Weather in Arusha

To ensure your trip to Arusha is as comfortable as possible, familiarise yourself with the current weather situation. Below are up-to-date forecasts and detailed charts that will help you plan your day correctly.

Arusha, located at the foot of Mount Meru, is famous for its mild and pleasant climate, which is often compared to "eternal spring". Thanks to its significant elevation above sea level, there is no exhausting tropical heat here, which is typical for the coast of Tanzania. The air temperature remains comfortable and moderate throughout the year, making the city an excellent place for acclimatisation before a safari or mountain climbing.

The year here is clearly divided into dry and wet periods. The driest and coolest season lasts from June to September: during this time the sky is usually clear and rainfall is practically absent, although nights can be quite fresh (around +12°C). The rainy seasons appear in two stages: the peak of humidity falls in April with a large number of rainy days, while the second, less intense period ("short rains") is observed in November and December.

In general, the weather in Arusha is distinguished by enviable stability: the average temperature fluctuates in a comfortable range from +17°C to +21°C. Tourists should expect warm days and cool evenings all year round. When planning a trip, it is only important to consider the probability of precipitation in specific months to choose the most suitable time for outdoor activities.

The climate of Arusha is characterised by mildness and comfortable conditions throughout the year, largely due to the city's location on high ground. The warmest period here falls at the beginning of the year: in January, February, and March, the average temperature holds at +21°C. At this time, the daytime air usually warms up to +26...+27°C, creating a pleasant atmosphere for travel and safaris without the sweltering heat common to many other regions of Africa.

With the onset of the nominal "winter" in the Southern Hemisphere, which lasts from June to August, the temperature becomes noticeably cooler. July and June are the coldest months with average figures of about +16.7°C and +17.1°C respectively. During the day in this season, it is still comfortable, with the thermometer showing around +21...+22°C, however, the feeling of freshness intensifies, making the weather ideal for active recreation, but requiring a light jacket.

A characteristic feature of the weather in Arusha is significant diurnal temperature fluctuations. The difference between daytime warmth and nighttime coolness often exceeds 10 degrees. Even in the hottest months, nights bring freshness with temperatures around +15.5°C, and in the cool season, especially in July, night figures can drop to +11.7°C. Tourists should take this contrast into account and definitely bring warm clothes for the evening and morning hours.

Precipitation in Arusha is distributed unevenly throughout the year, forming distinct wet and dry periods. The most rain-saturated season, often called the "long rains", reaches its peak in April. According to statistics, this is the cloudiest month of the year: rain can fall up to 27 days a month. March and May also belong to the wet period, so travellers planning a trip in spring should definitely take a raincoat or umbrella with them.

The second rainy period, known as the "short rains", usually falls at the end of the year. In November and December, precipitation falls quite often — on average about 20 days a month, and this trend continues into January. Despite the high frequency of rainy days, the total volume of precipitation in millimetres remains moderate, which often means light but regular rains rather than prolonged downpours.

The driest and most stable season in Arusha lasts from June to September. This is the ideal time for those who prefer clear weather: in July, August, and September, the number of days with precipitation is minimal, amounting to only 2 to 4 days per month. During this period, the probability of getting caught in the rain is practically zero, which creates excellent conditions for safaris and exploring the nature of Tanzania.

When getting ready for Arusha, keep in mind that thanks to the high-altitude location, the climate here is mild and comfortable, without exhausting heat. The basis of your wardrobe should be the principle of layering. During the day, you will be comfortable in light T-shirts, shirts, and trousers made of natural fabrics, however, evenings and nights can be cool. This is especially relevant from June to August when the night temperature drops to +12°C, so be sure to grab a warm sweater, a fleece top, or a light jacket.

If your trip is planned for periods with a high probability of precipitation (primarily April, as well as November and December), strictly bring a waterproof raincoat or windbreaker and an umbrella. In the dry season (from June to September), rains are extremely rare, but the equatorial sun is active all year round. Do not forget to put sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat in your luggage to protect yourself from ultraviolet rays.

Pay special attention to footwear: comfortable closed sneakers or light trekking boots are best suited for excursions and walks. This will not only ensure comfort when walking on uneven roads but also protect your feet from dust. We also recommend bringing insect repellents, which will come in handy both in the city and during trips into nature in Tanzania.