Zanzibar · September
Best travel monthTravel seasonTanzania · Africa
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 time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel season — mid-range prices, good availability.
September is among the best months in Zanzibar: only 3 rain days, 31°C (88°F) highs, and good sunshine make for ideal holiday conditions.
Daytime highs average 31°C (88°F), cooling to 22°C (72°F) at night (daily average: 26°C (79°F)). Peaks reach around 32°C (90°F), the coldest nights around 18°C (64°F). The sun shines an average of 8 hours per day; there are 3 rain days with 47 mm (1.9 in) total. The water is a warm 26°C (79°F) — perfect for snorkelling and swimming.
Pack light summer clothing, sunscreen, and swimwear — beach and water conditions in September are ideal.
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.
Packing list for Zanzibar in September
- Light summer clothes
- Swimwear and beach towel
- SPF 50 sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Small umbrella (occasional showers possible)
- Insect repellent
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is September a good time to visit Zanzibar?
- Yes — September is one of the best months to visit Zanzibar (Climate Score: 91/100). Pleasant temperatures (31°C (88°F)), good sunshine (8 h/day), and few rain days (3) make it one of the most recommended months.
- How warm is it in Zanzibar in September?
- In September, Zanzibar sees daily highs of 31°C (88°F). Nights cool to 22°C (72°F), with a daily average of 26°C (79°F). Peaks reach around 32°C (90°F), the coldest nights around 18°C (64°F).
- How much rain falls in Zanzibar in September?
- In September, Zanzibar receives an average of 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain over 3 rain days. That is comparatively dry.
- How many sunshine hours does Zanzibar get in September?
- Zanzibar averages 8 sunshine hours per day in September — close to the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Zanzibar in September?
- Water temperature in Zanzibar in September averages 26°C (79°F) — ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
