Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam has a tropical wet-and-dry climate, marked by year-round warmth split between a rainy season and a pronounced dry season. Average daytime highs range from about 83°F (28°C) in July to around 88°F (31°C) in February, and the city records roughly 176 days of measurable precipitation a year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: February - highs near 88°F (31°C)
- Coldest month: July - highs near 83°F (28°C)
- Record high: 94°F (34°C) · Record low: 66°F (19°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: April (26 rainy days) · Sunniest: October (11.4 h sun/day)
- Climate type: tropical wet-and-dry - year-round warmth split between a rainy season and a pronounced dry season
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on February. Highs average 88°F (31°C) and overnight lows stay near 78°F (26°C). The coolest month is July, with typical highs of 83°F (28°C) and lows around 71°F (22°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 94°F (34°C) and dropped as low as 66°F (19°C).
Rain, sun and snow
April is usually the wettest month. It brings about 11.7 inches (298 mm) of rain over 26 days, while July is the driest. October brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.4 hours of sun a day.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 87° | 78° | 15 | 3.4 in | 10.9 h/day | 78% |
| February | 88° | 78° | 12 | 2.2 in | 11.0 h/day | 77% |
| March | 88° | 78° | 20 | 5.5 in | 10.1 h/day | 80% |
| April | 85° | 75° | 26 | 11.7 in | 8.3 h/day | 86% |
| May | 84° | 74° | 16 | 5.8 in | 9.7 h/day | 82% |
| June | 83° | 72° | 8 | 1.3 in | 10.5 h/day | 77% |
| July | 83° | 71° | 6 | 0.9 in | 10.6 h/day | 75% |
| August | 84° | 71° | 9 | 0.9 in | 10.8 h/day | 75% |
| September | 85° | 72° | 11 | 1.1 in | 11.3 h/day | 75% |
| October | 86° | 74° | 14 | 3.3 in | 11.4 h/day | 77% |
| November | 86° | 76° | 20 | 5.1 in | 11.2 h/day | 80% |
| December | 87° | 77° | 21 | 4.5 in | 11.4 h/day | 80% |
Dar es Salaam month by month
Dar es Salaam weather in January
January brings highs around 87°F (31°C), lows near 78°F (26°C), about 15 wet days.
Dar es Salaam weather in February
February brings highs around 88°F (31°C), lows near 78°F (26°C), about 12 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Dar es Salaam.
Dar es Salaam weather in March
March brings highs around 88°F (31°C), lows near 78°F (25°C), about 20 wet days.
Dar es Salaam weather in April
April brings highs around 85°F (29°C), lows near 75°F (24°C), about 26 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Dar es Salaam.
Dar es Salaam weather in May
May brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 74°F (23°C), about 16 wet days.
Dar es Salaam weather in June
June brings highs around 83°F (29°C), lows near 72°F (22°C), about 8 wet days.
Dar es Salaam weather in July
July brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 71°F (22°C), about 6 wet days - typically the coldest month and the driest month of the year in Dar es Salaam.
Dar es Salaam weather in August
August brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 71°F (22°C), about 9 wet days.
Dar es Salaam weather in September
September brings highs around 85°F (30°C), lows near 72°F (22°C), about 11 wet days.
Dar es Salaam weather in October
October brings highs around 86°F (30°C), lows near 74°F (23°C), about 14 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Dar es Salaam.
Dar es Salaam weather in November
November brings highs around 86°F (30°C), lows near 76°F (24°C), about 20 wet days.
Dar es Salaam weather in December
December brings highs around 87°F (30°C), lows near 77°F (25°C), about 21 wet days.
Seasons in Dar es Salaam
September through November
September through November in Dar es Salaam brings hot afternoons, with daytime highs averaging 86°F (30°C) and nights around 74°F (23°C); expect showers on roughly 45 days across the season. With the humidity factored in, afternoons often feel hotter than the thermometer reads - run the numbers through the humidity and dew point converter to see why.
December through February
December through February in Dar es Salaam brings hot afternoons, with daytime highs averaging 87°F (31°C) and nights around 78°F (26°C); expect showers on roughly 48 days across the season.
March through May
March through May in Dar es Salaam is hot, with daytime highs averaging 85°F (30°C) and nights around 76°F (24°C); expect showers on roughly 61 days across the season.
June through August
June through August in Dar es Salaam brings hot afternoons, with daytime highs averaging 83°F (29°C) and nights around 72°F (22°C); expect showers on roughly 22 days across the season.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Dar es Salaam?
Is Dar es Salaam hot in summer?
Is Dar es Salaam cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Dar es Salaam get in a year?
Best time to visit Dar es Salaam
The best time to visit Dar es Salaam is generally June to September, when these months combine the driest skies with the most comfortable heat. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 84°F (29°C).
Pack for Dar es Salaam with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature; moisture-wicking fabrics to cope with the humidity. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - February nights average 78°F (26°C).
Dar es Salaam temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.