Weather in Tanzania in April

When the long rainy season peaks across much of the country, the weather in Tanzania in April becomes notably wetter. Muddy roads make safari visits more difficult, especially in western and southern parks such as Ruaha and Katavi. Despite the dramatic stormy sky, northern locations like the Serengeti remain accessible for safaris and offer beautifully green vistas. Coastal regions, including Zanzibar, experience high humidity and regular, fierce showers, although there can be prolonged dry spells. The low numbers of tourists in April benefit from off-season prices; however, visitors should expect wet conditions and periodic travel delays.

Tanzania in April at a glance

April is the wettest month in Tanzania, when the rains have an impact on large portions of the country. Travel is still feasible, but it demands flexibility on sightseeing plans.

• Temperatures vary by region; highs range between 75°F (24°C) and 89°F (32°C) while lows are between 65°F (18°C) and 52°F (11°C). Skies are normally overcast, with rain in the afternoon or evening.
• Tanzania in April is dominated by heavy rainfall, particularly in the south and west, which means travel delays and flooded roads can disrupt plans.
• Although April is not ideal for first-time tourists, it can provide true seclusion for experienced travelers visiting the Serengeti. On game drives, you rarely see other vehicles in the parks.
• With an abundance of birds and wildflowers, national parks like Arusha and Mkomazi offer beautiful scenery in April. Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro without many people around is a more relaxed experience.
• April is when tourism is at its lowest. With lodges offering off-season discounts and a sharp drop in transport costs, this can be an affordable option for adventurous, rain-tolerant travelers.

Is April a good time to visit Tanzania?

Due to the long rains, April is considered the lowest month for tourism in Tanzania. While this period presents challenges for some travelers, it can also provide unique benefits for others, like fewer people and the opportunity to stretch their budget. If you're planning a trip to Tanzania and don’t mind a little rain, this quieter month could be worth considering.

The weather in Tanzania in April remains warm, but rainfall is often heavy, especially in the southern and western regions. Northern parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro also see regular downpours. Roads in remote areas may become muddy or impassable, and some camps close temporarily. Zanzibar experiences humid wet weather as well, with temperatures reaching up to 87°F (31°C). It’s a less optimal time for beachgoers, though visiting cultural sites and quiet towns may still appeal to some.

However, April is not just the rainy season – it’s the green season. The lush scenery is spectacular, birdlife is abundant, and landscapes turn dramatic under moody skies. Photographers, hikers, and seasoned safari-goers often enjoy this time for its peaceful atmosphere and rich vistas. If you're putting together a flexible Tanzania itinerary, and you're rain-tolerant and up for a slower-moving adventure, April can offer unexpected rewards.

For travelers looking beyond the crowds and into the heart of Tanzania’s wilder months, it’s an unconventional but intriguing contender for the best time to visit Tanzania.

Average daily temperatures in April

With a few degrees of deviation, temperatures remain consistently warm throughout the regions in Tanzania in April. 

The average temperature in the Serengeti and surrounding northern safari areas is around 82°F (28°C) during the day and 62°F (17°C) at night. Due to their elevation, highland regions like Arusha and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area are cooler. Daily highs reach about 75°F (24°C) while nights dip to around 52°F (11°C), and misty mornings are typical in wooded areas.

Coastal destinations like Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam sustain the hottest temperatures, ranging between 77°F and 89°F (25°C and 32°C). Although it normally doesn’t linger all day, rain is more persistent, and the air feels muggy due to the combination of heat and moisture. In southern Tanzania, which includes parks like Nyerere and Ruaha, highs are around 86°F (30°C) with overnight lows of approximately 65°F (18°C).

What about the crowds and cost?

The profound wet, humid weather in Tanzania in April discourages many tourists, making it the quietest month for travel. Destinations popular for a Tanzania safari, like Ruaha, Selous, and even parts of the Serengeti, see drastically decreased activity, and some lodges in isolated areas temporarily close. Still, these parks remain among the best places to visit in Tanzania for those seeking solitude and dramatic green-season scenery.

The year’s lowest prices are found during this off-peak period. Budget-conscious travelers will find April tempting due to the significant discounts offered on accommodations, excursions, and even flights. For those who are adaptable and don't mind the rain, this month offers seclusion, beautiful landscapes, and fantastic value with little competition for space.

Things to do in Tanzania in April

Tanzania is rather wet in April, but that doesn't mean exploring the country is off the table. It’s still warm, and features lush scenery, dramatic landscapes, minimal tourists, and an authentic local experience. If you're looking for things to do in Tanzania this time of year, think scenic hikes, cultural visits, and wildlife photography without the crowds.

Birdwatching in Arusha National Park

The seasonal rains attract migratory and resident bird species to Arusha National Park, where you can spot turacos, bee-eaters, hornbills, and flamingos hanging out at Momella Lakes.

Chill out in Bagamoyo

A coastal town north of Dar es Salaam, Bagamoyo is rich in Swahili heritage. In April, exploring the colonial ruins, art studios, and quiet beaches is free from tourists.

Hike in the Udzungwa Mountains

While trails can be muddy, the Udzungwa Mountains burst with greenery and waterfalls in April. Hikes to Sanje Falls pass through rainforest where you can observe endemic monkeys.

Explore local markets in Dar es Salaam

Indoor markets like Kariakoo, which feature fresh produce, spices, fabrics, and Tanzanian street food, are ideal for browsing on rainy days and a brilliant way to experience local life. 

Visit cultural sites in Dodoma

Tanzania’s capital city, Dodoma, is full of history and culture. In April, the museums, churches, and government buildings can be comfortably explored without large tour groups.

Festivals and events in Tanzania in April

Tanzania in April aligns with Easter, giving rise to family-oriented, spiritual, and nature-inspired activities rather than large-scale public festivals.

• Easter celebrations: Easter is observed by Christian communities around the country and is marked with music, processions, church services, and community meals. The celebrations are especially lively in areas like Kilimanjaro and Mbeya, where traditional choirs and colorful costumes are featured.
• Union Day (April 26): This public vacation commemorates the 1964 union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar to form the United Republic of Tanzania. Flag-raising ceremonies, speeches, and civic parades are all part of the celebrations.
• Village clean-up initiatives: April is a time when local communities host environmental days, which put the emphasis on cleanliness, preparation for planting, and beautifying communal areas.
• Traditional storytelling nights: Rainy evenings in certain rural communities are customarily spent indoors telling folktales that have been passed down through generations. For visitors staying in homestays, these informal gatherings provide a welcoming cultural experience.