Zanzibar has an equatorial tropical climate - it is only 6° south of the equator. This means that year-round temperatures are around 28 to 30°C. The climate is hot and humid, but during the summer it is very pleasant outside with relatively low humidity.

Rainy season in Zanzibar

Despite the consistently high temperatures, Zanzibar is not suitable to visit all year round. In fact, there are 2 different rainy seasons alternating throughout the year. Both are short, but one of them is much more abundant than the other.

• The Masika rainy season lasts from the end of March to the end of May. The heaviest rainfall occurs in April, when an average of over 350 mm of rain falls in a single month. As a rule, many hotels are closed in both April and May and use the off-season for repairs and renovations.
• The small Mvuli rainy season comes in November and lasts until mid-December. The rainfall is half that of the big monsoon, and if the shorter rains and cloud cover don't get in the way, you can still go on holiday to Zanzibar during these months.

Deciding between Zanzibar and other islands in the area? I've also visited Mauritius - find out all about the weather and seasons in Mauritius.

Temperatures during the year

If you're heading to Zanzibar on a specific date, check out what the usual weather is like during each month of the year.

Weather in January

January is considered the peak season, especially for European travellers escaping the winter cold for warmth. Temperatures in Zanzibar in January reach a pleasant 33°C and the skies are usually clear with no clouds.

The humidity is quite high and being outdoors is not as relaxing as in summer, but January is still a great month to travel to Zanzibar.

In January, it practically doesn't rain here.

Weather in February

February and Zanzibar is as idyllic as ever for an exotic winter holiday. Temperatures in the month of February are one degree higher than the previous month, and will therefore average 34°C in the shade.

The sea temperature is 29°C in February.

• Tip: it is worth buying flights to Zanzibar 3-5 months in advance during this period
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Weather in March

March must be divided into two halves. The first one can still offer great weather with temperatures around 34°C, but mainly without clouds.

From the middle of the month onwards, the cloud cover in Zanzibar deteriorates considerably and the rainy season known as Masika arrives.

Fly to Zanzibar in March, but only for the first fortnight.

Weather in April

April is not an ideal month for Zanzibar. The Masika rainy season is in full swing here and this brings with it rainfall averaging 350-400 millimetres per month.

You won't enjoy Easter in Zanzibar. A large number of hotels are closed or operate on a limited basis.

Weather in May

May, like the previous month, will be very rainy. The rainfall will decrease at least in the second half of the month, but the total for the whole month will be between 250 and 300 millimetres.

Temperatures will be around 30 °C.

Weather in June

June kicks off the main tourist season in Zanzibar. The best weather is accompanied only by sunny days with temperatures around 30 °C and a sea temperature of 26 °C.

You definitely can't go wrong with a stay in Zanzibar in the coming months.

• Tip: even in high season, holiday packages from European travel agencies tend to be cheaper than in winter
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Weather in July

July in Zanzibar is just as sunny as the previous month. Temperatures are normally in the 30°C range, with water temperatures reaching at least 25°C.

The humidity is noticeably lower than in winter and being outdoors is very pleasant!

Weather in August

August is still the ideal weather to holiday on this island. Sunshine, clear skies and temperatures of around 31 °C will give you an undisturbed holiday. You'll cool off in the sea, but you won't be cold. The water temperature is 26 °C.

Zanzibar is a popular holiday destination, so don't delay in buying flights, hotels or tours even for the August dates.

Book a hotel by the beach

Weather in September

September is optimal for those not tied to summer holidays. The sunny days are indistinguishable from previous months and even the 14-day forecast offers clear skies, sunshine and 31°C.

The sea temperature is 27 °C.

Weather in October

It is advisable to plan for October with the clouds thickening towards the end of the month. This is because the second Mvuli rainy season is coming.

The first 3 weeks of October will be rather sunny without clouds, but the last week you should expect possible showers. Air temperatures remain at 31 °C.

Weather in November

November isn't usually the busiest in terms of Zanzibar stays. There are regular showers and rainfall totals of 150 - 200 millimetres. You won't be cold, the average temperature is 32°C.

Weather in December

December seems to beckon you to holiday in Zanzibar over Christmas and New Year. But you have to count on clouds and rainfall totalling 150 millimetres per month.

Although the last week is usually clear and cloudless, this cannot be guaranteed. Temperatures are on average the highest of the year at 33 °C.