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Weather & climate

Zanzibar: Weather & climate

The best time to visit Zanzibar

We're often asked “When is the best time to go to Zanzibar?", and the answer is often complex. It will depend on many things including your interests, exactly where you want to visit and why you're travelling. One person's best time can be another's worst! For a beach holiday, the weather and climate is generally the most important factor:

The best time to visit Zanzibar

Here is a broad guide to the climate of Zanzibar. Please remember that this comes from records and our experience, not from a crystal ball. Weather patterns across Africa are becoming increasingly unpredictable, probably due to global warming; we're seeing downpours in the middle of deserts and damaging droughts when rains should be falling.

Just south of the equator, Zanzibar's weather pattern follows that of Tanzania very closely – although always tends to be a little more humid – and occasional rain in the dry season is less uncommon than in the heart of the mainland Tanzania.

Generally the main rainy season, or the 'long rains', last during March, April and May. Afternoon tropical downpours are the norm – which can be heavy on any of the islands. The humidity is high and daily temperatures reach the low-mid 30°s.

The long dry season, when rainfall is fairly unusual, lasts throughout June, July, August, September and October. Temperatures vary hugely with altitude and location, but it's usually a fine, clear sky and sunny weather – it's a great time to visit Zanzibar. During November and December there's another rainy season: the 'short rains'. These are much lighter than the main rains and less reliable.

If it has rained during the short rains, then it normally dries up for a few months, January and February, which is Tanzania's 'short dry season', before starting to rain again in earnest in March.

Combining the wildebeest migration with a trip to Zanzibar

Many travellers will combine time on Zanzibar's beaches with a visit to northern Tanzania, for the Serengeti wildebeest migration. This breathtaking spectacle can be seen at any time of year – provided you know where to look! Between one and two million wildebeest, escorted by zebra and gazelle, criss-cross the Serengeti in search of fresh grasslands and water. Where the animals migrate is predictable to some extent, depending on the rainfall. Ask us for details about the migration, and about when and where to go to get best out of your trip, or click on the following link:

Serengeti's wildebeest migration

It's very east to combine these two highlights of Tanzania; flight to Zanzibar leave airstrips in the Serengeti every day (usually before noon) – and arrive in Zanzibar well before dusk.

Weather in other African countries

For comparison, see similar climate charts and information for our other African destinations:

Botswana climate – Slightly different weather pattern from Zanzibar, with shorter rains.
Kenya climate – Kenya's coast has got a similar weather pattern.
Malawi climate – Slightly different weather pattern from Zanzibar with a shorter rainy season.
Mozambique climate – Slightly different weather pattern from Zanzibar’s.
Namibia climate – Much less rain than Zanzibar, with a slightly similar pattern.
Rwanda climate – Slightly different weather pattern from Zanzibar.
Seychelles climate – Different weather pattern from Zanzibar’s weather.
Cape of South Africa climate – Completely different weather pattern from Zanzibar’s.
Tanzania climate – Mainland Tanzania has similar weather patterns to that experienced by Zanzibar.
Zambia climate –Different weather pattern from Zanzibar.
Zimbabwe climate – Weather follows a different pattern to Zanzibar, with a shorter rainy season.

<b>January:</b> gets drier as the month progresses, it’s the start of the ‘short dry season’.
<b>February:</b> the hottest month, and relatively dry, just before the main rains start.
<b>March:</b> as the ‘long rainy season’ starts gradually many beach lodges close.
<b>April:</b> the wettest month of the year; most beach lodges are closed.
<b>May:</b> the rain continues as the temperatures start to reduce a little.
<b>June:</b> as the ‘long rains’ end; the island dries up a bit and the beach lodges open up again.
<b>July:</b> the dry season is now in full swing – Zanzibar’s best few months.
<b>August:</b> during these months the min temp is around 20°C, max up to 30°C.
<b>September:</b> dry and lovely, similar to July and August.
<b>October:</b> generally dry, but the temperatures rise and the rain increases towards the end.
<b>November:</b> the ‘short rains’ begin – they can still be heavy.
<b>December:</b> temperatures gradually edge up during the second month of the ‘short rains’.

January: gets drier as the month progresses, it’s the start of the ‘short dry season’.

February: the hottest month, and relatively dry, just before the main rains start.

March: as the ‘long rainy season’ starts gradually many beach lodges close.

April: the wettest month of the year; most beach lodges are closed.

May: the rain continues as the temperatures start to reduce a little.

June: as the ‘long rains’ end; the island dries up a bit and the beach lodges open up again.

July: the dry season is now in full swing – Zanzibar’s best few months.

August: during these months the min temp is around 20°C, max up to 30°C.

September: dry and lovely, similar to July and August.

October: generally dry, but the temperatures rise and the rain increases towards the end.

November: the ‘short rains’ begin – they can still be heavy.

December: temperatures gradually edge up during the second month of the ‘short rains’.

Our top picks for holidays to Zanzibar

We'll always tailor-make your holiday for you. Here are some of our favourites to inspire you.


Itinerary image

Masala Beach Holiday

9 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Two luxuriously elegant hotels offer relaxation on Zanzibar’s beach-front and exploration of Stone Town. Combine peaceful tranquility with fine dining, indulgent comforts and vibrant culture.

US$6,500 - US$9,560 per person

Itinerary image

Turmeric Beach Holiday

7 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Relax on powdery white beaches and snorkel over colourful reefs on Zanzibar’s picturesque east coast before heading on to Stone Town to explore the labyrinth of cobbled streets.

US$2,330 - US$3,750 per person

Itinerary image

Papaya Beach Holiday

7 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

A relaxing holiday with a range of activities, where Chumbe Island Lodge and Matemwe offer tranquil atmospheres, considerable exclusivity and the chance to learn about worthwhile local conservation efforts.

US$2,870 - US$4,370 per person

Itinerary image

Red Colobus Monkey Safari

11 days • 3 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

This luxury holiday suggestion combines a wildlife safari in Ruaha National Park with a week on Zanzibar, exploring Stone Town’s narrow streets and relaxing on a palm-shaded beach.

US$6,230 - US$8,490 per person

Itinerary image

Turaco Safari

12 days • 4 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

This top-value holiday idea combines two safari areas with a week on the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar. Photograph lions and elephants, then relax under the palms on a powder-sand beach.

US$5,730 - US$6,830 per person

Itinerary image

Coconut Beach Holiday

6 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

A luxurious island getaway split between a small boutique hotel in Stone Town and your own sumptuous private villa on a spectacular swath of white sandy beach.

US$2,410 - US$5,000 per person

Itinerary image

Regal Sunbird Fly-in Safari

12 days • 5 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Experience the highlights of Tanzania with a safari in the country’s famous northern parks followed by historic Stone Town and the palm-fringed beaches of Zanzibar, staying in high-quality accommodation throughout.

US$9,850 - US$16,370 per person

Itinerary image

Dik Dik Safari

12 days • 4 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Combine safari with peace and relaxation on Zanzibar’s white-sand shores during this exploration of Tanzania. Stay in three high-quality sister camps within Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park before concluding with a stay on Michamvi Peninsula.

US$9,850 - US$15,130 per person

Inspire me

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

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