The climate of Tarangire National Park
Settled in the geographical heart of
Tanzania,
Tarangire National Park boasts a predominantly Tropical wet and dry or savanna climate attributed to the Köppen climate classification 'Aw'. The annual weather fluctuates mildly all year round. This climatic zone is marked by a form of weather consistency with striking variations in some parameters, majorly, rainfall.
Tropical conditions govern the climate's symphony, as yearly temperatures typically achieve a high point of 30°C (86°F) combined with lower extremes that drop to 14°C (57.2°F). A regularity in UV index levels is also noticeable all through the year, maintaining a high register from 10 to 12.
The dynamic feature in Tarangire National Park's climate is the rainfall, curiously switching from substantial amounts up to 166mm (6.54") to virtually no rainfall from
June to
August. It comes accompanied by a changing number of rainfall days that varies significantly from 2 days in
September to 19 days in
April.
Sunlight hours fluctuate modestly during the yearly course, from 11.9 hours to 12.4 hours. Simultaneously, sunshine hours are kept stable, with a small fluctuation ranging from 6 hours to 9 hours.
The best time to visit Tarangire National Park
For wildlife enthusiasts seeking a bird's-eye view of the utter beauty of the park's flora and fauna, the ideal time period to capitalize on the weather conditions is from
June through
August. These months are defined by their almost non-existent rainfall, plunging to lows of 0mm (0") in
July and August, respectively, with only 2 to 3 rainfall days. This dry period allows for better wildlife viewing, minimizing disruptions posed by the rain.
Supported by daily maximum temperatures of 24°C (75.2°F) to 25°C (77°F), these months can provide comfortable wildlife viewing conditions. There is ample daylight of approximately 12 hours complemented by 7 hours of sunshine, affording visual clarity for perfect wildlife spotting.
The worst time to visit Tarangire National Park
The least favorable time to explore
Tarangire National Park is in
April, during the apex of the rainy season. Visitors may find the weather conditions challenging as the rainfall magnifies to its highest point reaching 166mm (6.54"), spread across 19 days. This period can cause accessibility issues with some roads potentially becoming impassable.
Moreover, April is marked by reduced sunshine hours dropping to 6 hours per day. Despite daylight extending to 12 hours, thick cloud cover and frequent rain showers might diminish visibility.
Spring weather in Tarangire National Park
From
March through
May,
Tarangire National Park goes through its Spring season. These months are marked by the heaviest rainfall, with March at 130mm (5.12"), increasing to a peak in
April at 166mm (6.54"), and subsiding to 46mm (1.81") by May. The precipitations spread over 12 to 19 days, adding more water bodies to the park landscape.
Temperatures waver from lower limits of 17°C (62.6°F) to 18°C (64.4°F) and upper extremes fluctuating from 29°C (84.2°F) in March to 25°C (77°F) by May end. Simultaneously, daylight hours revolve around 12 hours, whereas sunshine may reach 6 hours by the end of Spring.
Summer weather in Tarangire National Park
The Summer months in
Tarangire National Park span from
June to
August, featuring virtually no rainfall and favorable atmospheric conditions for wildlife viewing. June opens with a slim trace of 5mm (0.2") rainfall, leaving
July and August virtually dry with 0mm (0") rains reported.
Throughout the Summer period, daytime temperatures adjust to comfortable ranges from 24°C (75.2°F) to 25°C (77°F) while evenings cool down to 14°C (57.2°F). These months also record a near-constant daylight span touching almost 12 hours and sunshine hours maintaining a steady 7-hour mark.
Autumn weather in Tarangire National Park
Autumn rolls in from
September to
November, merely registering a negligible 1mm (0.04") rain in September then crescendoing to 71mm (2.8") in November. The contrasted weather pattern comes with an accompanying variation in rainfall days between 2 and 11 days.
