Wondering when the best time to visit Zanzibar is? Zanzibar; it’s a magical far-off destination in name alone. And that’s before you even look into the fantastic history of this nation. With settlers from far-flung locations such as Persia and a deep Swahili and Arab history, this rich trading archipelago is an incredible place to visit – not least for its fabulous beaches and nature.
But with two dry seasons, two wet seasons, and two sets of seasonal winds blowing from opposite directions, knowing the best time to visit Zanzibar can be a pain. Don’t worry; we’ve done the hard work for you. Cast your eyes below and see what works for you!
See Also:
- All You Need To Know About Traveling Around Zanzibar
- The Best Places to Visit on Zanzibar
- The Best Honeymoon Resort on Zanzibar
- What Happens When You Sit at a Zanzibar Cafe
The Best Time to Visit Zanzibar
Weather in Zanzibar in January
Zanzibar in January is pretty hot. It’s the hottest month of the year, with average temperatures of 29°C. Even the sea is the same temperature, making it like swimming in a bathtub. Nighttime temperatures are around 25°C. Humidity is about 64%, which is pretty humid, but there’s not a lot of rain – only 3mm. January is the start of the dry season in Zanzibar, but there may be an occasional thunderstorm in the afternoons.
So all that being said, if you don’t like intense heat, it’s not the best time to visit Zanzibar for you. The kaskazi winds hit the north and east coast this time of year, making waves bigger and bringing seaweed to the beaches. Watersports like kitesurfing are ideal in these breezy conditions.
Weather in Zanzibar in February
February is also really hot. It’s pretty dry, too – in terms of rainfall, but humidity levels are increasing. Clouds can build up, but generally, it’s one of the driest months of the year. Temperatures average 28°C but can easily push into the 30s; the sea is also very warm at this time of year, making February suitable for chilling on the beach.
The kaskazi is dying down come February, but it’s still better to head to Zanzibar’s more sheltered south and west coasts. It’s also a good time of year for excursions to Chumbe Island for snorkeling in the protected reef. That all being said, we visited Zanzibar in February with terrific weather, finding it one of the best times to visit Zanzibar.
Weather in Zanzibar in March
With the winds virtually disappearing by now, March is hot and humid. The beaches and seawater are balmy. Naturally, this brings a lot of visitors to the beaches, but March also has the drawback of unpredictable weather. The rainy season begins to reveal itself by the end of the month, which means more clouds, less sun, and occasional heavy downpours. Not exactly the best time to visit Zanzibar.
There are still good days, especially in early March, when the seas are clear and calm, making it prime diving time. But by late March, even hotels are closing; it’s the end of high season. However, this does mean that you can get a good discount on the accommodation that’s still open.
Weather in Zanzibar in April
April is the wettest month (401mm of rain). It’s the official start of the WET season, so there will be a lot of rain falling at this time of year. However, the rains make temperatures a bit lower, but they can still easily climb above 30°C these days.
The kaskazi winds, which were bombarding the northeast of the island, morph into the Kusi winds that instead blow from the southwest. Days are typified by clear mornings, with pressure building up, clouds forming, and storms in the late afternoon. But sometimes, it rains for days on end.
Weather in Zanzibar in May
There’s a lot of rain still in May across the whole of the island. The start of May isn’t the best time to travel to Zanzibar, but the rain starts to ease off by the end of the month, and downpours are less frequent. Bonus: visiting Zanzibar in May means quiet beaches and hotels at discounted prices, and it won’t rain all the time either.
The weather is still pretty unpredictable, so you might have to get used to spending some time indoors. On average, the temperature in May is 28°C (night: 24°C). And with all that rain, nature flourishes, with flowers beginning to bloom across the island.
Weather in Zanzibar in June
June is when the long dry season starts. Usually, it’s beautifully sunny, with daytime temperatures of 28°C and nighttime temperatures of 20°C. The Kusi wind hitting the south and west coasts makes for ideal kitesurfing conditions, but not precisely top-notch lazing on the beach weather.
If you want to spend time chilling on a slice of sun, sea, and sand, head to the northern end for calmer seas. June is the start of the incredible event that is sea turtles hatching – especially on Juani Island.
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Weather in Zanzibar in July
By July, temperatures have dropped, hovering around 24°C on average with highs of approximately 26°C, making this one of the year’s cooler months. There’s plenty of sunshine to soak up and warm seas (also 26°C) to wallow in, making it the best time to visit Zanzibar.
There’s not a lot of rain, humidity is at 60%, and it’s a pleasant time of year to visit Zanzibar. It’s a busy time on the islands, the time of year for one of Zanzibar’s significant festivals (more on that later). It’s also the start of the summer holidays in many countries, so holidaymakers start making their way here towards the end of the month.
Weather in Zanzibar in August
Another cooler month, but this is the last month where the temperatures are “cold.” It’s never too hot, and the humidity isn’t that high, so it’s pleasant and altogether one of the best times to visit Zanzibar. The Kusi winds start to die in August, so the sea becomes a lot calmer, and it’s a much better time of year for laying out on the sand on beaches in the southwest.
