Spring in Dar es Salaam brings steady warmth, rising humidity, and a clear shift toward wetter days as the season goes on. You’ll see daytime highs near 86°F, and nights slowly warm from the upper 60s to the mid-70s. This balance of heat and moisture shapes daily life in the city, setting the tone for outdoor plans and coastal activities.
Cloud cover builds up fast during spring, and the chance of rain grows from rare at the start to pretty common by the end. At the same time, the Indian Ocean warms up, so coastal waters become even more inviting for swimming or heading out on the water. These changes bring a mix of sunny mornings, humid afternoons, and the occasional heavy shower that really gives spring its character.
I’ve spent plenty of time analyzing weather here and just living through it, so I’ve seen how these patterns affect everything from commutes to beach days. If you get a feel for the rhythm of spring weather, you can plan with more confidence and maybe even enjoy your time in Tanzania’s biggest coastal city a bit more.
Spring Weather Overview in Dar es Salaam
In spring, Dar es Salaam brings warm temperatures, rising humidity, and a steady increase in rain. Cloud cover builds quickly, and the Indian Ocean keeps things humid but pretty stable along the coast.
Climate Characteristics
Spring temperatures in Dar es Salaam stay warm and steady. Daily highs usually range between 82°F and 90°F (28°C–32°C). Lows start around 68°F (20°C) and can climb to 75°F (24°C) by the end of spring.
Nights are humid, so the heat doesn’t really let up. Rainfall ramps up fast as spring goes on. Early on, you might only get light showers, but by the end, average rainfall can top 3 inches (80 mm) per month.
The odds of a rainy day jump from 5% in early September to over 40% by late November. Humidity stands out as a defining feature. Muggy conditions go from about 90% at the start to nearly 100% by the end.
Warm sea surface temps climb from 78°F (26°C) to 83°F (28°C), so the tropical vibe never really fades.
Spring Months and Timeline
Spring in Dar es Salaam runs from September through November. September kicks off with clearer skies, moderate humidity, and not much rain. You’ll see more sunshine and slightly drier air at the start.
By October, clouds roll in and rain chances rise fast. Winds from the east drop from 12 mph in September to about 9 mph in November, so the air starts feeling heavier.
November turns into the wettest spring month. Rainfall peaks, humidity tops out, and cloudy skies are the norm. Daylight stretches a bit, from about 12 hours in early September to nearly 12.5 hours by late November. You get more daytime, but not always more clear skies.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Compared to summer, spring is wetter and more humid, though it’s not as rainy as the long wet season in March and April. Winter brings cooler nights and drier air, but spring offers little relief if you’re hoping for a break from muggy weather.
Spring stands apart from autumn in the Southern Hemisphere (that’s June–August locally). Those months are drier, less humid, and honestly, more comfortable for being outside.
If you look at January and February—the hottest months—spring feels a bit cooler during the day. Still, increasing rainfall and humidity make spring less predictable and not the best pick for beach-focused trips.
Average Temperatures During Spring
Spring in Dar es Salaam brings steady warmth with only small shifts in highs and lows. You’ll get consistent heat during the day, mild evenings, and humidity that makes it all feel warmer than the thermometer says.
Daytime Highs and Lows
During spring, the average daytime temperature hovers around 86°F (30°C). Highs rarely drop below 82°F (28°C) or climb above 90°F (32°C), so there’s not much week-to-week change.
These stable temps make it easy to plan outdoor activities, though the humidity can make the air feel heavier. The hottest part of the day usually falls between late morning and mid-afternoon.
The warmest months peak in February, while the coolest show up in August. Spring sits in between, offering steady warmth without the extremes.
Monthly Temperature Trends
Temperatures inch up as spring goes on. Early in the season, lows average around 68°F (20°C). By the end, they’re closer to 75°F (24°C).
Highs stay steady, but warmer nights later in spring make everything feel more humid.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| September | 86°F (30°C) | 68°F (20°C) |
| October | 86°F (30°C) | 72°F (22°C) |
| November | 87°F (31°C) | 75°F (24°C) |
This slow climb means you won’t notice big changes month to month. Still, more humidity and cloud cover later in spring can make things less comfortable, especially if you’re not used to tropical weather.
