Zanzibar sits just south of the equator, so it is warm all year. What changes through the year is the rain, the wind and the humidity. This guide explains the seasons so you can choose dates that suit what you want to do.
The seasons in brief
- June to October: the main dry season. Days are sunny and less humid, and evenings can feel pleasantly cool. This is the most popular time to visit.
- November: the short rains. Showers tend to be brief and heavy, followed by sun.
- December to February: hot, sunny and more humid, with the sea at its warmest. It is another busy period around the holidays.
- March to May: the long rains. Expect heavier and longer downpours, high humidity and cloudier skies. Some smaller businesses close and sea conditions can be rougher.
The exact timing changes from year to year, so treat these dates as a guide rather than a guarantee.
Month by month
These are typical conditions. Every year is a little different.
| Month | What to expect |
|---|---|
| January | Hot, sunny and humid, mostly dry with some showers |
| February | Hot and sunny, usually dry |
| March | Heat builds and the long rains can begin |
| April | Often the wettest month, with heavy rain |
| May | Rains continue and ease towards the end of the month |
| June | Drier and less humid as the rains end |
| July | Dry, sunny and breezy, and popular with visitors |
| August | Dry and busy, with some of the most reliable weather |
| September | Dry and warming up, with fewer visitors than August |
| October | Mostly dry and sunny, with the chance of rain rising late in the month |
| November | The short rains bring brief, heavy showers |
| December | Warm, sunny and humid, busy over the holidays, with occasional showers |
Not sure where to base yourself? Read our guide to where to stay in Zanzibar, because the east and north coasts feel the wind and tides differently.
Best time for beaches and swimming
June to October and December to February give the most reliable sunshine. On the east coast the tide goes out a long way, and at low tide the water can be far from the beach, so check tide times if swimming from the shore matters to you. The north, around Nungwi and Kendwa, is less affected by the tide.
Best time for snorkeling and boat trips
Calmer seas and clear water make the drier months best for trips such as Safari Blue and the Mnemba dolphin and snorkeling tour. During the long rains, trips can be shortened or cancelled because of the weather.
Best time for Stone Town and the spice farms
You can visit Stone Town and the spice farms all year. In the hottest months go early in the day, and bring a light rain jacket if you travel between March and May.
Best time to add a safari
The dry months from June to October are also the best time for wildlife viewing on the mainland, because the grass is shorter and animals gather near water. Read our guide to safaris from Zanzibar for the options.
Busy and quiet periods
July, August and the Christmas and New Year period are the busiest, so arrange airport transfers and tours early. June, September and October combine good weather with fewer visitors.
Temperatures and the sea
Daytime temperatures are usually around 28 to 32 degrees Celsius for much of the year, and the sea stays warm enough to swim in at any time. The difference between seasons is felt more in humidity, wind and rain than in the thermometer.
What to pack for each season
- Dry months: light cotton clothes, a hat, sunscreen and a light layer for breezy boat rides and cooler evenings.
- Rainy months: a light waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothes and sandals that can get wet.
- All year: swimwear, insect repellent, a refillable water bottle and something to cover your shoulders and knees in Stone Town.
If your dates are fixed
Many travellers cannot choose their month. Zanzibar is still worth visiting in the rains, but plan indoor-friendly options such as a Stone Town walk or a spice tour on the wettest days, and keep sea trips flexible.
Plan your dates
Tell us when you are travelling and what you would like to do, and we will suggest tours that suit the season. See all Zanzibar day tours or contact us.