But the sea still can be rough beyond the reefs. Turtles are still hatching in August – it’s a fantastic sight to see! August is a prime fishing month if you’re into that. It’s also bustling, with hotels getting booked up left, right, and center.
Weather in Zanzibar in September
Cool, but starting to get warmer. September is a lovely, relaxed time of year to visit Zanzibar. There’s usually a slight breeze, but the seas remain calm – and warm (26°C) – so diving is a good option if you’re visiting in September.
In particular, the ocean around Mafia Island – with a visibility of about 25 meters – is terrific for spotting whale sharks. Being such a great time to go to Zanzibar, naturally, it’s pretty popular this time of year; in fact, it’s even busier than in August, so you’d better book in advance if you want to stay in your dream spot.
Weather in Zanzibar in October
In essence, October sees the same kind of weather patterns as September: lots of sunshine, warm air, and sea temperatures (both around 28°C on average), little rain, around 60% humidity, and not a load of strong winds. In fact, October is the least windy month in Zanzibar. This makes it a great time of year to laze around in the lagoons and the sea and enjoy some of the best Zanzibar restaurants.
Sunshine, sunshine, sunshine. You can even spot dolphins swimming through the calm seas off the coast of Ras Kizimkazi, and those whale sharks are still making their way around Mafia Island. It’s still a great time of year for diving, snorkeling, and all the other beachside fun you could ask for.
Weather in Zanzibar in November
November is the short rainy season. Throughout the month, 226mm of rainfalls are very different from September and October. This means there are fewer visitors to the islands. That temperature is still pretty warm, with an average of 28°C, but the humidity is creeping up (around 69%).
The sea is still like bathwater. Even though it’s rainy, it’s much less heavy than the long rainy season from April to May. Weather can be unpredictable, though, so be prepared.
Weather in Zanzibar in December
During the last month of the year, all of Zanzibar is sprinkled with showers, but those become much more sporadic as the month progresses. It amounts to just under 200mm of rain. You can expect daytime temperatures of 28°C, with highs of 35°C in some parts.
The kaskazi winds begin to get up again, and seas can get a little rough on the north and east coast of the main island; the south, east, and southeast are much more sheltered. It’s a popular time of year because who doesn’t want to spend Christmas soaking up the sun in Zanzibar?
Festivals in Zanzibar
Zanzibar Festivals between December-February
From December 6-9, it’s time for the Zanzibar Beach and Watersports Festival. Being an island destination with plenty of beaches, it makes sense that Zanzibar would host a festival like this one. Naturally, it’s four days of celebrating life and culture on the beach, with music to boot.
During the festival, there are also a lot of watersports. Expect kitesurfing, beach football, beach volleyball, and even… hang on, goat racing? Yeah, that happens too. And when you’re hungry (or thirsty), there are plenty of stalls to refresh yourself.
Christmas is a thing in Zanzibar, but being a prominently Islamic island, it’s confined mainly to hotels and resorts where tourists congregate.
In January, Zanzibar celebrates Revolution Day. It’s held on January 12 every year and commemorates the end of 200 years of Arab dominance of the island; celebrations go long into the night and are particularly lively at Forodhani Waterfront.
Centered around Zanzibar’s Stone Town, Sauti za Busara is a festival that celebrates African music’s amazing vibrancy. It lasts for three days in February and sees 400 performers from all over the continent play funky tunes from Africa’s diverse musical genres – from Afro-pop to taarab.
Zanzibar Festivals between March-May
What is meteorological spring in most Northern Hemisphere countries is Zanzibar’s wet season. Many hotels close in April and May, which – combined with the rains – doesn’t exactly make this the best time to visit Zanzibar.
March is low season, so there’s not a lot going on. However, it also happens to be pineapple season, so you’ll get to try some of the sweetest pineapples you’ve ever tasted if you happen to be in Zanzibar in March.
April celebrates Unification Day. Held on April 26 each year, this day marks the union between former Omani territory Zanzibar and former British colony Tanganyika that in 1964 led to what is officially called the United Republic of Tanzania – “Tan” from Tanganyika and “Zan” from Zanzibar. Makes sense. Not as big of a deal as January’s Revolution Day.
Zanzibar Festivals between June-August
Though not a festival, it is almost like one. Beginning in June, baby sea turtles hatch on many of Zanzibar’s beaches. Getting in touch with a local NGO like Sea Sense can reward travelers with ecologically-friendly tours to Juani Island, where the hatching is at its best. It goes on until the start of September.
July is the time of year for a unique cultural festival – Mwaka Kogwa. This is a time when the ethnic Shirazi people of Zanzibar (and elsewhere along the Swahili coast) celebrate their New Year. That’s not the most interesting part: Shirazi people are thought to descend from the Shiraz and the southwest coast of… Iran. Yep, these people are Persian. It coincides with Persian New Year, which has its roots in ancient Zoroastrianism.
The festivities in Makunduchi, Zanzibar, are definitely the best. These include women singing, men dueling with bamboo sticks, and setting a hut on fire. Why? Because setting one hut on fire wards away the chance of any huts catching on fire over the next year.
