Despite its proximity to the equator, Arusha's elevation of on the southern slopes of Mount Meru keeps temperatures relatively low and alleviates humidity. Cool dry air is prevalent for much of the year. The temperature typically ranges between with an average annual high temperature around . It has distinct wet and dry seasons, and experiences an eastern prevailing wind from the Indian Ocean, a few hundred miles east. Under the Köppen climate classification system, it has a subtropical highland climate ("Cwb"). Areas to the south and west of Arusha away are classified as tropical savanna climate ("Aw").