Climate Insights for Dar es Salaam

The climate in Dar es Salaam is hot. The average annual temperature is 26°C and approximately 1170mm of precipitation falls per year. April is the wettest month, receiving around 319mm of rainfall. Dar es Salaam sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.

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 is a moderately rainy area, receiving approximately 1170mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 98mm per month. The wettest month is April, averaging 319mm of rainfall. March and May also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is September, with just 24mm. That's 295mm 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 mildly breezy, with an average annual wind speed of 19km/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 22km/h, noticeable enough to affect lighter outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in March, with average winds dropping to 16km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying by only 6km/h 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 21km/h in winter, 19km/h in spring, 18km/h in summer, 18km/h in autumn.

It is currently autumn in Dar es Salaam, which began on March 20, 2026. Dar es Salaam sits near the equator, so the traditional four-season cycle is less pronounced — temperatures remain relatively stable year-round. The warmest period peaks in February at around 31°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in August near 22°C. Winter is next, beginning on June 21, 2026 — 90 days from now.

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 26mm per month. By contrast, February can be uncomfortably hot with temperatures reaching 31°C. With minimal rainfall expected, you can pack light and plan outdoor activities with confidence.

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.