When you arrive in Dar es Salaam during the fall, you’ll notice a blend of warm temperatures, rising humidity, and the start of the short rainy season. Average highs hang out in the mid-80s Fahrenheit (about 29–30°C), and lows settle in the low 70s (around 22–23°C), so it’s reliably warm and pretty humid.
The weather shifts bit by bit. September usually feels drier and sunnier, but October and November come with more clouds and rain.
November stands out the most—you’ll see rain become more frequent and humidity ramp up, making the air feel heavier. Showers tend to be brief, but they arrive in bursts, and wet days get more common as the season moves forward.
Even so, you still get plenty of sunshine, and that coastal breeze helps keep things from feeling too stifling.
This mix of warmth, humidity, and rain makes fall a real transition period in Dar es Salaam. You can hit the beach or explore outdoors, but you’ll want to be ready for sudden showers and muggy afternoons.
Overview of Fall Weather in Dar es Salaam
Fall brings steady warmth and high humidity to Dar es Salaam, along with a gradual move from wetter to drier weather. You’ll find slightly cooler temperatures, a bit less rain than earlier in the year, and stronger winds as fall goes on.
What Defines Fall in Dar es Salaam
In Dar es Salaam, fall usually means March through May. Locals call this the “long rains,” with showers popping up more at the start and easing off later.
Daytime highs typically run from 29°C to 32°C (85°F to 89°F), and at night, you’ll see temps between 22°C and 25°C (72°F to 77°F). The heat hangs around, but it’s the clouds and rain that really set the mood.
Humidity stays up, often above 90%, so it feels warmer than the thermometer says. The Indian Ocean keeps sea surface temps at 27°C to 29°C, which means evenings stay humid and sticky, even as rain lets up.
Days get a little shorter—about half an hour less daylight from early March to late May. Sunrise and sunset shift earlier, but you still get close to 12 hours of daylight, which is pretty typical this close to the equator.
Key Fall Weather Patterns
Rainfall stands out as the big weather story in fall. At the beginning of March, you’ll face about a 35% chance of a wet day, with monthly totals often over 150 mm. By late May, that drops to around 20%, and rainfall totals fall to about 50 mm.
Clouds change quickly too. In March, skies stay overcast or mostly cloudy about three-quarters of the time. By May, that drops to about one-third, so you’ll see more blue sky and sun later in the season.
Winds pick up as the months go by, climbing from 14 km/h in March to over 20 km/h by May. Early on, winds blow mostly from the east, but as the dry season nears, they shift south. This change helps nudge humidity down a little, though it rarely feels dry.
Fall Weather Compared to Other Seasons
Fall feels a bit cooler and less wet than the summer months, but it’s still warm and humid all year here. In February, highs can hit 32°C (90°F) with heavier rain, while August—the coolest month—averages highs closer to 29°C (84°F) and barely any rain.
Fall is rainier than winter, but not as wet as April, which usually tops the rainfall charts with over 170 mm. July, on the other hand, often sees less than 30 mm.
Humidity pretty much hangs near 100% in fall, unlike the drier feel you get mid-year. Winds also blow stronger in fall, which makes evenings a bit more pleasant, even with high dew points.
Compare fall to spring (September to November), and the standout difference is in rainfall. Spring brings the “short rains,” which are lighter and less predictable than the long rains of fall. So, fall ends up being the wetter of the two transition seasons.
Temperature Trends During Fall
In fall, Dar es Salaam slowly cools off from the hotter months but stays tropical and warm. You’ll notice gradual drops in both daytime highs and nighttime lows, but the city never really gets cold.
Average High and Low Temperatures
During fall, the average high temperature slips from about 89°F (32°C) in early March to 85°F (29°C) by late May. Highs rarely dip below 82°F (28°C) or climb above 92°F (33°C), so afternoons stay reliably warm.
The average low temperature drops more noticeably—from 77°F (25°C) to about 71°F (22°C). Nights are still humid and mild, but the gradual cooling makes evenings a bit easier to handle as fall goes on.
This means you get a pretty narrow but steady temperature range. Days still feel hot, but nights cool off just enough to give you a break—never really chilly, though.
| Period | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| Early Fall | 89°F (32°C) | 77°F (25°C) |
| Late Fall | 85°F (29°C) | 71°F (22°C) |
Monthly Temperature Variations
Temps line up pretty closely with the calendar. March usually brings the warmest fall weather, with highs near 89°F and lows around 77°F. April cools off a bit, with highs around 87°F and lows near 74°F.
