Driest Cities in Tanzania

Top 100 cities ranked by driest cities

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All Countries · Tanzania

Driest Cities — Tanzania

1 Mafinga 04 19.7"

2 Izazi 04 19.9"

3 Msanga 03 21.0"

4 Makuyuni 18 21.1"

5 Mpwapwa 03 21.8"

6 Naberera 27 22.7"

7 Dodoma 03 23.0"

8 Kisasa 03 23.0"

9 Longido 26 23.1"

10 Kihurio 06 23.2"

11 Ndungu 06 23.2"

12 Mto wa Mbu 26 23.3"

13 Namanga 26 23.7"

14 Kintinku 16 24.0"

15 Hedaru 06 24.4"

16 Manyoni 16 24.5"

17 Itigi 16 24.5"

18 Kongwa 03 24.6"

19 Makuyuni 26 24.6"

20 Kilimatinde 16 24.8"

21 Kibaigwa 03 24.8"

22 Ikungi 16 25.2"

23 Puma 16 25.2"

24 Mgandu 16 25.7"

25 Kibaya 27 25.7"

26 Moshi 06 26.2"

27 Singida 16 26.5"

28 Magugu 27 26.5"

29 Kwakoa 06 26.5"

30 Usangi 06 26.5"

31 Mungaa 16 26.6"

32 Mtinko 16 26.6"

33 Ilongero 16 26.7"

34 Iringa 04 26.8"

35 Sepuka 16 27.2"

36 Basotu 27 27.2"

37 Kibakwe 03 27.4"

38 Igugunu 16 27.7"

39 Mwanhuzi 31 27.9"

40 Galappo 27 27.9"

41 Kondoa 03 28.0"

42 Makanya 06 28.4"

43 Katesh 27 28.6"

44 Ndago 16 28.9"

45 Dunda 09 28.9"

46 Shelui 16 28.9"

47 Boma la Ngombe 06 29.1"

48 Poli 26 29.1"

49 Usa River 26 29.1"

50 Nkoaranga 26 29.1"

51 Merelani 26 29.1"

52 Kingori 26 29.1"

53 Mbuguni 26 29.1"

54 Igunga 17 29.3"

55 Geiro 10 29.5"

56 Urunda 09 29.7"

57 Mwembe 06 30.0"

58 Kisiwani 06 30.0"

59 Same 06 30.4"

60 Babati 27 30.4"

61 Kishapu 15 30.5"

62 Lalago 31 30.8"

63 Somanda 31 30.8"

64 Igurubi 17 30.9"

65 Kisesa 31 31.3"

66 Monduli 26 31.5"

67 Old Shinyanga 15 31.5"

68 Shinyanga 15 31.5"

69 Endasak 27 31.6"

70 Lembeni 06 31.6"

71 Rujewa 09 31.7"

72 Bashanet 27 31.8"

73 Magomeni 18 31.9"

74 Nangwa 27 32.0"

75 Bukene 17 32.0"

76 Kiomboi 16 32.1"

77 Tinde 15 32.1"

78 Nzega 17 32.1"

79 Mwadui 15 32.3"

80 Songwa 15 32.3"

81 Arusha 26 32.4"

82 Isaka 15 32.4"

83 Bariadi 31 32.5"

84 Maswa 31 32.5"

85 Nyakabindi 31 32.7"

86 Dongobesh 27 32.8"

87 Shanwa 31 32.8"

88 Nyalikungu 31 32.8"

89 Dareda 27 32.9"

90 Matonga 31 33.0"

91 Kahama 15 33.1"

92 Malampaka 31 33.2"

93 Kirando 24 33.4"

94 Mwanga 18 33.6"

95 Matui 18 33.6"

96 Mazinde 18 33.6"

97 Lushoto 18 33.6"

98 Issenye 08 33.9"

99 Mhango 15 33.9"

100 Misasi 12 34.2"

The driest cities in Tanzania receive the least annual precipitation, often characterized by arid landscapes and abundant sunshine. Mafinga receives just 19.7 inches of precipitation annually.

Dry climates offer benefits including more sunny days, less seasonal affective disorder, lower humidity, and reduced mold and allergen concerns. These cities are often located in the desert Southwest or other arid regions with dramatic natural landscapes.

Water management is a critical concern for the driest cities, many of which rely on distant water sources, desalination, or strict conservation measures. As populations grow in these areas, sustainable water use and drought resilience become increasingly important priorities.

Did You Know?

1. Mafinga gets just 19.7" of precipitation per year — less than many cities get in a single month.
2. Most of the driest cities are in the desert Southwest, where evaporation often exceeds precipitation by a factor of 10 or more.
3. Water conservation is a way of life in these cities, with many implementing xeriscaping requirements and water usage restrictions.

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