Weather overview
Аруша sits near the equator, but its elevation keeps the climate mild year-round. Daytime temperatures hover around +21...+28 °C, while nights can cool to +14...+18 °C, especially from June to August. The city experiences two distinct rainy seasons, shaping travel plans for visitors.
The long rains arrive in March and April, turning Аруша lush and green but making some roads tricky to navigate. By contrast, June through October brings dry, sunny days—ideal for safaris and hiking. The short rains in November and December are lighter but still noticeable, often arriving as brief afternoon showers.
Temperature
In Аруша, the warmest months are February and March, when daytime highs reach +28 °C. Even then, evenings stay comfortable at +16...+17 °C. The coolest period falls between June and August, with daytime temperatures around +23...+24 °C and nights dipping to +14...+15 °C.
Seasonal shifts in Аруша are subtle but noticeable. From January to February, the air feels warmer, while July and August bring cooler breezes. Travelers should pack layers, as the difference between midday heat and evening chill can be +10 °C or more, particularly in the dry months.
| Month | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| January | 16.1 | 27.4 |
| February | 16 | 28.2 |
| March | 16.9 | 28 |
| April | 17.9 | 25.5 |
| May | 16.8 | 24 |
| June | 15.4 | 23.5 |
| July | 14.5 | 23.4 |
| August | 14.4 | 24.4 |
| September | 15.2 | 25.6 |
| October | 15.9 | 26.8 |
| November | 16.9 | 26.8 |
| December | 16.4 | 26.6 |
Precipitation
Аруша has two rainy seasons, each with its own character. The long rains in March and April bring heavy downpours, with April seeing over 200 mm of rainfall. Roads may become muddy, but the landscape transforms into vibrant greenery, perfect for photography.
The short rains in November and December are less intense, with November often the wettest month at 225 mm. Between these periods, Аруша enjoys dry weather, especially from June to October, when rainfall drops below 15 mm per month. Even in the dry season, brief showers can occur, so a light rain jacket is useful year-round.
| Month | Precipitation |
|---|---|
| January | 52.3 |
| February | 25.4 |
| March | 155.7 |
| April | 201.6 |
| May | 46.7 |
| June | 15.5 |
| July | 6.2 |
| August | 3.2 |
| September | 11.3 |
| October | 34.9 |
| November | 225.5 |
| December | 99.9 |
What to pack
For a trip to Аруша during the dry season (June to October), pack lightweight clothing for warm days and a sweater or jacket for cooler evenings. A hat and sunscreen are essential, as the sun can be strong even when temperatures feel mild. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for safaris or hikes.
If visiting Аруша during the rainy seasons (March to May or November to December), waterproof footwear and a compact umbrella will help navigate sudden showers. Quick-dry clothing is practical, as humidity rises during these months. A light scarf or shawl can also be useful for cooler mornings or breezy afternoons.
| Month | Wind speed |
|---|---|
| January | 2.3 |
| February | 2.5 |
| March | 3 |
| April | 3.5 |
| May | 3.9 |
| June | 4.4 |
| July | 4.6 |
| August | 4.7 |
| September | 4.7 |
| October | 4.4 |
| November | 3.6 |
| December | 2.3 |