By May, the cooling trend is clear. Highs settle at about 85°F, and lows drop to around 71°F. May feels like the mildest fall month, though humidity still keeps things sticky.
The change from month to month is slow, not sudden. You won’t wake up to sharp drops, but the steady cooling makes late fall much more comfortable for outdoor plans.
Record Low Temperatures
Dar es Salaam just doesn’t get dramatic cold, even at its coolest. In fall, record lows rarely go below 69°F (21°C). You won’t need heavy clothes at night.
Actually, the coldest day of the year usually happens in late August, not fall, when lows might touch 68°F (20°C). Fall nights stay a few degrees warmer.
This consistency matters. It means you can count on warm nights year-round, so you don’t have to pack for cold snaps.
Rainfall and Humidity in Fall
As fall rolls in, Dar es Salaam shifts from the drier middle of the year to the short rainy season. Rain gets more common from October through December, and humidity stays high, thanks to the city’s spot on the coast. These factors really shape how comfortable your days and nights feel.
Typical Rainy Days in Fall
You’ll see rainy days pick up as fall goes on. September usually stays pretty dry, with only a few quick showers. By October, you can expect 8–10 rainy days in the month.
November and December get wetter. November averages about 12–14 rainy days, and December often logs 14–16 days with measurable rain. Most showers pop up in the afternoon or evening, so mornings are usually clearer.
The short rains come from seasonal wind shifts off the Indian Ocean. They’re not as intense as the long rains in April, but they can still bring heavy bursts. If you’re traveling, it’s smart to keep plans flexible—afternoon showers might pop up and change your schedule.
Average Precipitation Levels
Rainfall totals jump around during fall. September stays dry, with just 30–40 mm. In October, that jumps to about 60–80 mm.
November usually brings 100–120 mm, marking the start of the short rainy season. December is even wetter, averaging 130–150 mm. While these aren’t as high as the peak in April, it’s enough to make a difference for travel and daily routines.
Short rains tend to come in bursts. You might see heavy downpours followed by blue skies, instead of all-day drizzle. Streets can flood briefly when it pours, but water drains pretty fast. If you’re out and about, a light rain jacket comes in handy.
Relative Humidity Patterns
Humidity stays high all fall because Dar es Salaam hugs the coast. In September, relative humidity usually sits at 75–78%. By October, it ticks up to 78–80%.
November and December feel even stickier, with averages close to 80–83%. Even when it’s not raining, the air holds plenty of moisture, which makes it feel warmer.
Mornings are the most humid, while late afternoons get a bit of relief from the sea breeze. Nights stay sticky, so most folks use fans or AC to keep cool. If you’re outside, lighter clothes and drinking lots of water help you cope.
Sea Temperature and Coastal Conditions
The coastal waters around Dar es Salaam stay warm through fall, with only slight changes from September to November. These steady sea temps shape the local environment and what you can do along the shore.
Average Sea Temperature in Fall
During fall, the sea off Dar es Salaam stays reliably warm. In September, the average is about 26.0°C (78.8°F). By October, it rises to around 26.8°C (80.2°F), and in November, you’ll see about 27.9°C (82.2°F).
This slow warming keeps the water great for swimming or water sports all season. Unlike inland temps, which can swing a bit more, the ocean keeps a steady, comfortable range.
You can expect similar water temps whether you visit early or late in fall. The sea rarely dips below 26°C, so you won’t have to worry about chilly water cutting your swim short.
Impact on Coastal Activities
Warm sea temps make for a wide range of fun. Swimming, snorkeling, and diving feel comfortable even into November—no wetsuit needed unless you really want one.
Fishing stays good too. Local fish remain active, and the calm seas in early fall are great for both shore and boat fishing.
Beach conditions usually stay favorable, but November’s rain can bring more runoff, which sometimes clouds the water for snorkeling or diving. Still, the sea remains inviting, so you can enjoy the coast even during wetter spells.
For casual beachgoers, warm water and gentle waves create a safe, enjoyable spot all season.
