When is the Best Time to Visit Zanzibar?
Published on: July 5th, 2017
Last updated: October 23rd, 2024
Located just off the coast of mainland Tanzania, the archipelago of Zanzibar beckons to travellers with its pristine beaches, sparkling seas, captivating cultural heritage and tropical climate. Both the main island of Zanzibar and smaller isles like Mafia Island, Pemba Island and Fanjove Island enjoy warm weather all year round, but there are distinct dry and rainy seasons.
The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the main dry season from June to October, when the chance of rain is lowest and temperatures are ideal. July, August and September offer the best beach weather. There’s also a second, shorter dry season in January and February, though it’s a bit hotter.
June to October is also the dry season on Tanzania’s mainland, making it the perfect time to combine both destinations in one trip. This is the best time to visit Tanzania for safaris, thanks to lower vegetation and a higher concentration of wildlife near water sources. Zanzibar is the perfect place to unwind after an adventure in the Serengeti, Singita Grumeti or Nyerere.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive a bit deeper into the differences between the dry and rainy seasons in Zanzibar, the benefits of travelling in each month and the best times of year for different activities. Here’s our ultimate climate guide to Zanzibar.
Zanzibar Month-by-Month Weather Guide
Although temperatures don’t vary much, each of Zanzibar’s seasons has its upsides and downsides. Here’s what you can expect from the weather throughout the year.
January and February in Zanzibar
January and February bring a mini dry season to Zanzibar, with just slightly higher rainfall levels than the main dry season from June to October. Keep in mind that this is summer in the southern hemisphere and the warmest time of year in Zanzibar. February is the hottest month of the year in Zanzibar with highs around 33ºC (91ºF).
March in Zanzibar
March marks the beginning of the rainy season in Zanzibar, though it sees significantly less rainfall than the following months. This isn’t the best time to visit if you want to spend time on the beaches and in the water, but it is slightly preferable to April and May. Keep in mind that many beach lodges, restaurants and shops close in March and only reopen in June.
April and May in Zanzibar
There’s not really any bad time to visit Zanzibar, but we don’t usually advise going in April or May. Most of the islands’ main attractions are weather-dependent, and the heavy rain showers that dominate these months make it all but impossible to fully enjoy them. You might also hear these months referred to as ‘the long rains’ or the monsoon season in Zanzibar.
June in Zanzibar
June is probably the closest thing Zanzibar has to a shoulder season. It’s a transitional month between the long rains and the tourism peak ushered in by the dry season. The average rainfall is just slightly higher than it is during the next three months, but chances are you won’t have to worry about the weather. Many seasonal businesses reopen after taking the rainy season off.
July, August and September in Zanzibar
July, August and September are very similar in terms of weather. These are the most popular months to visit Zanzibar thanks to sunny skies, comparatively cooler temperatures – though highs are still around 29ºC (84ºF) – and great conditions for water sports like kitesurfing and scuba diving. These months also bring plenty of cultural events to the main island.
The only real downside to visiting during these ‘winter’ months is that the islands might be more crowded at this time of year. That said, we can organise exclusive experiences and accommodation to ensure privacy, peace and quiet. For example, head to &Beyond Mnemba Island for secluded luxury or escape to Thanda Island for a genuine private island retreat.
October in Zanzibar
October is another mini shoulder season in Zanzibar, as the dry season is drawing to a close. It starts to get slightly warmer, with average highs rising to 31ºC (88ºF), and rain showers become a bit more likely. That said, the difference in temperature and precipitation is minimal compared to the preceding months, so this is still a wonderful time to visit the archipelago.
November and December in Zanzibar
Zanzibar’s secondary rainy season from November to December is sometimes called ‘the short rains’ – and not just because the season itself is slightly shorter. The rain showers are usually shorter too, so they won’t necessarily dash your plans for the day. If you’re set on sunny weather, however, this isn’t the best time of year to go to Zanzibar, as heavy rain is still possible. The chance of rain decreases as the end of December approaches, making Zanzibar a tempting destination for holiday festivities.
The Best Things to Do in Zanzibar by Season
The best season to visit Zanzibar depends on your interests and itinerary. From outdoor activities to cultural experiences, here are the best things to do throughout the year.
Relax on the beach and explore Stone Town
Unsurprisingly, the best time of year to visit Zanzibar is also the best time to enjoy its spectacular beaches; after all, white sands and turquoise waters are its main claims to fame. The dry season from June to October promises little rainfall, near-constant sunshine and lovely temperatures that don’t usually exceed 30ºC (86ºF) – perfect weather for the beach.
This is also the best season to explore the architecture of Stone Town, where the rich scents of spices float on the ocean breeze. Stone Town is the historic quarter of Zanzibar City: the largest city on the main island. The town’s history as a vital centre of the spice trade is evident in its eclectic style, reflecting the many different cultures that made their mark on it over the centuries.
Go snorkelling and scuba diving
You can go snorkelling and scuba diving in Zanzibar all year round, though each season has its own perks. June–October bring the best weather above the surface, making it a popular time for diving trips. But certain species are more common in other months; for example, you’re most likely to see whale sharks in November and December. Even the rainy season from March to May can be a good time for diving, as lower water temperatures attract lots of fish to the reefs.
Go kitesurfing
Zanzibar is renowned as one of the world’s best destinations for kitesurfing – and it’s not just for the pros. If you want to try out this extreme sport for yourself, visit the main island from June to September or December to March. These months offer the strongest winds, with a variety of conditions for total beginners and seasoned experts alike all over the main island.
Experience festivals
If you want to experience a classic festival in Zanzibar, we suggest going in February for Sauti za Busara, which showcases music from across Africa. If you’d rather time your trip to coincide with the best weather, there’s also the Zanzibar International Film Festival in July or August and the newer Jahazi Literary and Jazz Festival in August or September (the exact dates vary).
Other local festivals include Mwaka Kogwa, a traditional celebration that’s especially lively in the village of Makunduchi and occurs every year in July. The Zanzibar Beach & Watersports Festival features dhow races and outdoor sports in September (though it’s sometimes held later in the year) and the Swahili Food Festival fills Stone Town with delectable cuisine in October.
When Is the Rainy Season in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar’s primary rainy season begins in March, with the highest rainfall occurring in April and May. This generally isn’t a good time to visit, as heavy downpours make it hard to fully enjoy the islands. Many beach lodges and other businesses also close during these months due to low demand and bad weather conditions.
There’s another wet season in Zanzibar from November to December, but the rain is usually much lighter during these months. It’s possible to enjoy sunny skies in between the showers, which usually happen in the afternoon and don’t last for too long. This can be a good time to visit outside of the high season if you don’t mind some rain.
Ready to plan your adventure
Whatever you want from your trip to Zanzibar, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
