Weather in Moshi

Planning your trip to Moshi? Here you will find the most up-to-date information on weather conditions, including current data and detailed forecasts to help you prepare for your journey.

The climate in Moshi can be characterised as mild and moderately tropical, largely due to the city's location at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. The weather here is generally comfortable and favourable for travel all year round, without extreme heat or bitter cold. Thanks to the altitude, the air here is fresh, and the humidity is easier to bear than on the coast of Tanzania.

There are distinct wet and dry periods throughout the year. The dry season lasts from June to September, which is also the coolest time of the year: there is almost no rainfall, and night-time temperatures can drop to +12...13°C. This is an excellent period for those who do not tolerate humidity well. The rainy season, characterised by frequent precipitation, usually covers the period from November to May, reaching its peak in terms of rainy days in April.

The temperature regime in Moshi is notably stable. The warmest months are January, February, and March, when the air warms up to an average of +25...26°C during the day. Even during the rainy season, a warm atmosphere prevails here. Travellers should keep in mind that despite the warm days, evenings and nights can be cool, especially in the middle of the year, so having a light jacket or sweater in your luggage would be useful.

The climate in Moshi is distinguished by pleasant moderation, making the city comfortable to visit practically all year round, without extreme heat or severe cold. The warmest period here falls at the beginning of the calendar year: from January to March, daytime temperatures reach their peak, varying between +25…+26°C. February and March are traditionally considered the hottest months, when the average daily temperature stays above +21°C. This time is characterised by mild warmth, ideal for acclimatisation before climbing Kilimanjaro.

With the arrival of the nominal "winter" in the Southern Hemisphere, which lasts from June to August, the region becomes noticeably cooler. July is the coldest month of the year: the average temperature drops to +16.7°C, and daytime highs rarely exceed +21°C. During this period, the air becomes fresh and invigorating, which can be a pleasant contrast after a hot safari, though tourists are advised to carry light jackets or fleece tops.

An important feature of Moshi's temperature regime is the perceptible difference between day and night readings. The temperature difference over 24 hours averages 9–10 degrees. Even in the warmest months, the thermometer drops to +16°C after sunset, and in the cool season (June–August), night-time temperatures can fall to +12…+13°C. Such fluctuations ensure comfortable sleep but require a careful approach to choosing a wardrobe for evening walks.

Precipitation in Moshi is distributed unevenly throughout the year, forming distinct wet and dry periods. The season from November to April is considered the rainiest time, when the frequency of rainfall increases significantly. The "wettest" month in terms of inclement days is April: during this period, it can rain almost daily, reaching a figure of 28 rainy days.

The dry season in this region of Tanzania usually lasts from June to September. During these months, the probability of precipitation becomes minimal: the average level falls to 1 mm, and the number of days with rain decreases to 8–9 per month. This time is often chosen by travellers who prefer clear and stable weather for exploring the surroundings.

The nature of precipitation in Moshi also varies. Even in months such as January and March, when the number of rainy days is high (23–24 days), the total volume of falling moisture remains relatively moderate. Tourists are recommended to carry a light raincoat, as even in the rainy season, showers are often short-lived, refreshing the air before the sun appears again.

The weather in Moshi is characterised by mildness and comfort, so the basis of your wardrobe should be clothing made from natural breathing fabrics, such as cotton or linen. Considering that even in the warmest months the daytime temperature rarely exceeds 26°C, and nights can be quite fresh (especially from June to August, when the thermometer drops to 12–13°C), it is highly recommended to use the principle of layering. Be sure to pack a light jacket, a fleece top, or a warm sweater in your suitcase to feel cosy during evening walks or early morning safari departures.

If your trip is planned for the rainy periods (especially April, November, December, and January, when the number of rainy days is high), you cannot do without a reliable raincoat, a waterproof windbreaker, and a compact umbrella. In the dry season (from June to September), rainfall is minimal, but wind protection will be useful. Regardless of the season, do not forget high-factor sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as the equatorial sun is active even in cloudy weather.

For comfortable exploration of the city and its picturesque surroundings, you will need comfortable, proven footwear: sturdy trainers or light trekking boots will be the best choice for walking on uneven terrain. It is also worth taking high-quality insect repellent for use in the evening and a small backpack, which is convenient for storing water and removed layers of clothing when it gets warmer during the day.