german uniforms ww 2

It looks like they did indeed arrive in Africa in February 1941 with the European uniforms. The tropical uniforms came soon thereafter...

Ye indeed they did where the black Oanzer uniform when they first arrived in Africa. As to when any change was made, i would say they would be as and when new uniform became avaliable. It would not surprise me in tank crews simply got hold of kit when ever they could. Ground troops would have had priority but life in a metal box in that climate would not be pleasant as it was, let alone in that black uniform.

The photos of the 5. Light's arrival in Tripoli show the ground troops had the tropical uniforms at that time. But seeing how they arrived in February and March, the European uniforms would not have been a problem at that time of year. The desert heat is mild until April or early May at the latest. And in late winter as when they first arrived the nights can be quite cold.