Weather in Mbeya

To ensure your journey is comfortable, familiarize yourself with the current weather conditions in the city of Mbeya. Here you will find fresh forecasts and visual charts that will help you prepare for your outing.

The climate of the city of Mbeya can be characterized as surprisingly mild and comfortable, which distinguishes it favorably from the hot coastal regions of Tanzania. Thanks to its location in the highlands, moderate weather prevails here without extreme temperature fluctuations. Throughout the year, the air warms up to pleasant levels, creating ideal conditions for walking and exploring the local nature.

Two main periods are clearly distinguished in Mbeya's weather calendar: the rainy season and the dry season. From November to April, the region receives a significant amount of rainfall, with January and March being the wettest months when it may rain almost every day. This time of year transforms the landscape, making it incredibly green and picturesque, although tourists should be prepared for frequent showers.

The dry season, lasting from June to September, brings clear skies and a complete absence of precipitation. This is the coolest period of the year: in July, the average temperature is about 18°C, and nights can be quite fresh, so warm clothing will not be amiss. By October, it becomes noticeably warmer, with the air warming up to 23°C and above, heralding the imminent return of the rains.

Due to its location on high ground, Mbeya is distinguished by a surprisingly mild and comfortable climate, avoiding the extreme heat typical of many other regions of the continent. The warmest month of the year is usually October, when the daytime temperature can reach 29°C. The coolest period falls in June and July: at this time, average indicators drop to 18°C, creating an atmosphere of freshness.

In the summer season, which lasts from December to March in the Southern Hemisphere, the weather is moderately warm. During the day, the air warms up to 23–25°C, which is ideal for active leisure, while nights remain pleasant with temperatures around 16–17°C. The winter months (June–August) bring cooler nights when the thermometer can drop to 12°C, although during the day the sun is still active and warms the air to a comfortable 24°C.

Significant temperature differences between day and night are characteristic of the region. The difference between the daily maximum and nightly minimum is often more than 10 degrees, especially in the dry season. Even if the bright sun shines in Tanzania during the day, it can become quite cool after sunset, so travellers are recommended to keep a light jacket or sweater with them for evening walks.

The nature of precipitation in this region is distinguished by clear seasonality, which is important to consider when planning a trip. If you are planning to visit the city of Mbeya, be prepared for the rainy season lasting from November to April. The wettest months are January and March, when the number of days with precipitation reaches 27 per month. At the same time, judging by statistics, rains here are frequent but not too abundant in terms of water volume, which may indicate regular drizzle or short-term rainfall.

The dry season is very pronounced and falls on the period from June to September. During these months, the probability of precipitation is reduced to zero: statistics show a complete absence of rainy days and 0 mm of rainfall. This time is considered the most stable for tourism. May and October act as transitional periods when rains have either already stopped or are just beginning to fall, but their intensity remains minimal.

When planning a journey to a city like Mbeya, it is important to remember its highland location, which ensures a more moderate and pleasant climate compared to the hot coast. There is rarely stifling heat here, so the best strategy when choosing a wardrobe will be the principle of layering. Take light t-shirts and shirts made of natural fabrics for daytime walks when the air warms up to a comfortable +23...+29°C, but be sure to supplement your luggage with a warm sweater, fleece jacket, or thick windbreaker. Evenings and nights here can be cool all year round, and in June and July, the night temperature often drops to +12°C.

The choice of clothing also depends on the season. If your trip to Tanzania is planned for the period from November to April, be prepared for wet weather: the number of rainy days in these months is high. A light but reliable raincoat, a compact umbrella, and waterproof shoes will be indispensable items in your suitcase. In the dry season (from May to October), precipitation is unlikely, however, in the middle of the year, it is worth focusing on warmer garments for the evening time, whereas in October you will need more summer clothing.

Regardless of the time of year, do not forget comfortable closed shoes with flat soles, as the terrain is conducive to active hiking. The high-altitude sun can be deceptive even in cloudy weather, so sunscreen with a high protection factor, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat are mandatory. We also recommend bringing quality repellents to protect yourself from insects during excursions in nature.