Also in July is the Zanzibar International Film Festival (or ZIFF for short). It’s an all-out art extravaganza, with workshops, screenings, and lectures held over a week for what is often called East Africa’s most significant cultural event. Cult films not just from Africa but worldwide – from Pakistan and Southeast Asia to Latin America – are shown as a true celebration of creativity.
When it comes to August, the big one is Eid-ul-Fitr. This Islamic celebration marks the end of weeks of fasting (Ramadan) – and what do you do after weeks of fasting? Feasting. Also in August – and the first few days of September – is Jahazi Literary & Jazz Festival; days mean poems, workshops talks; nights are for jazz, of course!
Zanzibar Festivals between September-November
The open-air jazz concerts, performances, and poetry readings of the Jahazi Literary & Jazz Festival continue into September. Catch some at the Old Fort in Stone Town.
As for October? It’s just a great month to visit Zanzibar between the two rainy seasons. November is a mini-rainy season, but there are not a lot of people visiting and not a lot of events going on, either.
When is the Best Season to Travel to Zanzibar?
High season (June to October)
As mentioned, June is officially the dry season meaning your chance of a sunny day is exceptionally high while traveling to Zanzibar. In general, this is the busiest time to visit Zanzibar, and accommodation prices will be at their highest. However, you are almost guaranteed sunny days. Most would say this is the best time to travel to Zanzibar.
Shoulder Season (November to March)
Tourism is lower during this time, but sunny days are likely, and temperatures are still suitable. It’s technically the shoulder season, meaning you can likely score a deal before high season starts. (Just watch out for holiday pricing around Christmas and New Year).
Low Season (April to May)
This is when the rains hit Unguja island. Tropical downpours and flooding are typical during these months, and many hotels will shut their doors because of this. You’ll likely still have sunny weather, but I would expect to get wet during these months. In general, it’s not the best time to visit Zanzibar.
Where to Stay on Zanzibar
Kilindi Zanzibar
The most exclusive of all the resorts on Zanzibar is, without a doubt, Kilindi Zanzibar. The resort is near Kendwa on the North of the island and is one of the top Zanzibar hotels on the beach. Its large grounds give plenty of privacy to its 15 villas that pop up from a lush hillside.
The white-washed domed villas feel like a sultan’s palace that should only be fit for a king or a pop celebrity. In fact, the resort was formerly the private residence of ABBA band member Benny Andersson. It’s the best hotel in Zanzibar for honeymoon vacations.
Park Hyatt Zanzibar
The Park Hyatt Zanzibar is an exquisite hotel delivered in a way only capable of a Park Hyatt and is easily one of the top 10 hotels in Zanzibar. The hotel finds a perfect balance between the brand’s signature look and the former palace that the main building now occupies.
The hotel’s interiors embody Stone Town’s atmosphere with features such as intricate chandeliers, archways, lanterns, trellises, carved wood, and crown molding.
Essque Zalu Zanzibar
Essque Zalu is one of the best beach resorts in Zanzibar. This Zanzibar hotel is not for the faint of heart. At Essque Zalu, bigger is better. It is one of the largest resorts in Zanzibar, but the intimacy of Zanzibar has not been lost. Essque Zalu Zanzibar sits at the Northern end of Zanzibar, close to Nungwi Beach.
Book A Safari in Tanzania
Traditionally if you wanted to book a safari, you’d have to go to a travel agent and have them book your safari for you. They suggest camps and lodges and then present you with a large bill. Most of the industry still operates in this fashion.
However, Timbuktu is a new platform that allows you to select the lodges you’d like and see the pricing per day to select the best itinerary for yourself. They will then contact the lodges and help you by booking your safari. Experts on staff can also provide suggestions and arrange the little details like a travel agent.
Plan Your Trip to Africa
- Travel Insurance: We don’t travel without travel insurance and neither should you. You never know what can happen while traveling so it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo provides excellent short-term and long-term travel insurance plans.
- Travel Waterbottle: When we’re uncertain about the water supply we use our Grayl Purifier. It’s come in exceptionally handy around Africa.
- Camera Gear: Chances are you’ll want a camera for your trip to Africa. We love the Sony RX100V for a pocket-size camera and the Fujifilm XT-4 for a professional camera. Check out our favorite cameras for Africa.
- Safari Clothes: Lightweight, beige, and moisture-wicking clothing are great for traveling Africa. See our favorite safari clothing here.
- Safari Hat: A good hat is both stylish and functional.
- Safari Bag: A durable bag is ideal for traveling around Africa.
- Safari Pants: We recommend neutral-colored pants as they’re great at hiding dirt and can match most shirt colors.
- Safari Shirt: Shirts like these are lightweight and keep the bugs away!
- Boots: While you don’t need to wear sturdy shoes every day, at least one pair of safari boots will make your trip nicer!
- Travel Adapter: You’ll need a special travel adapter for traveling Africa. Get one before you get there so you don’t pay a premium on the ground.
