Arusha weather and the seasons
Arusha lies in the northern highlands of Tanzania, and the weather follows two rainy seasons. In the north-eastern highlands, including Arusha, the long rains fall from March to May and the short rains from October to December. The cooler part of the year runs from May to August.
This is a general description of the climate. It does not predict the weather for a specific stay. The park itself is open all year, and the closing time at the gate is 18:00. If you are planning a game drive, the Arusha safari page shows how a day in the park is organised.
Arusha temperatures and rainfall by month
Measured at the Arusha weather station in 2025. This is one year of readings, not a long-term average.
| Month | Daily high (°C) | Daily low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27.8 | 14.9 | 57.2 |
| February | 29.7 | 13.9 | 20.6 |
| March | 27.7 | 16.8 | 203.0 |
| April | 25.3 | 17.6 | 153.8 |
| May | 23.6 | 16.6 | 54.8 |
| June | 22.2 | 14.6 | 9.2 |
| July | 21.3 | 13.8 | 1.4 |
| August | 23.1 | 13.4 | 5.7 |
| September | 26.3 | 13.6 | 0.0 |
| October | 27.8 | 15.4 | 0.3 |
| November | 28.6 | 15.5 | 15.9 |
| December | 28.4 | 15.7 | 83.6 |
Highs and lows are monthly means of the daily values, and the rainfall is the monthly total. The numbers are for the city. They do not apply to the huts or the summit of Mount Meru, where the conditions are different, so ask the park rangers about the mountain before a climb.
Our pick: a single day in the park
A day trip lets you choose a dry day instead of committing to several.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Arusha tours for any season
Park day trips, Mount Meru treks and city tours from Arusha, with live prices and availability. Check the dates against the season.
Best time to visit Arusha
It depends on what you want to do.
June to September: dry and cool
In 2025 these months brought almost no rain, from 0.0 mm in September to 9.2 mm in June. Mornings and nights are cool. June to September is also a preferred time for a visit.
December to early March: warm and green
December to early March is another favoured period. January and February were drier than the rains of March and April in 2025.
March to May: the long rains
March (203.0 mm) and April (153.8 mm) were the wettest months in 2025. Plan for wet days and keep a spare day in your schedule.
October and November: short rains
The short rains begin in October. October 2025 was almost dry in town at 0.3 mm, and November had 15.9 mm. The short rains vary from year to year.
For most visitors who want a game drive, a Momella Lakes walk and a Meru climb in one trip, June to September is the safest bet. If you travel in the rainy months, bring waterproofs and keep a day free in case of weather.
What to pack for Arusha
Short and practical.
Pack layers. Days can be warm, with highs near 28 °C in several months, while nights in the cooler months drop to around 13 °C. Add a rain jacket for March to May and for the short rains, a hat and sun protection, and sturdy shoes for the forest and lake walks. For the mountain, read the Mount Meru climb page. For the lakes and the crater rim, see the pages on the Momella Lakes and the Ngurdoto Crater.
Arusha weather: frequently asked questions
When is the rainy season in Arusha?
The long rains run from March to May and the short rains from October to December. In 2025, March and April were the wettest months in town.
What is the best time to visit Arusha?
For dry weather, June to September. December to early March is another favoured period. Choose the season that fits your plans, as the park is open all year.
How cold does it get in Arusha?
In 2025, the monthly means of the daily lows ranged from 13.4 °C in August to 17.6 °C in April. The coolest daily highs were in July, at 21.3 °C.
Does the town weather apply to Mount Meru?
No. The figures are for the city. Conditions at the huts and the summit are different, so ask about the mountain before you climb.
Are the temperature figures a long-term average?
No. They are the monthly readings of the year 2025. Treat them as a typical picture of the seasons, not a forecast.
Is arusha-national-park.org the official weather service?
No. This is an independent travel guide and not connected to the national weather service or Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA).