Climate Insights for Dar es Salaam
Climate Overview
The climate in Dar es Salaam is hot. The average annual temperature is 26°C and approximately 1,259 mm of precipitation falls per year. Dar es Salaam receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Dar es Salaam sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.The climate in Dar es Salaam is hot. The average annual temperature is 79°F and approximately 49.6 in of precipitation falls per year. Dar es Salaam receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Dar es Salaam sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.
Temperature
Dar es Salaam has relatively stable temperatures year-round, staying within a 9°C range. The warmest month is February, when average highs reach 31°C and the mean temperature sits around 28°C. August is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 22°C and an average of 25°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 5°C between highs and lows.Dar es Salaam has relatively stable temperatures year-round, staying within a 15°F range. The warmest month is February, when average highs reach 87°F and the mean temperature sits around 83°F. August is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 72°F and an average of 76°F. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 8°F between highs and lows.
Precipitation
Dar es Salaam is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 1,259 mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 105 mm per month. The wettest month is April, averaging 344 mm of rainfall. May and March also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is September, with just 30 mm. That's 314 mm less than April, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.Dar es Salaam is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 49.6 in of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 4.1 in per month. The wettest month is April, averaging 13.5 in of rainfall. May and March also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is September, with just 1.2 in. That's 12.4 in less than April, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.
Wind
Dar es Salaam is mildly breezy, with an average annual wind speed of 14km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is July, averaging 17km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in March, with average winds dropping to 10km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 7km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to be stronger during winter months, driven by seasonal pressure systems. The seasonal averages break down to 16km/h in winter, 13km/h in spring, 13km/h in summer, 13km/h in autumn.Dar es Salaam is moderately windy, with an average annual wind speed of 8mph. For context, sustained winds below 7mph are generally light, while anything above 16mph is considered strong. The windiest month is July, averaging 11mph, noticeable enough to affect lighter outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in March, with average winds dropping to 6mph, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 5mph gap between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to be stronger during winter months, driven by seasonal pressure systems. The seasonal averages break down to 10mph in winter, 8mph in spring, 8mph in summer, 8mph in autumn.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Dar es Salaam is during July and August, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 25°C with modest rainfall averaging 32 mm per month. By contrast, February can be uncomfortably hot with temperatures reaching 31°C. A light rain jacket is recommended, though showers are generally brief and shouldn't disrupt your plans.The best time to visit Dar es Salaam is during July and August, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 76°F with modest rainfall averaging 1.3 in per month. By contrast, February can be uncomfortably hot with temperatures reaching 87°F. A light rain jacket is recommended, though showers are generally brief and shouldn't disrupt your plans.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Dar es Salaam based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.The table below shows monthly climate averages for Dar es Salaam based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in miles per hour (mph). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.