Wind and Sunshine During Fall Months
In fall, Dar es Salaam gets steady coastal breezes and, as the months pass, a gradual bump in sunshine hours. These factors play into how comfortable it feels outdoors and how much daylight you get for sightseeing or relaxing by the sea.
Wind Speed and Direction
Winds during fall mostly come from the east and southeast, shaped by the Indian Ocean. This creates a consistent coastal breeze that takes the edge off the warm temperatures.
Average wind speeds run between 12–16 km/h (7–10 mph). They’re not strong enough to mess with your plans, but you’ll notice them, especially in the afternoons.
September tends to feel a bit calmer, while October and November bring a little more variety. The wind direction stays fairly steady, which matters if you’re boating or fishing. These reliable breezes also help take the edge off the humidity, especially after sunset.
All in all, fall winds in Dar es Salaam are mild and predictable, making them a plus for both comfort and travel.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
Sunshine really starts to ramp up through the fall months, so you get more bright hours every day. In September, you’ll usually see about 8.5–9 hours of sunshine.
October keeps up with nearly the same amount, with only a bit more cloud cover sometimes.
By November, the days stretch out a little, and you’ll get roughly 9–9.5 hours of sunshine on average. Late fall actually turns out to be one of the brighter times of year, even though rain starts to show up a bit more.
Long daylight and warm sea temperatures make outdoor plans a lot easier. If you’re hoping to explore the city, hang out by the coast, or do some day trips, the steady sunshine gives you a lot of flexibility.
Most days, you won’t lose much time to long stretches of clouds, which is great news for anyone who likes predictable weather.
Travel Tips for Visiting Dar es Salaam in Fall
Fall in Dar es Salaam brings warm days, slightly cooler nights, and less rain than you’d get earlier in the year. You’ll notice the air stays humid, breezes feel steady, and the city buzzes with that mix of coastal chill and urban energy.
What to Pack for Fall Weather
Bring light, breathable clothing since daytime highs usually stick around the mid-80s °F (about 29°C). Cotton and linen shirts, shorts, and dresses will help you stay cool in the humidity.
Evenings cool off a bit, so toss in a light sweater or a long-sleeved shirt.
You’ll want comfortable walking shoes for wandering through markets and city streets. Sandals are fine for casual outings, but sturdier shoes work better if you plan to walk a lot.
Rain doesn’t show up much in fall, but quick showers can surprise you. A compact umbrella or light rain jacket comes in handy.
The coastal sun can get strong, so pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat. Insect repellent is a must, especially near the water after sunset.
If you plan to visit religious or cultural sites, keep your clothing modest. Lightweight scarves or shawls make it easy to cover your shoulders when you need to.
Best Activities and Places to Eat
Fall really is a great time for outdoor activities—the skies clear up a bit and humidity starts to back off. Check out Coco Beach or hop on a boat to Mbudya Island for swimming or snorkeling.
Markets like Kariakoo and Mwenge Woodcarvers Market buzz with energy and make fun places to shop for crafts or just watch daily life. If you want a break from the sun, the National Museum of Tanzania is a quieter indoor spot.
Food-wise, Dar es Salaam has a mix of Swahili, Indian, and international cuisine. You can try fresh seafood on the waterfront—grilled fish and prawns are pretty popular. Local dishes like ugali with fish curry or zanzibar mix are definitely worth a taste.
Street stalls serve up chapati, samosas, and spiced tea for a quick bite. If you’d rather sit down, restaurants in Oyster Bay and Masaki offer both Tanzanian and international meals.
Travel Considerations and Safety
Traffic in Dar es Salaam gets pretty heavy, especially during peak hours. You’ll want to plan some extra time when moving between the airport, hotels, or ferry terminals.
It’s safer to use registered taxis or ride services instead of informal options. Honestly, public transport exists, but it’s usually crowded and not everyone’s cup of tea.
A lot of visitors just go with private drivers or ask their hotel to arrange transfers. It’s usually more comfortable and reliable that way.
If you’re carrying valuables, grab a money belt or a secure bag. Try not to flash expensive stuff in busy spots, since petty theft happens in crowded markets.
Health-wise, this climate can be tough. Keep hydrated, stick to bottled water, and use mosquito protection to avoid bites.
When it comes to local customs, dress modestly in public. Always ask before snapping photos of people—these little things really help make your trip smoother and show respect.