Things to Do in Daressalaam in February

February Weather in Daressalaam

25°C (77°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Masika rains have ended - February marks the beginning of the dry season with manageable 20-30 minute afternoon showers on only 10 days, making it ideal for outdoor exploration
Perfect temperatures of 20-25°C (68-77°F) for walking the city's sprawling markets and waterfront areas without the exhausting heat of later months
Peak season for Indian Ocean visibility - water clarity reaches 15-20 m (49-66 ft) making it exceptional for snorkeling at Bongoyo and Mbudya islands
Local fruit season peaks with mangoes, pineapples, and passion fruit at Kariakoo Market - vendors offer tastings and prices drop 30-40% from December highs

Considerations

Occasional heavy downpours can flood Msimbazi Creek areas and make some unpaved roads in Kinondoni impassable for 2-3 hours
High humidity at 70% makes midday exploration uncomfortable - most locals retreat indoors between 11am-3pm
Tourism infrastructure still recovering from January maintenance closures - some beach operators don't resume full schedules until mid-February

Best Activities in February

Zanzibar Day Trips

February offers the calmest Indian Ocean conditions with 1-1.5 m (3-5 ft) waves, making the 2-hour ferry journey comfortable. Stone Town exploration is perfect in cooler morning temperatures before returning for sunset dhow cruises. Water visibility peaks at 20 m (66 ft) for Prison Island snorkeling.

Booking Tip: Book ferry tickets 5-7 days ahead as February marks return of international visitors. Day trips typically cost $45-65 USD including transport and lunch. Look for operators with life jackets and weather contingency policies.

Dar es Salaam City Walking Tours

February's moderate temperatures make the 4-5 km (2.5-3 mile) walking circuits through Kariakoo Market, St. Joseph Cathedral, and Kivukoni waterfront comfortable in morning hours. Mango season means fresh juice stops every 500 m (0.3 miles). Afternoon rains provide natural break points.

Booking Tip: Start tours by 8am to avoid midday humidity. Local guides charge $15-25 USD for half-day tours. Book through your accommodation or see current options in booking section below.

Offshore Island Snorkeling

Bongoyo and Mbudya islands experience February's clearest waters with 18-20 m (59-66 ft) visibility and calm conditions. Coral bleaching recovery from recent years shows best results now. Water temperature holds steady at 26°C (79°F) - perfect without wetsuit.

Booking Tip: Island boat transfers typically cost $20-30 USD including snorkeling gear. Book morning departures to avoid afternoon rain. Look for operators with covered boats and see current options in booking section below.

Bagamoyo Historical Tours

The 75 km (47 mile) drive north is comfortable in February's mild weather. This former slave trading port offers 3-4 hours of walking through Kaole Ruins and German colonial buildings without excessive heat. Coastal breeze keeps temperatures 2-3°C cooler than Dar city center.

Booking Tip: Full day tours including transport typically cost $40-55 USD. Book with drivers who know alternative routes during rain. Departure by 7am recommended to return before afternoon showers.

Mikumi Safari Day Trips

February's post-rain grasslands attract wildlife to open areas making game viewing excellent. The 283 km (176 mile) drive takes 4-5 hours on improved roads. Animals gather at permanent water sources, increasing sighting probability to 80-90% for elephants, giraffes, and zebras.

Booking Tip: Day safaris cost $120-180 USD including park fees and lunch. Book 10-14 days ahead with 4WD vehicles and experienced guides. See current safari options in booking section below.

Traditional Dhow Sailing

February's consistent southeast trade winds at 15-20 knots create ideal sailing conditions along Dar's coastline. Sunset cruises from Slipway or Msimbazi Creek last 2-3 hours with stops at traditional fishing villages. Water remains calm inside the reef protection.

Booking Tip: Sunset dhow trips typically cost $25-40 USD including soft drinks. Book day-of through beach operators or see current sailing options in booking section below. Choose boats with life jackets and local captain certification.

February Events & Festivals

Throughout February

Saba Saba Trade Fair Preparation

Local artisans and craftspeople begin preparing exhibits for the July trade fair, offering visitors chance to see traditional woodcarving, textiles, and jewelry making in workshops around Mwenge and Msimbazi areas

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain poncho or packable umbrella - afternoon showers arrive quickly and drainage can flood walkways for 20-30 minutes

Cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester which becomes uncomfortable in 70% humidity and doesn't dry after rain

Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip - wet pavements around markets and ferry terminals become slippery

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and equatorial sun reflects strongly off Indian Ocean and concrete buildings

Quick-dry towel for beach activities - regular towels won't dry in humid conditions between island visits

Insect repellent with 25-30% DEET - standing water after rains increases mosquito activity in evening hours

Waterproof phone case or dry bag - essential for boat trips and unexpected downpours while photographing markets

Light cardigan for air-conditioned restaurants and ferry rides - temperature drops 5-8°C (9-14°F) indoors

Comfortable daypack with rain cover - for carrying water, snacks, and purchases during market visits and walking tours

Insider Knowledge

Local buses (daladala) reduce frequency during afternoon rains - use ride-hailing apps Bolt or Uber which have expanded coverage to most tourist areas in 2025

Kariakoo Market vendors start packing up by 4pm if rain threatens - shop for souvenirs and fruits before 2pm for best selection and prices

Ferry schedules to Zanzibar may delay 30-60 minutes during rough weather - book flexible tickets and arrive early at Kivukoni terminal

Many locals take afternoon rest (pumziko) during hottest hours - restaurants and shops may close 1-3pm, so plan accordingly

Avoid These Mistakes

Wearing flip-flops to markets and historical sites - wet surfaces and uneven cobblestones in Stone Town and Bagamoyo require proper footwear

Planning full outdoor days without rain contingency - book indoor cultural sites like National Museum as backup options

Exchanging money only at airports - local forex bureaus on India Street offer rates 3-5% better than airport counters