Nighttime Temperatures
Evenings stay warm all spring, with average nighttime temperatures from 68°F (20°C) in early September to 75°F (24°C) by late November. Nights almost never fall below 65°F (18°C), so heavy clothes aren’t needed.
Because humidity stays high, nights feel muggy, not cool. Air conditioning or at least a fan helps a lot for sleeping.
Cooler nights just don’t happen here in spring. You can still eat outside or go for evening walks year-round, but the air gets heavy, especially toward the end of spring when moisture and clouds increase.
Rainfall and Rainy Days in Spring
Spring in Dar es Salaam brings a mix of heavy rainfall and shorter dry spells. March, April, and May each have their own feel, but April stands out as the wettest month.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall in spring doesn’t spread out evenly. March usually starts off with 150–180 mm of rain. April peaks with about 220–230 mm, making it the year’s wettest month.
By May, totals drop to around 100–120 mm as the long rains start to fade. The Indian Ocean pushes moist air inland, so coastal spots get more rain than areas farther away.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| March | 150–180 |
| April | 220–230 |
| May | 100–120 |
Frequency of Rainy Days
The number of rainy days shifts a lot through spring. March brings 12–15 rainy days. April hits the highest count, with about 17–20 days. By May, rainy days drop to 8–10, showing drier weather is on the way.
Rain doesn’t mean all-day downpours. Most rainy days bring short but intense showers, often in the afternoon or evening. You’ll still get some sunshine even when it rains.
This mix of wet and dry spells makes planning easier. If you’re traveling in spring, pack light rain gear but expect breaks in the weather for outdoor plans.
Rainfall Patterns and Changes
Spring rainfall follows the pattern of the long rains. Moist winds from the Indian Ocean bring heavy showers in March and April.
By May, the system weakens, and rain gets less frequent. April stands out for both totals and intensity. Showers can last longer, and flooding sometimes happens in low-lying spots.
May feels more balanced, with fewer rainy days and lighter showers. This rhythm matters if you’re planning outdoor work or travel. March and April require flexibility, while May offers a more moderate climate with fewer interruptions.
Humidity, Sunshine, and Cloud Cover
Spring in Dar es Salaam brings high humidity, frequent cloud cover, and just average sunshine. You’ll notice a damp atmosphere with plenty of overcast days. Still, daylight hours stay steady, so you’ve got reliable time for outdoor plans when the skies open up.
Relative Humidity Levels
Humidity stays high in spring, usually between 78% and 83%. April is the muggiest, often hitting the year’s peak.
This level of moisture makes temperatures feel warmer than the numbers suggest. Mornings and evenings feel sticky, especially after it rains.
The combo of humidity and showers can make it less comfortable outside. If you’re sensitive to muggy air, this season is when you’ll really notice it.
High humidity means wet surfaces dry slowly. Clothes and shoes might take longer to dry, and condensation indoors isn’t unusual. Lighter, breathable clothes help a lot.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
Spring brings about 7 to 8 hours of sunshine per day on average. That’s less than the dry season, but still enough daylight for sightseeing or outdoor plans.
Daylight holds steady at around 12 hours per day. The main difference? Fewer clear-sky hours thanks to clouds and showers.
Sunshine usually comes in short bursts between storms. Mornings and late afternoons are often the best times to get outside before clouds build up again.
Cloud Cover Variability
Cloud cover ramps up fast through spring. In March, skies might be partly clear for much of the day. By April, overcast conditions can cover more than half the sky.
This is the cloudiest stretch of the year in Dar es Salaam. Heavy cloud cover cuts down on sunlight and softens the heat a bit, but it also means fewer bright sunsets and less beach-perfect weather.
By May, clouds start to ease, though scattered showers and gray skies stick around. You’ll get variable conditions with quick shifts between cloudy, rainy, and short sunny breaks.
Sea Temperature and Coastal Conditions
The coastal waters around Dar es Salaam stay warm all year, with barely any change between seasons. In spring, the sea hits some of its highest temps, so it’s great for swimming, boating, and water activities.
Average Sea Temperatures
In spring (March to May), sea temps usually range from 28°C (82°F) to 30°C (86°F). March tends to be warmest, peaking near 30°C, before cooling just a bit by May.
