Selous weather in short
Southern Tanzania has one long dry season and two rainy periods. The cooler, drier months run from June to October. Short rains arrive in November and December, and the heavy rains fall in April and May. The rainy season runs from late November to May, June to August are the cooler months and July to November is a good time to watch animals.
Many photo safaris that carry the Selous name go to the Nyerere National Park, the northern part split off in 2019. The seasons are the same on the Rufiji, and the choices below apply to both. If you want to compare trips, start with our guide to a Selous safari and the page on Selous safari tours from Zanzibar.
Monthly averages for the trip start
Dar es Salaam, 1971 to 2000, as a coastal reference. The reserve lies inland, so expect differences.
| Month | Max °C | Min °C | Rain (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31.8 | 23.5 | 76.3 |
| February | 32.4 | 23.3 | 54.9 |
| March | 32.1 | 22.8 | 138.1 |
| April | 30.7 | 22.4 | 254.2 |
| May | 29.8 | 21.3 | 197.8 |
| June | 29.3 | 19.2 | 42.9 |
| July | 28.9 | 18.2 | 25.6 |
| August | 29.4 | 18.1 | 24.1 |
| September | 30.3 | 18.4 | 22.8 |
| October | 30.9 | 19.7 | 69.3 |
| November | 31.4 | 21.3 | 125.9 |
| December | 31.6 | 22.8 | 117.8 |
These are averages of daily highs and lows and total monthly rain, not a forecast and not a measurement from inside the reserve. They show the pattern: July to September are driest and coolest, April is the wettest month.
Our pick: a day safari with the rain season in mind
The listing warns that rain between April and June can move the schedule, which is useful to know when you plan your dates.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Safaris to the Selous and Nyerere in each season
Fly-in day trips, boat safaris and game drives from Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam, with live prices and availability.
Best time to visit Selous
What each season offers.
Dry season, mid-June to October
The northern safari area is driest in these months, and July to November is named as a good time for watching animals. Game drives and boat trips on the Rufiji give good chances to see elephants, hippos and crocodiles, though no sighting is guaranteed. June to August are also the cooler months. Reserve camps and flights early for this period.
Short rains, November and December
Rain is lighter than in April and May and comes in short spells. The rainy season officially starts in late November. Plan some flexibility, because a heavy shower can change a game drive or a flight time.
January to March
Hot, with highs around 32 °C on the coast. Rainfall falls between the short rains and the heavy rains and can vary from year to year. Some northern camps end their season in mid-March.
Heavy rains, April and May
April is the wettest month in the table above. Roads and rivers need checking before you travel, and four-wheel drive is advised, especially in rain. Many northern camps close for this period, so check opening dates before you book. Camp seasons in the north often run from early June to mid-March.
Packing and planning by season
Small choices that make the day easier.
Layers for early starts
Mornings on an open vehicle or boat in June to August are cool. Bring a light jacket, then expect warm afternoons.
Rain gear from November
A light rain jacket and a dry bag for cameras help during the short rains and the heavy rains.
Sun, water and insects
Hat, sunscreen and insect repellent apply in every month. Drink plenty of water on long drives.
Park season and fees
The northern park uses a high season from 16 May to 14 March and a low season from 15 March to 15 May. Fee levels and what a safari price includes are on the Nyerere park fees page.
Selous weather: frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Selous?
Most visitors choose mid-June to October, when the weather is dry and animals gather near water. July to November is also a good period for watching animals. The rainy months have fewer visitors and greener scenery.
When does it rain in Selous?
The rainy season runs from late November to May. Short rains fall in November and December, and the heaviest rain comes in April and May.
Is Selous open in the rainy season?
The area itself is not closed for the whole season, but many camps in the north close from about mid-March to the start of June. Roads and airstrips can be hard to use in April and May, so check each camp's dates.
How hot does it get?
Daily highs on the coast run around 29 to 32 °C through the year. Lows drop to about 18 °C in July and August. The reserve is inland, so conditions can differ.
How cold are early morning drives?
Mornings on an open vehicle or boat are cool from June to August, and lows on the coast drop to about 18 °C in July and August. Bring a light jacket. Check opening dates and conditions with your operator before you go.