Zanzibar
Tanzania · Africa
The best time to visit Zanzibar is January, February, June, July, August, September, and October. In summer, daytime highs average 33°C (91°F), with peaks around 35°C (95°F); in winter, nights average 22°C (72°F), dropping to around 18°C (64°F) on the coldest. All climate data are based on historical monthly averages (2005–2025) to help you plan the optimal travel time.
Zanzibar – What you should know
Zanzibar lies just south of the equator and has a tropical climate with two monsoon periods. The short rainy season (Mvuli) runs from October to December, the long rainy season (Masika) from March to May. Beach travellers should especially avoid the Masika season, with its daily long downpours.
The ideal travel time for Zanzibar is June to October and December to February: the weather is dry and sunny, the sea calm and clear. Water temperatures average 25–29°C (77–84°F) — perfect for snorkelling and diving around the surrounding coral reefs.
Zanzibar offers a special natural spectacle from July to September: during this period whale sharks regularly appear in the waters around the island. Guided snorkelling and diving tours to these gentle giants are one of the highlights of a Zanzibar trip.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 33° (91°)29– (84–)34 (93) | 33° (91°)30– (86–)35 (95) | 33° (91°)28– (82–)35 (95) | 31° (88°)26– (79–)33 (91) | 30° (86°)27– (81–)32 (90) | 30° (86°)26– (79–)31 (88) | 29° (84°)27– (81–)31 (88) | 30° (86°)27– (81–)31 (88) | 31° (88°)28– (82–)32 (90) | 31° (88°)28– (82–)33 (91) | 31° (88°)27– (81–)33 (91) | 32° (90°)29– (84–)33 (91) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 26° (79°)22– (72–)27 (81) | 26° (79°)22– (72–)27 (81) | 25° (77°)23– (73–)27 (81) | 25° (77°)22– (72–)26 (79) | 24° (75°)21– (70–)26 (79) | 23° (73°)19– (66–)25 (77) | 22° (72°)18– (64–)24 (75) | 22° (72°)19– (66–)24 (75) | 22° (72°)18– (64–)24 (75) | 23° (73°)20– (68–)25 (77) | 24° (75°)21– (70–)26 (79) | 25° (77°)22– (72–)27 (81) |
☀️Sunshine | 8h | 8h | 7h | 5h | 6h | 7h | 7h | 7h | 8h | 8h | 8h | 8h |
🌊Water Temp | 29° (84°) | 29° (84°) | 30° (86°) | 29° (84°) | 28° (82°) | 27° (81°) | 26° (79°) | 26° (79°) | 26° (79°) | 27° (81°) | 28° (82°) | 29° (84°) |
🌧Rain Days | 5d70mm (2.7") | 3d46mm (1.8") | 10d180mm (7.1") | 15d371mm (14.6") | 11d270mm (10.6") | 4d46mm (1.8") | 3d34mm (1.4") | 5d47mm (1.9") | 3d47mm (1.9") | 6d105mm (4.1") | 12d267mm (10.5") | 12d200mm (7.9") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
December offers great weather in Zanzibar with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Zanzibar
June – October
Dry season — Zanzibar at its best: the Indian Ocean turquoise, Stone Town explorable without rain showers, and the ZIFF film festival in June held in the courtyards of old Arab palaces. Dolphins off Kizimkazi, spice plantations in full splendour.
November – February
Short dry season: Zanzibar in December and January with less rain than expected, the warmest sea temperatures of the year and fewer visitors than in summer.
March – May
Long rainy season: heavy showers every day, Stone Town sometimes flooded. Not a recommended time for most visitors — an option for budget travellers.
Events & Festivals
June
- Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF)· late June (approx. 5 days)
East Africa's biggest film festival shows productions from across Africa and the Indian Ocean at open-air cinemas in Stone Town. Evening screenings in the courtyard of the Old Fort are among the most atmospheric cinema experiences anywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
- The best time to visit Zanzibar is January, February, June, July, August, September, and October. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Zanzibar?
- In summer, daytime highs in Zanzibar average 33°C (91°F), with peaks around 35°C (95°F); in winter, nights average 22°C (72°F), dropping to around 18°C (64°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Zanzibar get?
- Zanzibar has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 7 rain days per month. The driest months are February, June, and July.
- How warm is the water in Zanzibar?
- Water temperature in Zanzibar ranges from 26°C (79°F) (August) to 30°C (86°F) (March). During the best travel months (January, February, June, July, August, September, and October), the water is most pleasant for swimming.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
🏖️
Beach Holiday
Warm, sunny, little rain
JulAugSep
🏙️
City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
JulAugSep
