When is the Best Time for Zanzibar Holiday!!
January and February, when it’s hot and dry, are also popular months to visit Zanzibar. Temperatures are slightly higher and rainfall is still minimal. While still busy, there is a slightly more laid back atmosphere than the peak summer months. There are two rainy seasons in Zanzibar. The main season, called the “long rains” or “Masika” in Swahili is mainly during April and May. The second rainy season, “the short rains” or “Vuli” that last only for a few minutes, usually in the mornings, is mainly during November to December. Visitor numbers during the rainy seasons are lower and some businesses may be closed but visiting the island during these months offers a unique experience that many enjoy.
The best time to visit Zanzibar is from June to October during the cool, dry season with minimal rainfall and warm weather and sea temperatures. This period is also the high season for safaris on the Tanzania mainland and the island is busy with all facilities in full operation.
Daytime temperatures in Zanzibar are wonderfully consistent throughout the year. Maximum temperatures rarely exceed the mid 30s in Celsius (approximately 90 Fahrenheit) during the hot season with the rainy seasons being 3-4 degrees lower. During the night the temperature doesn’t usually go below a mild 21 degrees Celsius anytime of the year. The sea is warm enough for swimming all year round, from 25 degrees Celsius in August to 29 degrees Celsius from December to April.
January in Zanzibar marks the beginning of the short dry season, bringing with it a hot and humid climate. This period, extending into early March, is characterized by higher temperatures, with daytime highs often reaching up to 35°C (95°F). Despite the prevalent sunshine, visitors might encounter occasional afternoon thunderstorms, which are usually brief and bring some much needed relief to the heat. The sea temperature remains invitingly warm, around 30°C (86°F), perfect for swimming and water-based activities.
February is the hottest month of the year in Zanzibar, with daytime temperatures frequently reaching or even surpassing 35°C (95°F). The month is dry, offering clear skies and sultry, humid conditions, setting the stage for the ideal beach holiday experience. The warm seas, with temperatures often above 30°C (86°F), invite visitors to swim for hours. The north-eastern ‘kaskazi’ wind, a characteristic feature of the Zanzibar climate, begins to mellow, offering a gentler breeze across the island. This change makes the southern and western coasts, such as Kendwa’s wide beaches and Kizimkazi, more appealing for sunbathing and dolphin-watching excursions.
June in Zanzibar is synonymous with the beginning of the long dry season, often celebrated as the sunniest and driest month of the year. Daytime temperatures are comfortably warm, averaging around 28°C (82°F), with nights cooling down to around 20°C (68°F). This period is characterized by low humidity, making it an ideal time for a range of outdoor activities.
July in Zanzibar is all about dry and warm weather, making it one of the best months to visit the island. Daytime temperatures average around 28°C (82°F), and nights are cooler but rarely dip below 18°C (64°F). The humidity is generally low, contributing to the comfortable weather conditions.
August marks the end of the cooler months in Zanzibar, with daytime temperatures typically around 28°C (82°F), occasionally reaching over 30°C (86°F). The sea temperatures are also at their lowest for the year but remain quite warm at around 25°C (77°F), offering comfortable swimming conditions.
September is one of the sunniest and driest months in Zanzibar, with average daytime temperatures gradually climbing over 30°C (86°F). The southern ‘kusi’ wind, which has been blowing steadily since May, eases back into a cooling breeze. This makes conditions ideal for kitesurfing in Paje until October, though the season is slowly drawing to a close.
Visiting Zanzibar in December provides an exciting mix of tropical climate and vibrant festivities. The weather is hot, with temperatures often reaching between 80°F and 86°F (27°C to 30°C), occasionally peaking at around 35°C (95°F). Rainfall is significant in December, averaging 108mm (4.2 inches), with frequent showers in early December that become more sporadic towards the end of the month