The short answer
- Month
- November
- Verdict
- Good
- Safari weather
- Short rains, afternoon showers
- Great Migration
- Moving south through the central Serengeti
- Kilimanjaro
- Mixed, wetter
- Zanzibar
- Showers
In November the short rains arrive, usually as afternoon storms rather than all day rain. The herds stream south through the eastern and central Serengeti, and the parks turn green.
Tanzania in November at a glance
The map opens on November; tap another month to compare.
Choose your month
November
The short rains bring afternoon showers. The herds head south through the central Serengeti. Good value.
- Serengeti (mixed)plus the Great Migration all year
- Ngorongoro and Tarangire (mixed)the rest of the northern circuit
- Kilimanjaro (mixed)climbing conditions
- Zanzibar (mixed)beaches and Stone Town
- Southern parks (mixed)Nyerere and Ruaha
Where is the Great Migration in November?
Choose your month
Highlighted months: herds mostly in Tanzania.
November
- Base in the Serengeti
- Seronera or Lobo
- River crossings
- None
The short rains pull the herds south through eastern and central Serengeti.
Where the herds are: Central Serengeti
November across the year
How November compares with the rest of the year in each region. The ringed column is November.
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 November
- Central Serengeti: The herds pass through on their way south.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Green and quiet.
- Tarangire: Still good early in the month.
What to avoid in November
- Kilimanjaro if you want the best views; the short rains bring cloud.
- The northern Serengeti, which the herds have left.
Events and holidays in November
- Low season prices: Many camps offer lower rates until mid December.
Weather in November
Average highs, lows and rainfall, with November 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 7 day trip for November
Our suggestion for November: Tarangire, the central Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. Every trip can be made private, or try your own route in our Tanzania trip planner.
Tip: Game drives are usually dry in the mornings: plan the long drives early.
Want a November trip made for you?
A local specialist will send a free itinerary and price for 7 days, built around your dates.
Other months
Thinking about October or December? See Tanzania in October and Tanzania in December, 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 November a good time for a Tanzania safari?
Yes for value. Showers are usually short, the herds pass through the central Serengeti and prices are lower.
Sources we checked
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