistent warm, dry weather, January in reality isn’t too different.

It will be slightly hotter and the chance of encountering small bursts of rain is more of a possibility than in the dry season, though it is still unlikely. January typically has a mere 7 days of rainfall in January. In the dry season, you can expect around 5 days of rain, so there really isn’t much difference.

One big bonus of visiting Zanzibar in January is that January is considered shoulder-season. Tourist numbers are a lot less than between June to October which means, not only will you have more peace and quiet but the hotels are offering better rates.

Another benefit of visiting Zanzibar in January is the underwater conditions. The clarity of the water at this time of year is perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving.

In January temperatures in Zanzibar are very warm. In fact, January is often one of the hottest months of the year. You can expect highs of 32 °C (90 °F) and lows of 24 °C (75 °F). The temperature of the ocean in January is around 28 °C (83 °F).

The humidity in January can get quite high. Expect around 77% humidity.

If you are planning on visiting Tanzania in January then I’d highly recommend an itinerary that includes both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. View my 7-10 day Tanzania itinerary suggestions.

Location	Daytime temperatures	Nighttime temperatures
Zanzibar	28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F)	23°C to 25°C (73°F to 77°F)

Is January a Good Time to Hike Kilimanjaro?

Yes, January is in fact one of the best times to hike Kilimanjaro!

January, along with February, are the warmest months of the year and therefore offer the most pleasant temperatures if you are planning on summiting Kilimanjaro.

At this time of year, you can expect clear sunny skies for most of the day, providing good visibility. There is a slight chance of rain in the late afternoon and evenings but the chances are considerably less than the preceding months of November and December.

Despite being the best time of year to climb Kilimanjaro, January is not as busy as the long dry season between June and October. This is a great benefit of hiking Kilimanjaro in January as you don’t have to contend with crowds on your climb.

Below are the average temperatures in Moshi, the nearest town to Kilimanjaro, during January. The temperature will gradually decrease, the higher you climb up Kilmanjaro.

Location	Daytime temperatures	Nighttime temperatures
Moshi	29°C – 34°C (84°F – 93°F)	18°C – 21°C (64°F – 70°F)

Is January a Good Time for Birding in Tanzania?

January is a great time for birding enthusiasts as migratory birds are arriving in Tanzania, fleeing the cooling temperatures in the northern hemisphere.

Some of the migratory birds that you can expect to see are the European Bee-eater, White Stork, Barn Swallow, Yellow Wagtail, Common Sandpiper and Osprey.

Events in Tanzania in January

The Wanyambo Festival is one of the key events to take place in Tanzania in January. Taking place in early January each year, this colourful and energetic festival provides you with one of the best opportunities to witness Tanzanian culture.

The 4-day festival takes place in Makumbusho Village Museum in Dar es Salaam. Traditional dance, music, food, art and costumes are showcased at this electric event. It’s one of the most popular events of the entire year and is simply unmissable if you are near Dar Es Salaam in January.

Costs of Visiting Tanzania in January

Although January is significantly quieter than the long dry season (June to October), it still isn’t considered low-season and therefore the costs of visiting Tanzania in January are similar to visiting between June and October.

Park fees are the same year round with the exception of the low season (long rainy season) between mid-March and mid-May so there will be no cost saving on park fees in January, despite it being shoulder-season.

Lodges and hotels typically only lower their prices for the long rainy season (March to May) and the short rainy season (November to mid-December).

The only exception to this would be when it comes to flights. As you are flying outside of school holidays, you may be able to find better flight deals.

A typical private safari in Tanzania in January excluding flights starts at $300 per person today for a budget camping safari (assuming you are a group of 2 people. The price will be higher if you are travelling solo).

A private mid-range safari for two people starts at $400 per person per day.

For a more detailed cost breakdown, I have an extensive article on Tanzania safari costs.

Best Places to Go on Safari in Tanzania in January

In my opinion, January is one of the best times of year to embark on a Tanzanian safari. However it’s important to note that some locations are better than others at this time of year for wildlife viewing.

Below I’m going to list the best places to view wildlife in Tanzania in January which you need to add to your itinerary.

1. Southern Serengeti (Ndutu Plains)

Without a doubt the best place to go on safari in Tanzania in January is the southern Serengeti. This is the stage of the great wildebeest migration at this time of year. Millions of wildebeest can be seen, grazing in large herds as they prepare for the birthing season.

I’d definitely recommend coming in mid to late January as the birthing season will typically be in full swing, over 8,000 calves born on average every day.

Other animals, including Tanzania’s predators are never too far away from the action. This is in fact one of the best times of year to catch big cats hunting, due to the abundance of easy prey.

