The short answer
- Month
- July
- Verdict
- Excellent
- Safari weather
- Dry and cool
- Great Migration
- Northern Serengeti, first crossings
- Kilimanjaro
- Excellent, busy
- Zanzibar
- Sunny and breezy
July is peak season. The bush is dry, wildlife gathers near water, and the herds usually reach the Mara River in the northern Serengeti. It's also one of the most popular months on Kilimanjaro.
Tanzania in July at a glance
The map opens on July; tap another month to compare.
Choose your month
July
Dry and cool. The herds reach the northern Serengeti and the first Mara River crossings begin.
- 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 July?
Choose your month
Highlighted months: herds mostly in Tanzania.
July
- Base in the Serengeti
- Kogatende, north
- River crossings
- Likely
The herds reach the Mara River. The first groups usually cross into Kenya in the second half of July.
Where the herds are: Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara
July across the year
How July compares with the rest of the year in each region. The ringed column is July.
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 July
- Northern Serengeti: The first Mara River crossings, usually from mid month.
- Tarangire: Large elephant herds along the river.
- Kilimanjaro: Dry and clear, with cold summit nights.
- Zanzibar and the south: Dry and pleasant.
What to avoid in July
- Booking late: the best northern camps fill a year ahead.
Events and holidays in July
- Saba Saba (7 July): A public holiday and trade fair in Dar es Salaam.
- Mwaka Kogwa: The Shirazi New Year festival in Makunduchi, Zanzibar, usually in July.
Weather in July
Average highs, lows and rainfall, with July 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 10 day trip for July
Our suggestion for July: Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Crater, the central and northern Serengeti, flying out. Every trip can be made private, or try your own route in our Tanzania trip planner.
Tip: Fly in or out of the northern Serengeti to save an 8 hour drive each way.
Want a July trip made for you?
A local specialist will send a free itinerary and price for 10 days, built around your dates.
Other months
Thinking about June or August? See Tanzania in June and Tanzania in August, 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 July a good time to visit Tanzania?
Yes, one of the best: dry weather, the migration in the north and great conditions for Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar. It is busy and expensive.
Sources we checked
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