"Although it is no longer the capital of Tanzania, the port of Dar es Salaam remains its largest and most bustling city, and it is also an important air and ferry gateway to the spice island of Zanzibar. ”

- Philip Briggs

Dar es Salaam

Tanzania’s largest city and most important commercial hub, the port of Dar es Salaam (derived from a Swahili phrase meaning ‘Haven of Peace’) incorporates some fascinating historic buildings, notably the Old Boma built by the Sultan of Zanzibar in 1867 and a beautiful Bavarian-style Lutheran church dating to 1898.

The National Museum displays some of the world’s oldest hominid fossils, while Mwenge Market is renowned for stocking the country’s best selection of traditional Makonde carvings.

When to go

Find out when is best to visit

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DRY SEASON

A brief dry interlude before the more intense rainfall arrives in late March.

Being located so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Dar es Salaam has a tropical climate, with warm-to-hot temperatures consistent throughout the year. For the majority of the year, the maximum midday temperature averages around 32°C or 90°F. Mornings are more pleasant, averaging 22°C or 72°F.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Dar es Salaam is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder ‘short rains’ take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells: January to February and June to October.

DRY SEASON

A brief dry interlude before the more intense rainfall arrives in late March.

Being located so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Dar es Salaam has a tropical climate, with warm-to-hot temperatures consistent throughout the year. For the majority of the year, the maximum midday temperature averages around 32°C or 90°F. Mornings are more pleasant, averaging 22°C or 72°F.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Dar es Salaam is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder ‘short rains’ take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells: January to February and June to October.

DRY TO WET SEASON TRANSITION

The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. Travel to and from lodges is potentially difficult at times. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.

Being located so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Dar es Salaam has a tropical climate, with warm-to-hot temperatures consistent throughout the year. For the majority of the year, the maximum midday temperature averages around 32°C or 90°F. Mornings are more pleasant, averaging 22°C or 72°F.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Dar es Salaam is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder ‘short rains’ take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells: January to February and June to October.

WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'

This period is the wettest time of the year, and is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. Travel to and from lodges is potentially difficult at times.

Being located so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Dar es Salaam has a tropical climate, with warm-to-hot temperatures consistent throughout the year. For the majority of the year, the maximum midday temperature averages around 32°C or 90°F. Mornings are more pleasant, averaging 22°C or 72°F.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Dar es Salaam is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder ‘short rains’ take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells: January to February and June to October.

WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'

This period is the wettest time of the year, and is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. Travel to and from lodges is potentially difficult at times.

Being located so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Dar es Salaam has a tropical climate, with warm-to-hot temperatures consistent throughout the year. For the majority of the year, the maximum midday temperature averages around 32°C or 90°F. Mornings are more pleasant, averaging 22°C or 72°F.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Dar es Salaam is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder ‘short rains’ take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells: January to February and June to October.

DRY SEASON

In the dry season, weather conditions stabilise, becoming more consistent and predictable. Clear skies are much more frequent. We recommend this as the perfect time to visit most regions in Tanzania.

Being located so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Dar es Salaam has a tropical climate, with warm-to-hot temperatures consistent throughout the year. For the majority of the year, the maximum midday temperature averages around 32°C or 90°F. Mornings are more pleasant, averaging 22°C or 72°F.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Dar es Salaam is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder ‘short rains’ take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells: January to February and June to October.

DRY SEASON

In the dry season, weather conditions stabilise, becoming more consistent and predictable. Clear skies are much more frequent. We recommend this as the perfect time to visit most regions in Tanzania.

Being located so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Dar es Salaam has a tropical climate, with warm-to-hot temperatures consistent throughout the year. For the majority of the year, the maximum midday temperature averages around 32°C or 90°F. Mornings are more pleasant, averaging 22°C or 72°F.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Dar es Salaam is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder ‘short rains’ take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells: January to February and June to October.

DRY SEASON

In the dry season, weather conditions stabilise, becoming more consistent and predictable. Clear skies are much more frequent. We recommend this as the perfect time to visit most regions in Tanzania.

Being located so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Dar es Salaam has a tropical climate, with warm-to-hot temperatures consistent throughout the year. For the majority of the year, the maximum midday temperature averages around 32°C or 90°F. Mornings are more pleasant, averaging 22°C or 72°F.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Dar es Salaam is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder ‘short rains’ take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells: January to February and June to October.

DRY SEASON

In the dry season, weather conditions stabilise, becoming more consistent and predictable. Clear skies are much more frequent. We recommend this as the perfect time to visit most regions in Tanzania.

Being located so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Dar es Salaam has a tropical climate, with warm-to-hot temperatures consistent throughout the year. For the majority of the year, the maximum midday temperature averages around 32°C or 90°F. Mornings are more pleasant, averaging 22°C or 72°F.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Dar es Salaam is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder ‘short rains’ take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells: January to February and June to October.

DRY SEASON

In the dry season, weather conditions stabilise, becoming more consistent and predictable. Clear skies are much more frequent. We recommend this as the perfect time to visit most regions in Tanzania.

Being located so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Dar es Salaam has a tropical climate, with warm-to-hot temperatures consistent throughout the year. For the majority of the year, the maximum midday temperature averages around 32°C or 90°F. Mornings are more pleasant, averaging 22°C or 72°F.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Dar es Salaam is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder ‘short rains’ take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells: January to February and June to October.

WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'

Weather in this season can be rather unpredictable, with sunshine interspersed with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms. Though still considered the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. November can therefore still be a great time to visit.

Being located so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Dar es Salaam has a tropical climate, with warm-to-hot temperatures consistent throughout the year. For the majority of the year, the maximum midday temperature averages around 32°C or 90°F. Mornings are more pleasant, averaging 22°C or 72°F.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Dar es Salaam is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder ‘short rains’ take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells: January to February and June to October.

WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'

Weather in this season can be rather unpredictable, with sunshine interspersed with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms. Though still considered the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. November can therefore still be a great time to visit.

Being located so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Dar es Salaam has a tropical climate, with warm-to-hot temperatures consistent throughout the year. For the majority of the year, the maximum midday temperature averages around 32°C or 90°F. Mornings are more pleasant, averaging 22°C or 72°F.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and Dar es Salaam is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder ‘short rains’ take place between October and December. Between these, there are two drier spells: January to February and June to October.

Explore Dar es Salaam Properties

Southern Sun Dar es Salaam

Southern Sun Dar es Salaam

In the midst of Tanzania’s bustling capital city sits Southern Sun with its sprawling gardens and relaxing atmosphere. Designed to offer a peaceful space to return to after a day of exploring Dar es Sallam, Southern Sun boasts ..

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