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Best time to visit Arusha

Tanzania

The best months to visit Arusha are Jun – Oct, Dec – Feb. Dry seasons for best safari and trekking.

Quick facts

💰 Currency TZS (Tanzanian Shilling) USD widely accepted for tours and lodges
🗣 Language Swahili / English English common in tourism areas
🕐 Timezone EAT (UTC+3) No DST
☀️ Best Months Jun – Oct, Dec – Feb Dry seasons for best safari and trekking
🎒 Daily Budget ~$25–55 USD Budget to mid-range
🛂 Visa Visa on arrival / e-Visa Apply at visa.immigration.go.tz

When to go

Gateway to the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro, a vibrant Tanzanian city at the foot of Mount Meru with world-class coffee, Maasai culture, and walking safaris.

Jun – Oct, Dec – Feb is the busiest window in Arusha, so accommodation and flights go first. Book ahead. The shoulder weeks either side are usually quieter for the same reason.

Getting Around in Arusha

  • Dalla-dalla minibuses are the cheapest transport around the city, though routes are not well signed so ask locals for help
  • Taxis and boda-bodas (motorbike taxis) are available everywhere, so negotiate the price before departure
  • For national park visits and day trips, hire a vehicle with driver through your accommodation or a local operator

For month-by-month detail, itineraries and costs, see the full Arusha travel guide.

Timezone: EAT (UTC+3) (No DST)

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Arusha?

The best months to visit Arusha are Jun – Oct, Dec – Feb (Dry seasons for best safari and trekking), which makes for the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing and getting around. For what a trip costs day to day, see the Arusha budget breakdown.

Find a travel companion for Arusha

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See the full Arusha guide