This warmth fits Dar es Salaam’s tropical setting. The Indian Ocean keeps things stable, so you won’t get big swings like inland climates do.
You can expect the water to feel comfortable at almost any time.
| Month | Avg Sea Temp °C | Avg Sea Temp °F |
|---|---|---|
| March | 29–30 | 84–86 |
| April | 28–29 | 82–84 |
| May | 27–28 | 81–82 |
These stable numbers mean there’s rarely any worry about cold water in spring.
Best Times for Swimming
If you love swimming, March is usually the most inviting. The water can hit 30°C (86°F), which feels almost like a heated pool.
April and May are still pleasant, though a touch cooler. Even at 27–28°C, the sea stays comfy for long swims, without the chill you might get elsewhere.
Warm seas and long daylight hours give you plenty of time for beach outings. But keep in mind, April brings frequent rain, which can limit visibility and make the beach less appealing.
If you want the best mix of warm water and fewer interruptions, March and early May are usually your best bet.
Impact on Local Activities
The high sea temperatures in spring really open up a lot of coastal activities. Snorkeling and diving usually get a boost from that warm water, but honestly, heavy April rains can mess with the underwater clarity.
Fishing stays pretty steady because many species actually love these temperatures. Local operators tweak their schedules more for rainfall than sea conditions, since the water just stays warm no matter what.
For casual beachgoers, comfort is the main thing. You’ll find gentle waves, warm water, and plenty of chances to hang out in the sea for as long as you like.
Just a heads-up—April’s rains sometimes bring stronger runoff near river mouths, and that can affect water quality in a few spots.
Wind Speed and Atmospheric Conditions
Spring in Dar es Salaam brings a mix of calm and breezy days. Wind speeds shift month to month, and the air often feels humid, with cloud cover and rainfall shaking things up quite a bit.
Average Wind Speeds
Wind in Dar es Salaam during spring usually stays moderate, but it really depends on the month. March and April feel calmer, with average speeds around 1–2 meters per second (2–4 mph), so nothing too wild.
By May, winds get stronger, averaging about 10–12 mph. That’s when you start to notice the windier part of the year kicking in.
Some days are almost still, while others bring a steady breeze. The difference between a calm April evening and a breezy May afternoon can really stand out, especially by the coast.
Here’s a quick look at average wind speeds:
| Month | Avg Speed (mph) | Typical Feel |
|---|---|---|
| March | 2–4 | Light breeze/calm |
| April | 2–5 | Mostly gentle |
| May | 10–12 | Moderate breezy |
These averages are handy if you’re planning outdoor activities or if you need to catch a boat.
Typical Wind Patterns
Spring winds in Dar es Salaam change with the Indian Ocean monsoon system. Early in the season—March and April—things stay pretty calm because rainfall and clouds take over the atmosphere. Moist air rises, which cuts down on steady surface winds.
By late May, the southeast trade winds really start to pick up. These winds come in from the ocean, bringing cooler, drier air and a more consistent breeze than you get in the earlier months.
You’ll definitely feel stronger winds along the coast compared to inland areas. Beaches get more breeze, while city neighborhoods, with all their buildings, feel just a bit calmer.
This shift from calm to breezy weather marks the move from the wetter months into the drier, windier season.
Influence on Weather Experience
How you experience spring weather in Dar es Salaam really depends on wind speed and how the air moves around you. In March and April, light winds just let humidity stick around, so the air feels hotter and honestly, kind of heavy.
Even if the temperature looks moderate on paper, that lack of breeze can make things feel pretty uncomfortable.
By May, you’ll notice stronger breezes start to roll in. Those winds actually help a lot—they move the thick humid air away and let sweat evaporate from your skin faster.
On sunny days, this little change can make being outside way more tolerable. You might even want to spend more time outdoors.
Wind changes up the rain patterns, too. Early in spring, gentle winds let those heavy rain showers hang around and soak everything.
But later on, when the trade winds pick up, they push the rain clouds along faster. So, instead of those never-ending downpours, you’ll get shorter, quicker bursts of rain.
If you’re traveling, these shifts really do matter. Calm, sticky days can feel stifling, but by May, those breezy afternoons—especially near the coast—feel a lot more refreshing.