Major Faq-Tanzania

Climate and Clothes

Our projects are located in Dar es Salaam and Arusha. Dar is a tropical place while Arusha has sub-tropical climate. Volunteers joining the women's development project, which is located at the base of Mt. Meru , please bring winter clothes. Summer clothes are fine for Dar and the rest of the areas.

Please find more information

• Take advantage of the Web which can bring you current weather and forecasts for your destination:
• •  Yahoo Weather: http://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/NPXX0002.html (www.weather.yahoo.com)
• •  The Weather Channel: www.weather.com
• •  The Weather Underground: http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/44454.html ( www.wunderground.com )

Tanzania is a land without winter. Temperatures in Northern Tanzania range from 60-75 Degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 40-50 Degrees Fahrenheit at night from May to October. From November to March, the day time temperature varies from 70-90 Degrees Fahrenheit and 60-75 Degrees Fahrenheit at Night. Please note that weather is highly unpredictable.

On account of its extremely varied topography, the weather in Tanzania can vary between regions, but generally it has two dry seasons split by two rainy seasons as described below:

DECEMBER - MARCH this is when the north of the country is usually at its driest with hot, clear days and pleasantly warm nights. On average, the daytime temperatures rise to around 90F and then fall to a balmy 65F at night. The coastal region can experience more tropical temperatures with the influence of the 'kaskazi' monsoon wind that can push temperatures up to a humid 95F or higher. Whilst the north of the country is predominantly dry during this time, the southern areas of Selous and Ruaha usually experience their green season with intermittent rainfall.

APRIL - MAY As the end of March beckons, daytime temperatures and humidity begin to increase significantly with the onset of the long rains, although the effects in the northern highlands are normally tempered on account of the altitude. The long rains can sometimes cause temporary flooding as a result, but are usually short and heavy, with rainfall typically lasting for an hour or two before the sun shines again.

JUNE - OCTOBER this is the coolest time of the year although daytime temperatures remain high at about 80F, contrasting significantly with the nights when the temperature can fall to 58F or cooler in the highlands. As September and October approach, so it starts to warm up again prior to the short rains in November. These months are generally dry although some rain may be encountered.

NOVEMBER This month sees a rise in temperatures as the hot and dry season approaches, but this is also the time of the short rains, which can last into early December. Storms are generally short, sharp and very sporadic with travel arrangements little affected

Dar Es Salaam , Tanzania