Zanzibar weather by month
| Month | Weather | Crowds & prices | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Hot, dry | High | Great beach weather |
| February | Hot, dry, humid | High | Sauti za Busara music festival; Ramadan in 2027 |
| March | Hot, rains begin | Medium | Good deals late in the month |
| April | Long rains | Low | Some hotels close |
| May | Long rains | Low | Cheapest month |
| June | Dry, breezy | Medium | Kitesurfing season starts |
| July | Dry, pleasant | High | European summer holidays |
| August | Dry, pleasant | High | Pairs well with a safari during the migration |
| September | Dry, warm | Medium–high | Excellent all round |
| October | Dry, warming | Medium | Calm seas for snorkelling |
| November | Short rains | Low–medium | Brief showers, good value |
| December | Hot, mostly dry | Peak (holidays) | Book early for Christmas and New Year |
Sea temperatures stay around 25–29°C all year, so swimming is always comfortable.
Best time for activities
- Snorkelling and diving: October to March, when the water is calmest and clearest.
- Kitesurfing: June to September (strong kusi winds) and December to February (lighter kaskazi winds), especially in Paje.
- Safari plus beach: June to October, the dry season in northern Tanzania’s parks.
Ramadan in Zanzibar
During Ramadan (around February to March in 2027) many local restaurants in Stone Town close during the day and the island is quieter. Hotels and beach resorts operate as normal. Be discreet about eating, drinking and smoking in public, and dress modestly.
Cheapest time to visit
April, May and November have the lowest prices. In April and May, check that your hotel is open and expect heavy rain on some days; November usually brings short showers with plenty of sun.
What to pack
- Light, loose clothes that cover shoulders and knees for Stone Town.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and insect repellent.
- Water shoes for the east coast’s coral and sea urchins at low tide.
Plan your stay with our Zanzibar itinerary.
More Zanzibar guides
- Zanzibar travel guide
- 15 best things to do in Zanzibar
- Zanzibar itinerary: 5, 7 or 10 days
- Where to stay in Zanzibar
- Zanzibar airport transfers
- Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar ferry
- Tanzania visa and Zanzibar insurance
FAQ: best time to visit Zanzibar
What is the best month to go to Zanzibar?
September or January: sunny, dry and great for the beach.
What is the rainy season in Zanzibar?
The long rains run from about March to May, and the short rains in November.
Is Zanzibar worth visiting in the rainy season?
November is fine for most travellers. April and May can be very wet, though prices are lowest.
Plan your trip to Zanzibar
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