"Although Zanzibar is the most established goal for a post-safari beach break, the long Indian Ocean coastline of the Tanzanian mainland is lined with fine reef-protected swimming beaches and studded with historic Swahili ports. ”
- Philip Briggs
Tanzania Mainland Coast
The mainland coast of Tanzania offers much to travellers seeking to get off the beaten track. Highlights of the north coast include the historic Swahili ports of Bagamoyo and Pangani, both of which offer access to lovely palm-lined beaches. The gem of the south coast is Kilwa Kisiwani, whose splendid ruined mosques and palaces are relics of an island-bound mediaeval trade emporium described in 1331 by the Arab globetrotter Ibn Battuta as “one of the most beautiful and well-constructed towns in the world”.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRY SEASON
A brief interlude of dry and sunny weather before the long rains arrive in late March.
This is a great time of year to scuba-dive or snorkel, with water visibility usually over 20 meters.
Its proximity to the equator combined with its position along the Indian Coastline means that the Tanzania coastline has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F the majority of the year, while mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and the coast 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 are two drier spells: January – February and June – October.
DRY SEASON
A brief interlude of dry and sunny weather before the long rains arrive in late March.
This is a great time of year to scuba-dive or snorkel, with water visibility usually over 20 meters.
Its proximity to the equator combined with its position along the Indian Coastline means that the Tanzania coastline has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F the majority of the year, while mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and the coast 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 are two drier spells: January – February and June – October.
DRY SEASON
A brief interlude of dry and sunny weather before the long rains arrive in late March.
This is a great time of year to scuba-dive or snorkel, with water visibility usually over 20 meters.
Its proximity to the equator combined with its position along the Indian Coastline means that the Tanzania coastline has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F the majority of the year, while mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and the coast 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 are two drier spells: January – February and June – October.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies, consecutive days of rain, and relatively strong winds. Water clarity is also quite poor due to weather conditions. Overall, this is a poor time of year to visit, though bargains can be found with the relatively cheap low season rates.
Its proximity to the equator combined with its position along the Indian Coastline means that the Tanzania coastline has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F the majority of the year, while mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and the coast 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 are two drier spells: January – February and June – October.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies, consecutive days of rain, and relatively strong winds. Water clarity is also quite poor due to weather conditions. Overall, this is a poor time of year to visit, though bargains can be found with the relatively cheap low season rates.
Its proximity to the equator combined with its position along the Indian Coastline means that the Tanzania coastline has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F the majority of the year, while mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and the coast 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 are two drier spells: January – February and June – October.
DRY SEASON
The main dry season is characterised by clear skies and stable weather conditions, making it one of the best times of the year to visit Tanzania. Water clarity also tends to be very good, allowing for excellent scuba-diving and snorkelling conditions.
Its proximity to the equator combined with its position along the Indian Coastline means that the Tanzania coastline has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F the majority of the year, while mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and the coast 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 are two drier spells: January – February and June – October.
DRY SEASON
The main dry season is characterised by clear skies and stable weather conditions, making it one of the best times of the year to visit Tanzania. Water clarity also tends to be very good, allowing for excellent scuba-diving and snorkelling conditions.
Its proximity to the equator combined with its position along the Indian Coastline means that the Tanzania coastline has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F the majority of the year, while mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and the coast 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 are two drier spells: January – February and June – October.
DRY SEASON
The main dry season is characterised by clear skies and stable weather conditions, making it one of the best times of the year to visit Tanzania. Water clarity also tends to be very good, allowing for excellent scuba-diving and snorkelling conditions.
Its proximity to the equator combined with its position along the Indian Coastline means that the Tanzania coastline has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F the majority of the year, while mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and the coast 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 are two drier spells: January – February and June – October.
DRY SEASON
The main dry season is characterised by clear skies and stable weather conditions, making it one of the best times of the year to visit Tanzania. Water clarity also tends to be very good, allowing for excellent scuba-diving and snorkelling conditions.
Its proximity to the equator combined with its position along the Indian Coastline means that the Tanzania coastline has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F the majority of the year, while mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and the coast 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 are two drier spells: January – February and June – October.
DRY SEASON
The main dry season is characterised by clear skies and stable weather conditions, making it one of the best times of the year to visit Tanzania. Water clarity also tends to be very good, allowing for excellent scuba-diving and snorkelling conditions.
Its proximity to the equator combined with its position along the Indian Coastline means that the Tanzania coastline has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F the majority of the year, while mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and the coast 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 are two drier spells: January – February and June – October.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
This is a rather unpredictable time of the year, with occasional heavy showers or thunderstorms interspersing the sunny spells. Though technically the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains, making it a good time to visit Tanzania. Water clarity can be good at this time, allowing for great scuba-diving and snorkelling conditions.
Its proximity to the equator combined with its position along the Indian Coastline means that the Tanzania coastline has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F the majority of the year, while mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and the coast 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 are two drier spells: January – February and June – October.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
This is a rather unpredictable time of the year, with occasional heavy showers or thunderstorms interspersing the sunny spells. Though technically the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains, making it a good time to visit Tanzania. Water clarity can be good at this time, allowing for great scuba-diving and snorkelling conditions.
Its proximity to the equator combined with its position along the Indian Coastline means that the Tanzania coastline has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F the majority of the year, while mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania, and the coast 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 are two drier spells: January – February and June – October.
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