Autumn temperatures steadily rise from a high of 28°C (82.4°F) in September to 29°C (84.2°F) in November, with lower limits increasing from 15°C (59°F) to 17°C (62.6°F). Concurrently, daylight hours reach from a 12.1-hour minimum to a maximum of 12.3 hours along with sunshine hours ascending from 8 hours to 9 hours.
Winter weather in Tarangire National Park
Winter in
Tarangire National Park, buzzing from
December to
February, is marked by an increase in rainfall. December and
January record 99mm (3.9") and 85mm (3.35"), respectively, with a moderate drop to 97mm (3.82") by February. It also notes a surge in rainfall days from 15 in December to 13 in February.
Amid the winter season, temperatures remain moderately high between 29°C (84.2°F) and 30°C (86°F) while lows continue to be stable at 16°C (60.8°F) to 17°C (62.6°F). Meanwhile, daylight hours sway modestly from 12.3 hours in December to 12.2 hours by February-end, coupled with a consistent 8-hour sunshine period.
Weather in January
January in
Tarangire National Park,
Tanzania, introduces the year with warm climatic conditions. The higher temperatures around this period typically range from 28°C (82.4°F) to 30°C (86°F). The overall weather profile demonstrates relatively high rainfall and copious amounts of sunshine.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The weather in the park experiences minor fluctuations in
February compared to the preceding month. Higher temperatures reach only up to 30°C (86°F) in this month, representing only a slight increase. Despite these small increments, the chances of rainfall remain relatively high.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March experiences a significant leap in rainfall, receiving up to 130mm (5.12") of precipitation. This growth signals the departure from the drier, warmer months earlier in the year. However, despite the increase in rainfall, the temperatures remain relatively high, indicating a humid climate.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Despite a drop in temperatures and the hours of sunshine in
April, the weather remains generally warm. The rainfall reaches its peak for the year, with 166mm (6.54") of precipitation typically recorded. This period also indicates a trend towards shorter daylight hours.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May signifies the outset of drier conditions in
Tarangire National Park. Rainfall drastically drops to 46mm (1.81") after the peak in
April. There is a mild decrease in temperatures, and the UV index also starts to decrease. These conditions persist and intensify moving towards
June, with diminishing rainfall and cooler temperatures. During May, Tarangire National Park observes a subtle ascent to a still warm 25°C (77°F) from April's 27°C (80.6°F) in the average high-temperature.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in the park showcases the driest conditions of the year with only 5mm (0.2") of rainfall. Despite the reduction in rainfall, the temperatures remain pleasant. June also witnesses the lowest UV index of the year, which contributes to milder weather conditions.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues the trend observed in
June, with scarce rainfall and moderate temperatures. It is noteworthy that this period represents the driest season, as no rainfall is recorded during the entire month. Despite the drought, the temperatures remain moderate, creating a unique weather pattern.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August weather in
Tarangire National Park bears similarity to
July. The month continues to experience zero rainfall, joining the ranks of the driest months of the year. Chances of precipitation increase towards the end of the month, marking a transition from the driest to the wetter months. August begins with an average high-temperature of a still moderately hot 25°C (77°F), reflecting close similarity to the preceding month.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September parties from the drought experienced in the previous months. A small amount of rainfall is added back to the weather mix, but the change is subtle. This month serves as a transitional period from the dry season to a more humid climate.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October witnesses a slightly higher rainfall than the previous month, with 14mm (0.55") being the average. The UV index reverts to its higher values as seen earlier in the year. Despite these changes, the weather conditions remain consistent with warmer temperatures and longer sunshine hours.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November registers a significant increase in rainfall, with showers amounting to 71mm (2.8") on average. This transition symbolizes the onset of the rainy season in the park. The correspondingly high temperatures during these rains result in a somewhat humid climate.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December closes the year on a similar note as
November, with high rainfall and temperatures. The average rainfall increases to 99mm (3.9"), indicating a full-fledged rainy season. Despite being the last month of the year, the temperatures and hours of sunshine remain high.
Weather in December » [Resources]