Best time to visit  Arusha National park

Best time to visit  Arusha National park in June, July, August, September, and October.

For the best views, you may visit in January, February, November, and December.

We do not advise traveling in March, April, and May.

Game drive in Arusha National Park are exceptional year-round, with optimal visibility occurring during the dry season, from late June to the end of September.

The best time to visit  Arusha national park in August to September.

Best visit time frame: June to September (the park is abundant with wildlife, facilitating enhanced visibility).

Peak Season: Predominantly from July to March, the park experiences a considerable influx of tourists, however it rarely becomes overcrowded.

Off-Peak Season: April and May

Optimal Weather Conditions: June to October has reduced precipitation.

Adverse weather conditions: March and April, as they represent the zenith of the wet season.

Arid Season (June to October)

During this period, it is easier to observe wild animals as they typically congregate near common water holes, and the vegetation is relatively sparse. Abundant sunshine accompanies minimal precipitation. The risk of contracting malaria is quite low due to the scarcity of mosquitoes. Pack warm clothing for morning game drives, particularly from June to August, as early mornings are typically cool.

Rainy Season (November to May)

The landscape is verdant and aesthetically pleasing, with diminished crowds during the low season months of April and May, resulting in generally reduced costs. While wild creatures are more visible during the dry season in Arusha National Park, the park provides remarkable vistas of wildlife throughout the arid months.

This is the optimal period for bird watching due to the presence of several migratory species within the park. The majority of the roads are muddy and exceedingly difficult to navigate. The zenith of the rainy season occurs from March to May.

Vegetation

Arusha National Park encompasses an area of about 137 square kilometers, and it comprises a diverse array of wildlife habitats. The park comprises three unique vegetation zones: Mount Meru, Ngurdoto Crater, and the Momella Lakes. This National Park features alkaline lakes, mountain rainforests, a volcanic crater, and wide savannahs, all influenced by its height and geology. On clear days, you will have unobstructed views of Mount Meru, the fifth highest mountain in Africa, located within the park’s boundaries. One may also view the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro, located 50 miles from this park.

Despite its diminutive size, this park boasts a plethora of wildlife and avian species inhabiting its various vegetation zones. Reedbucks and waterbucks are typically observed near water sources, whereas the elusive bushbucks and duikers are frequently found in forested regions. The ecosystem of Mount Meru is highly diverse and serves as a habitat for several large mammals, including elusive species such as leopards and hyenas.

General weather conditions in Arusha National Park

The climate in Arusha National Park is typically temperate and pleasant. The dry season commences in June and extends until September, whereas there are two distinct wet seasons. The “extended precipitation period” commences in March and continues until May, while the ‘brief rains’ occur from October until the end of December. Typically, during this season, precipitation occurs in the afternoons and seldom lasts the entire day. Arusha National Park encompasses Mount Meru and the surrounding lowland area, which often has higher precipitation and frequently overcast skies.

The average yearly temperatures are rather stable, with breezy to cold conditions during the nights and early mornings, and infrequent occurrences of heat throughout the day. Visitors are recommended to bring appropriate clothing for early game drives due to the cool morning temperatures.
Arid season (June to October)

June, July, August, September, and October

The afternoon temperatures approximate 21°C or 70°F. The days are often clear with tranquil skies. The short rains are expected to commence in October, should they begin early. During the night, temperatures decrease to approximately 11°C or 52°F. The anomalous cold fronts may reduce temperatures to freezing levels. Consequently, we highly advise that you bring warm clothing when participating in a morning game drive.

Rainy season – November to May

Comparable to the arid season, the temperatures remain moderate during the rainy season as well. Afternoon temperatures typically reach around 26°C or 79°F, while nighttime temperatures are approximately 13°C or 55°F.

November and December (Brief Precipitation)

From November to the end of December, there will be four weeks of erratic rainfall, however the exact onset remains uncertain. It is unlikely to adversely impact your safari, as continuous rainfall throughout the day is uncommon. Precipitation typically occurs in the afternoon. Daytime temperatures are roughly 25°C (77°F), while nighttime and early morning temperatures are around 13°C (55°F).

January and February

There exists a dry season between the two rainy seasons; nevertheless, its commencement is difficult to ascertain.

March, April, and May (Long Rains)

During most days, it rains, as this period is the wettest of the year, although it rarely rains continuously throughout the day. The sky is overcast, with average minimum temperatures of about 26°C (79°F) during the day and 13°C (55°F) at night. Cold fronts frequently manifest in April and May, resulting in much lower temperatures.

Activities at Arusha National Park include forest treks, exploration of several picnic places, and a 3 to 4-day hike of Mount Meru, which serves as ideal acclimatization for a Kilimanjaro ascent.

For anyone interested in ascending Mt. Meru, the optimal period is from June to February, but November is characterized by significant rainfall.
Optimal vistas of Mt. Kilimanjaro occur from December to February.

Accommodation in Arusha  national park

The park contains two lodges, two guesthouses, two mountain huts, and campsites; additional accommodations are available near River Usa outside the park’s boundaries, along with various hostels and hotels in Arusha town,

NOTE : we come organise a combined Tanzania safaris and  orilla trekking safaris in Rwanda  and  Uganda 

Recommended Rwanda Safaris Packages

Book this 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek and visit the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park in the shortest time. Read More

Book a Perfect 1 Day Gorilla tour to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in southern Uganda. The trip starts from Kigali and can depart daily at 3:30 AM. Read More

Book 3 Days Gorilla Safari to Volcanoes. This trip combines gorilla trekking & Golden monkey tracking, a visit to the twine lakes, and a Kigali city tour. Read More

5 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari is perfect for a double gorilla trekking experience with a great chance of comparing gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park & Volcanoes. Read More

5 Days Rwanda Congo Safari is a perfect gorilla trekking & Nyiragongo hike in Congo on a combined multi Country safari to visit the mountain gorillas. Read More

Book 5 Days Rwanda Primate Tour offered by Rwanda gorilla trek the destination expert in Safaris to Rwanda throughout the entire year. Read More

9 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari. Plan for a multi-country Safari to visit Africa? Click here to read about the Gorilla Trek within Rwanda, DR Congo & Uganda for Gorilla trekking. Read More

Get the Best out of 13 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari with Active African Vacations that begins from Rwandan Airport Kigali and ends in Uganda. Read More

Book 5 Days Rwanda Primate Tour offered by Rwanda gorilla trek the destination expert in Safaris to Rwanda throughout the entire year. Read More

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours

3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari to Bwindi National Park on your African travel bucket, visit the mountain gorillas in Uganda’s famous national park of Bwindi or Mgahinga. Learn More

Plan a Combined 4 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Nature view boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi on 4 Days Uganda Gorilla trekking Safari. Visit the mountain gorillas, Golden Monkey. Learn More

3 Days Lake Mburo National Park Safari takes you to Lake Mburo National Park where you can spot rare wildlife such as lions, elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, antelope, zebras, and wild pigs. Learn More

3 Days Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park can show you the magnificent wildlife of East Africa, such as lions, elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, and water. Learn More

Perfect Lovely 5 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari & Cultural Tour from Kigali to Mgahinga National Park located in southwestern Uganda. Plan a visit to the mountain gorillas and golden monkey. Learn More

Perfect 6 Days Uganda Safari tour to visit the mountain gorillas, Wildlife animals in Queen Elizabeth national park on customized 6 Days Uganda safari with Rwanda gorilla trek Learn More