The Serengeti is the best place to see wildlife in Tanzania in my opinion. Everywhere you look, there is typically something to see, whether that’s a family of elephants or a leopard dozing in a tree.

The Ndutu Plains can be found at the very bottom of the Serengeti, in an area that’s actually known as the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

You can reach Ndutu either by road (around a 5 hour drive from Arusha) or via small plane which takes an hour from Arusha.

Visiting the southern Serengeti can easily be included as part of a 5-day itinerary or if you have more time, a 7-10 day itinerary.

2. Ngorongoro Crater

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Crater is the ancient collapsed caldera of a huge volcano which once stood higher than Kilimanjaro. The crater is the largest unbroken caldera in the world, spanning an area of 102 square miles.

The crater walls tower between 400 and 610 metres (1,312 and 2,000 feet) in height, more than 1.5 times the Empire State Building.

The landscape is nothing short of awe-inspiring. However, it isn’t just the natural beauty of the crater that brings in hundreds of visitors each day. The crater is teeming with wildlife and in fact houses the highest density of lions in the world.

The majority of the crater floor consists of savannah, attracting large quantities of herbivores such as wildebeest, zebras and gazelles, who favour this terrain as it makes it harder for predators to sneak up on them.

Perhaps the highlight of the Ngorongoro Crater is the presence of the black rhino. This is the only place in Tanzania where you can hope to catch a glimpse of this rare creature. 30 black rhinos can be found in the crater.

Ngorongoro Crater can be visited year-round. Unlike with most locations in Tanzania, the animals don’t migrate away from the crater. It would be too challenging for them to climb out of the crater walls plus they perhaps don’t have the desire to leave as the crater provides everything that they could need.

The lack of dense vegetation in the crater means that wildlife viewing is easy all year round.

3. Tarangire National Park

In my opinion, Tarangire National Park is severely underrated. Whilst this park is often only recommended for the long dry season (June to October), I strongly believe that the park can be visited at any time of year.

It’s true that in the long dry season there are larger numbers of migratory herds in Tarangire, including elephants, wildebeest, zebras and buffalos. However, a large number of these animals still remain throughout the year.

Tarangire National Park is vastly different from both the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater as it consists of long grass and denser foliage. It’s incredibly beautiful and in January the vegetation is even more magical than in the dry season as it will be vibrant and green.

However, not even the densest of bushes can conceal an elephant, Tarangire’s most famous inhabitant.

I went on a safari in Tarangire in the dry season. However, my tour guide (who I highly recommend – you can receive a quote from them here!) showed me footage of the park taken in January, including a clip of some lionesses hunting a zebra. My tour guide explained how they would personally always recommend Tarangire, no matter what time of year it is, as it is fairly consistent for wonderful sightings.

Best Itineraries for Tanzania in January

Whilst a three day itinerary is possible in Tanzania due to the destiny of wildlife, I would recommend a five day or even seven to ten day itinerary, where time and budget permits.

Below are my recommended itineraries for visiting Tanzania in January.

7 Day Best of Tanzania in January Itinerary

This 7 day itinerary will take you to all of Tanzania’s safari highlights, including the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park. On this 7 day itinerary, you will have enough time to truly see what all three parks have to offer.

You will then end your adventure with a couple of days relaxing on the tranquil island of Zanzibar.

Itinerary Map

Itinerary starts in Arusha and ends in Zanzibar.

Day By Day Breakdown for my 7 Day January Itinerary

5 Day Tanzania in January Itinerary

This 5 day Tanzania itinerary will take you to Tanzania’s safari highlights, including the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park.

Itinerary Map

Itinerary starts and ends in Arusha.

Day By Day Breakdown for my 5 Day January Itinerary

3 Day Tanzania in January Itinerary

Although tight, it is possible to go on a 3 day safari in northern Tanzania and include the Serengeti.

I’d personally recommend spending longer than 3 days on safari. However, if your itinerary doesn’t allow for an extended stay then this is my recommended 3 day safari itinerary for your January visit to Tanzania.

Itinerary Map

Itinerary starts and ends in Arusha.

Day By Day Breakdown for my 3 Day January Itinerary

Final Thoughts

January is a fantastic time to visit Tanzania. Not only is it great for wildlife viewing, the weather is pleasant and relatively predictable, and there are fewer tourists here at this time of year, making parks less congested.

Mid to late January is one of the best times of year to witness the great migration as the wildebeests start to give birth. This also makes it a great time to spot big cats hunting.

Therefore, if you are considering visiting Tanzania in January, I say go for it! You won’t be disappointed.