Best time to visit Zanzibar

The best time to visit Zanzibar is between June and August, when the island is bathed in clear sunny days and the temperature averages 27°C (80°F).

Zanzibar weather

Zanzibar enjoys a tropical climate characterised by two dry seasons and two wet seasons.

June to October brings the long dry season with clear sunny skies and an average temperature 27°C (80°F). July is the coldest at 24°C (75°F)

November to December sees the short wet season with sunny days interspersed with brief but heavy showers.

January and February is Zanzibar’s short but very hot dry season with average highs of 32°C (89°F) peaking occasionally around 39°C (102°F).

March to May sees prolonged and heavy monsoon rains that may last for days at a time. April is the wettest month.

Sea temperature averages 27°C (80°F) peaking at 29°C (84°F) from December to April.

Seasons

High season: January and February
Low season: June to September
Off season: March to May.

Zanzibar – Monthly Weather

	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
Ave Temp (°C)	28	28	28	27	25	25	24	25	25	26	27	27
Ave High Temp (°C)	32	33	32	30	28	28	27	28	28	30	31	31
Ave Low Temp (°C)	24	24	25	25	23	23	22	22	22	22	23	24
Sunshine (Hrs daily)	10	9	9	7	8	9	9	9	10	9	10	10
Daylight (Hrs daily)	13	13	12	12	12	12	12	12	12	12	13	13
Comfort Level
Ave Humidity (%)	74	74	79	84	84	79	78	77	76	76	78	78
UV Index	11	11	11	11	10	9	10	11	11	11	11	11
Days with some Rain	5	5	10	18	15	4	2	2	3	4	11	10
Ave Rainfall (mm)	50	60	140	320	280	50	20	30	40	60	170	130
Sea Temp (°C)	29	29	29	29	28	27	26	25	26	26	28	29
(Stone Town, Zanzibar)	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D

Note: Meteorological data is sourced from the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

Latest update: Best time to visit Zanzibar : 27 April, 2022