The short answer
- Month
- September
- Verdict
- Excellent
- Safari weather
- Dry and warm
- Great Migration
- Northern Serengeti, crossings
- Kilimanjaro
- Excellent
- Zanzibar
- Sunny
September is as good as August for wildlife, with the herds still in the northern Serengeti and crossings continuing, and it can be slightly quieter after the European summer holidays.
Tanzania in September at a glance
The map opens on September; tap another month to compare.
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September
Still peak migration in the north, dry and excellent for every region, including the southern parks.
- 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 September?
Choose your month
Highlighted months: herds mostly in Tanzania.
September
- Base in the Serengeti
- Kogatende, north
- River crossings
- Peak season
Still peak season in the Mara. Herds cross back and forth as they chase fresh grass.
Where the herds are: Masai Mara and Northern Serengeti
September across the year
How September compares with the rest of the year in each region. The ringed column is September.
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 September
- Northern Serengeti: Crossings back and forth along the Mara River.
- Tarangire: Peak elephant season.
- Kilimanjaro: Dry and excellent.
- Zanzibar: Warm and dry.
What to avoid in September
- Leaving flights to the north too late.
Events and holidays in September
- Peak season: No major public holidays; parks are busy all month.
Weather in September
Average highs, lows and rainfall, with September 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 12 day trip for September
Our suggestion for September: Kilimanjaro, then Tarangire, the crater and the northern Serengeti. Every trip can be made private, or try your own route in our Tanzania trip planner.
Tip: September is the best month to combine a Kilimanjaro climb with a migration safari.
Want a September trip made for you?
A local specialist will send a free itinerary and price for 12 days, built around your dates.
Other months
Thinking about August or October? See Tanzania in August and Tanzania in October, 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 September good for a Tanzania safari?
Excellent. It's dry, the migration is in the northern Serengeti and it can be a little quieter than August.
Sources we checked
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