Climate and monthly weather forecastArusha, Tanzania

The climate of Arusha

Anchored in the northern part of Tanzania, Arusha projects a temperate highland tropical climate with dry winters, an indicator that its atmospheric conditions trace back to the Köppen climate classification of Cwb. A year in Arusha manifests with temperatures fluctuating between 21°C (69.8°F) and 29°C (84.2°F), primarily retaining the milieu of a moderate environment. However, the city witnesses a distinct differentiation in rainfall, varying from a minimum of 15mm (0.59") in July to a peak of 368mm (14.49") in April.

Analyzing the daylight duration reveals steady stability, averaging around 12 hours throughout the year. The sunshine duration also follows a similar pattern, fluctuating from 6 to 9 hours over the months. A stable UV index of 11 and 12 throughout the year has also been recorded, marking Arusha as a city with high UV radiation. An anomaly in Arusha's weather pattern is the substantial rainfall in April of 368mm (14.49"), marking this month notoriously for its heavy downpours.

The best time to visit Arusha

Post reflection on climatic patterns, a visit to Arusha between June and September translates into an ideal time. This period maintains a particularly comfortable environment with temperatures ranging between 21°C (69.8°F) to 22°C (71.6°F). The combination of low rainfall levels, ranging from 15mm (0.59") to 33mm (1.3"), with comfortable temperatures makes this four-month block particularly enticing. Moreover, the city also rewards with an average of 7 to 8 hours of sunshine each day to maximize sightseeing opportunities.

The worst time to visit Arusha

Visitors may wish to avoid Arusha in April, which carries a reputation for heavy downpours, receiving up to 368mm (14.49") of rainfall over 20 days. Notwithstanding, the reduced sunshine hours to 6 per day also mark this month with a rather dull and gloomy atmosphere. Moreover, colder temperatures also creep in during April, with a low of 14°C (57.2°F) making it potentially uncomfortable for those unaccustomed to cooler climates.

Spring weather in Arusha

Precedent to March, spring in Arusha sees steadily increasing rainfall levels from 58mm (2.28") to 84mm (3.31"), accompanied by increasing temperatures reaching up to 29°C (84.2°F). Abundant sunshine duration of 8 hours per day and prolonged daylight hours of approximately 12 hours illuminate the city, while the city continues to experience a high UV index of 12.

Summer weather in Arusha

Marked by significant rainfalls, the summer months of April and May witness the rainfall scale hitting a peak of 368mm (14.49") and subsequently retreating to 211mm (8.31"). Concurrently, temperatures vary between 25°C (77°F) to 22°C (71.6°F), accompanying long sunshine hours of 6 per day. An average of 12 hours of daylight is observed throughout these months, while the UV index drops slightly to 11 in May.

Autumn weather in Arusha

The autumn months of June to August in Arusha kindle mild temperatures ranging from 21°C (69.8°F) to 22°C (71.6°F) alongside minimal rainfall levels fluctuating between 15mm (0.59") to 20mm (0.79"). Sunshine duration maintains an average of 6 to 7 hours daily during these months, and stable daylight duration close to 12 hours presents an ideal situation for photo sessions or outdoor activities.

Winter weather in Arusha

The winter months between September and February in Arusha are marked by progressively rising temperatures, varying between 24°C (75.2°F) to 29°C (84.2°F). Rainfall levels display significant disparities, starting from 20mm (0.79") in September and escalating to 112mm (4.41") in November. Despite the rainfall unpredictability, the sunshine duration, daylight hours, and UV index remain relatively consistent throughout the winter months.

Weather in January

Beginning the year in Arusha, Tanzania finds climatic conditions typically tropical, typical of an equatorial region. Temperatures begin a slight downward trend from a high of 29°C (84.2°F) to 10°C (50°F), making for a comfortable range. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February witnesses similar weather conditions to January in Arusha. However, there is a dramatic surge in rainfall, reaching an impactful 84mm (3.31"), and a slight progression in temperatures. A majority of the tropical region experiences less daylight, now registering at approximately 12.2 hours. Weather in February »

Weather in March

Transitioning to March, Arusha's weather undergoes significant changes. Captivatingly, rainfall exhibits a deep increase from February, reaching 180mm (7.09") over 14 days. Amidst the rising trend of temperatures, this month sees the beginning of a minor decrease. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April in Arusha, Tanzania is characterized by rainfall at its peak, with a substantial total of 368mm (14.49"). This is distinctively more than the previous and marks the apex of precipitation. Simultaneously, there is a noticeable drop in temperatures from the levels experienced in March. Weather in April »

Weather in May

Arusha's weather shifts considerably as we approach May. A significant change in rainfall from April is recorded, with showers reducing to 211mm (8.31"). The climate undergoes a cooling period with temperatures gradually falling. Notably less sunshine hours are present in comparison to April, making for shorter sunlit days. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June in Arusha continues the cooling period initiated in May. The most exceptional change is observed in the dramatic decrease in rainfall from May to June, reaching only 33mm (1.3") over 5 days. This reduction in rainfall also accompanies diminished sunshine hours, which contributes to the overall drop in temperature. Weather in June »

Weather in July

In July, Arusha experiences relatively dry weather, with only 15mm (0.59") of rain falling over 4 days. There is a stable condition in temperatures and daylight hours from June to July. The UV index remains consistent, effectively presenting unvarying sun intensity. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August is characterised by consistent weather conditions, with stable temperatures and minimal rainfall. Arusha records another month of low rainfall with a minor increase to 20mm (0.79") that falls over a span of 3 days. The tropical region maintains a consistent sunlight duration from July, ensuring stable daylight conditions. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September sees only a slight change in Arusha's weather. Rainfall remains stable at 20mm (0.79"), maintaining September as one of the driest months. It also marks the beginning of a slight warming period, with temperatures marginally increasing from those in August. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October offers a significant turnaround to the weather conditions in Arusha. It sees a rise in temperatures from September, signalling a surge in warmth. Interestingly, rainfall also records an increase, rising to 36mm (1.42") but still remains relatively low. Weather in October »

Weather in November

In November, weather patterns in Arusha shift dramatically. Rainfall increases in leaps and bounds to record a massive 112mm (4.41") over 12 days. Consequently, temperatures remain stable despite these significant climatic changes. Weather in November »

Weather in December

The year ends in Arusha with December recording a slight decrease in rainfall from November. The month is characterised with temperatures stably rivalling those in the previous November, an uncommon occurrence in this tropical city. Weather in December »