Climate Overview
The climate in Dar es Salaam is hot. The average annual temperature is 27°C and approximately 899mm of precipitation falls per year. April is the wettest month, receiving around 368mm of rainfall. 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 10°C range. The warmest month is March, when average highs reach 32°C and the mean temperature sits around 29°C. September 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. The sharpest temperature change occurs between March and April, with a 2°C shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Dar es Salaam is a moderately rainy area, receiving approximately 899mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 75mm per month. The wettest month is April, averaging 368mm of rainfall. March and January also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is July, with just 19mm. That's 350mm 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 relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 4km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is June, averaging 5km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in March, with average winds dropping to 3km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 2km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months.
Seasons
63 days until Spring
It is currently winter in Dar es Salaam, which began on June 21, 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 March at around 32°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in September near 22°C. Spring is next, beginning on September 23, 2026 — 63 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from 22 to 30°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 99mm over the season and a monthly average of 33mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 3km/h. Light layers work well as temperatures warm through the season — a great time to be outdoors.
Summer
Temperatures range from 26 to 31°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 201mm for the season, averaging 67mm per month. Winds are generally light, averaging 4km/h. Light, breathable clothing is ideal — perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 24 to 32°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 521mm across the season with a monthly average of 174mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 4km/h. A waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear are recommended as rain becomes more frequent.
Winter
Temperatures range from 22 to 28°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 78mm over the season and a monthly average of 26mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 5km/h. A light jacket or sweater is usually sufficient, though cooler evenings may call for an extra layer.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Dar es Salaam is during July, August and September, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 25°C with modest rainfall averaging 23mm per month. By contrast, March can be uncomfortably hot with temperatures reaching 32°C. With minimal rainfall expected, you can pack light and plan outdoor activities with confidence.
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.