A month-by-month breakdown of weather, wildlife events, the wildebeest migration calendar and which tours deliver the most written by our Tanzania field team.
Peak season, Mara crossings begin, best game viewing of the year
Visit Rating
Temp Range
13°C – 25°C
Rainfall
None
Crowds
Very Busy
Overview
July is the most popular month in Tanzania for good reason. The northern migration reaches the Mara River. Wildlife viewing is extraordinary across all northern circuit parks.
Cool, sunny and completely dry. Ideal conditions for long game drives. Mornings require a warm layer. Dust increases as the season progresses.
Wildlife & Nature Events
Mara River Crossings Begin
HighlightThe most dramatic wildlife event on Earth, wildebeest leap into crocodile-filled water
Record Lion Sightings
HighlightPrides of up to 30 lions visible in the northern Serengeti
African Wild Dogs Active
Painted wolves are raising pups, highly active and visible
Chimpanzee Trekking, Mahale
Cool dry season is the best time to trek chimps in Mahale Mountains
Expert Tip
Book camps in the northern Serengeti (Kogatende / Lamai areas) 9–12 months in advance for July. These fill first and command the highest premiums.
Watch Out
Zanzibar has its clearest skies and calmest seas in July, ideal to combine a safari with a beach extension.
Recommended Tours
Best trips to book in July
No tours found for July.
At a Glance
Top Destinations
🦬 Migration Tracker
Year at a Glance
| Month | Season | Rating | Weather | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Short Dry Season | ★★★★★ | Low rain · 20–31°C | Wildebeest Calving Season |
| February | Short Dry Season | ★★★★★ | Trace rain · 20–32°C | Peak Wildebeest Calving |
| March | Long Rains | ★★★★★ | High rain · 19–29°C | Birding Season Peaks |
| April | Long Rains | ★★★★★ | Very High rain · 18–28°C | Empty Parks, Intimate Encounters |
| May | Long Rains | ★★★★★ | Moderate rain · 17–27°C | Migration Assembles at Grumeti |
| June | Peak Dry Season | ★★★★★ | Trace rain · 14–26°C | Grumeti River Crossings Begin |
| July | Peak Dry Season | ★★★★★ | None rain · 13–25°C | Mara River Crossings Begin |
| August | Peak Dry Season | ★★★★★ | None rain · 13–26°C | Peak Mara River Crossings |
| September | Peak Dry Season | ★★★★★ | Trace rain · 14–28°C | Final Mara River Crossings |
| October | Peak Dry Season | ★★★★★ | Low rain · 17–30°C | Migration Returns to Serengeti |
| November | Short Rains | ★★★★★ | Moderate rain · 17–30°C | Birding at Its Absolute Peak |
| December | Short Dry Season | ★★★★★ | Low rain · 18–30°C | Migration Reaches Ndutu Plains |
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