The short answer
- Month
- August
- Verdict
- Excellent
- Safari weather
- Dry and cool
- Great Migration
- Northern Serengeti, peak crossings
- Kilimanjaro
- Excellent, busiest
- Zanzibar
- Sunny and breezy
August is the classic migration month, with river crossings along the Mara River and herds spread across the northern Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara. Every part of Tanzania is at its best, and busiest.
Tanzania in August at a glance
The map opens on August; tap another month to compare.
Choose your month
August
Peak season: Mara River crossings in the north, dry parks everywhere, busy and expensive. Book early.
- Serengeti (best)plus the Great Migration all year
- Ngorongoro and Tarangire (best)the rest of the northern circuit
- Kilimanjaro (best)climbing conditions
- Zanzibar (best)beaches and Stone Town
- Southern parks (best)Nyerere and Ruaha
Where is the Great Migration in August?
Choose your month
Highlighted months: herds mostly in Tanzania.
August
- Base in the Serengeti
- Kogatende, north
- River crossings
- Peak season
Peak migration in the Masai Mara, with river crossings most days somewhere along the Mara River.
Where the herds are: Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara
August across the year
How August compares with the rest of the year in each region. The ringed column is August.
Swipe sideways to see all 12 months →
| Region | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serengetiplus the Great Migration | Best | Best | Mixed | Wet or difficult | Mixed | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Mixed | Best |
| Ngorongoro and Tarangirenorthern circuit | Best | Best | Mixed | Wet or difficult | Mixed | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Mixed | Best |
| Kilimanjaroclimbing | Best | Best | Mixed | Wet or difficult | Wet or difficult | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Mixed | Mixed |
| Zanzibarbeaches | Best | Best | Mixed | Wet or difficult | Wet or difficult | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Mixed | Best |
| Southern parksNyerere, Ruaha | Mixed | Mixed | Wet or difficult | Wet or difficult | Wet or difficult | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Mixed | Mixed |
Where to go in August
- Kogatende and Lamai: Mara River crossings, often with fewer vehicles than on the Kenyan side.
- Tarangire and the crater: Excellent dry season game viewing.
- Southern parks: Prime season in Nyerere and Ruaha.
What to avoid in August
- Expecting the herds in the central or southern Serengeti: they're in the far north.
Events and holidays in August
- Nane Nane (8 August): Farmers' Day, a public holiday with agricultural shows.
Weather in August
Average highs, lows and rainfall, with August highlighted.
Average daily high / low and monthly rainfall
| Month | Arushaabout 1,400 m, Moshi is warmer | SerengetiSeronera, about 1,500 m | Ngorongoro rimabout 2,300 m, cold at night | ZanzibarStone Town |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28° / 13°60 mm | 28° / 15°90 mm | 21° / 9°80 mm | 32° / 24°70 mm |
| Feb | 28° / 13°75 mm | 28° / 15°90 mm | 21° / 9°85 mm | 32° / 24°60 mm |
| Mar | 27° / 14°145 mm | 28° / 15°140 mm | 20° / 10°140 mm | 32° / 24°150 mm |
| Apr | 25° / 15°320 mm | 27° / 15°170 mm | 19° / 10°210 mm | 30° / 24°350 mm |
| May | 23° / 14°170 mm | 26° / 14°90 mm | 18° / 9°110 mm | 29° / 23°250 mm |
| Jun | 22° / 12°25 mm | 26° / 13°20 mm | 17° / 7°25 mm | 28° / 22°55 mm |
| Jul | 21° / 11°10 mm | 26° / 12°10 mm | 16° / 6°15 mm | 28° / 21°45 mm |
| Aug | 22° / 11°10 mm | 27° / 13°15 mm | 17° / 6°15 mm | 28° / 21°40 mm |
| Sep | 24° / 11°15 mm | 28° / 13°25 mm | 19° / 7°20 mm | 29° / 21°50 mm |
| Oct | 26° / 12°30 mm | 29° / 14°45 mm | 20° / 8°45 mm | 30° / 22°90 mm |
| Nov | 26° / 13°110 mm | 28° / 15°110 mm | 20° / 9°110 mm | 31° / 23°200 mm |
| Dec | 27° / 13°90 mm | 27° / 15°110 mm | 20° / 9°100 mm | 32° / 24°140 mm |
Rounded long term averages. Blue shading marks the wetter months. Individual years can be hotter, colder or wetter.
A 9 day trip for August
Our suggestion for August: Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Crater and three nights in the northern Serengeti. Every trip can be made private, or try your own route in our Tanzania trip planner.
Tip: Book August camps in the northern Serengeti up to a year ahead.
Want a August trip made for you?
A local specialist will send a free itinerary and price for 9 days, built around your dates.
Other months
Thinking about July or September? See Tanzania in July and Tanzania in September, or compare every season in our guide to the best time to visit Tanzania.
Rather have a trip to Tanzania made just for you?
Answer a few quick questions and a local specialist will send you a free, no-obligation itinerary and price.
Frequently asked questions
Is August the best month for the migration?
It's one of the best, with Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti, though crossings can't be predicted day to day.
Sources we checked
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