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While known primarily as a beach destination, Zanzibar offers everything from an enthralling medieval capital to forests inhabited by rare monkeys. A popular add-on to safaris in Tanzania a short flight or ferry ride away, the archipelago is also renowned for its scuba diving. Whether you choose it for its Indian Ocean beaches, heritage, or diving, you’re going to want to know the best time to visit Zanzibar.
The climate in Zanzibar
Given the proximity of Zanzibar to mainland Tanzania, the best time to go to Zanzibar broadly coincides with the best time to visit Tanzania. The first thing to consider when deciding when to visit Zanzibar is its seasonal variations.
There are two rainy seasons in Zanzibar. The long rains last from March to May, with short rains occurring from November to December. As you might expect, the long rains are much more disruptive for travel plans, with March to May generally considered the off-season in Zanzibar as a result. There can be up to 400 mm (15 inches) of rain at the peak of this period.
By contrast, the short rains deliver a modest-by-comparison 130ish mm (5 inches) in both November and December. It’s worth noting that even so-called dry season months see a little rain – 40-70 mm (1 to 2 inches) on average.
Undoubtedly, the long rain months are the cheapest times of year for visiting Zanzibar. But you’ll have to be aware that you might end up spending significant amounts of time stuck indoors.
Sunny conditions dominate the dry season weather of July to October and January and February. The summer months are the most popular time to visit, making them the most expensive time to visit Zanzibar too.
Zanzibar weather month by month
Temperatures in Zanzibar remain relatively stable across the year, whatever the rain clouds are doing. Expect thermometers to hit 29-34°C (84-93°F) year-round. The highest temperatures are found at the start of the year, in January and February, Zanzibar’s hottest months. This is also when humidity on the islands reaches its maximum.
March is usually the month during which dry, sunny skies begin to lose their battle against brooding rain clouds. It can be a good time to visit Zanzibar for the wallet-watchers among us. Flexibility on your day-to-day itinerary will be key.
April and May are probably the worst time to visit Zanzibar, unless you’re a massive fan of jigsaws and satellite news channels. As soon as the long rains clear, from June onwards, Zanzibar hits its stride once again. June to October is almost certainly the best time to visit Zanzibar for most travellers.
Still-dry August has some of the coolest temperatures of Zanzibar’s year. That said, as I’ve already mentioned, temperatures really don’t change that much across the year, so you won’t be needing a thick winter sweater. The drop is just a couple of degrees Celsius.
September and October continue in a similar vein. October is especially pleasant, since the islands receive cooling winds, alongside the clear skies and calm ocean conditions. Temperatures rise again at the beginning of November with the start of the short rains.
Clouds tend to build during the morning hours (allowing some sun bathing), with short showers breaking in the afternoon. Visit Zanzibar in November (or December) and there’s still usually plenty of time for sightseeing and activities before retiring to a spa or bar when the showers hit.
Best time to visit…
Best time to visit Zanzibar for beach bums
You’re best bet for topping up the tan on Zanzibar’s beaches are the months of January and February. Cloudless skies ensure the ultimate UV exposure, so make sure you use sunscreen. Humidity can make it too sticky to do much else anyway, depending on how well you can deal with higher humidity levels. Zanzibar’s northern beaches are the best option for sunbathing.
Best time to visit Zanzibar for diving
Conditions for snorkelling and scuba diving are also at their best between January and March. The dry season means there’s better water visibility than during the rains, when run-off from the shore can significantly reduce distances observable beneath the waves. The southern coast has most of the top dive sites.
October is another option for diving. Although visibility isn’t as good, the ocean hits its warmest, making it a favourite with newbies. Head to Mafia Island in December, and you’ve also got the chance of swimming with whale sharks – the largest fish in the oceans.
Best time to visit Zanzibar for culture vultures
Sightseers probably have the widest range of options for visiting Zanzibar. After all, it really doesn’t matter if it’s raining outside when visiting a museum. That said, Zanzibar’s street life means the islands are quite outdoorsy places. I’d personally therefore stick to the dry season, or the shoulder periods which lead into them.
Making the most of Zanzibar
The obvious way to make the most of Zanzibar is to visit during one of the islands’ two dry seasons. Do this, and although the islands will be busier, you won’t have to pick between sightseeing, beach life, or diving excursions.
