Zanzibar has an equatorial tropical climate – it is situated just 6° south of the equator. This means that average temperatures remain consistently high throughout the year, ranging from around 28 to 30 °C.

Rainfall, humidity and wind strength vary much more throughout the year than the temperatures do.

When to visit Zanzibar at a glance

• Most stable weather: June to September
• The warmest beach holiday: January and February
• Least suitable time: April and the first half of May
• Swimming in the sea: possible all year round
• Kitesurfing: June to September and December to February

From June to September, it is less humid and the weather is ideal for exploring the island. January and February are warmer and more humid, and are best suited for a beach holiday.

Before choosing your dates, do take a look at our guide to the best areas and hotels in Zanzibar.

If you don’t want to stay solely at a resort, the section on activities and excursions in Zanzibar will also be helpful.

The rainy season in Zanzibar

Despite consistently high temperatures, Zanzibar is not suitable for year-round visits. This is because there are two distinct rainy seasons throughout the year. Both are short, but one is considerably heavier than the other.

• The main Masika rainy season lasts from late March to late 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 April and May, using the off-season to carry out repairs and renovations.
• The minor Mvuli rainy season begins in November and lasts until mid-December. Rainfall is half that of the main monsoon, and if you don’t mind shorter showers and cloud cover, you can still head to Zanzibar for a holiday during these months.

Are you deciding between Zanzibar and other islands in the region? I’ve also visited Mauritius – find out all about the weather and seasons in Mauritius.

Does it rain all day during the rainy season?

Not usually in November. Intense showers are more common, after which the skies clear up again.

In April and May, it can rain for several hours at a stretch. There are also days when it’s completely overcast, and a seaside holiday is a bit of a gamble.

Even during the rainy season, it doesn’t rain every day in the same way. Climate averages therefore don’t tell you what a specific week will be like.

14-day and 30-day weather forecasts

Treat the 14-day weather forecast for Zanzibar as a general trend only. The exact timing of tropical showers often changes even the day before.

The 30-day forecast is not suitable for planning individual days. When choosing a date, look at the long-term climate and check the specific forecast just a few days before your trip.

The rain icon next to each day does not mean it will be overcast all day. It may indicate just a single short shower.

Tides are not related to the rainy season

High and low tides alternate every day and their times shift gradually. It is therefore not possible to say that any one month is better for low tide than another.

On the northern beaches at Nungwi and Kendwa, it is usually possible to swim even at low tide.

On the east coast near Paje, Jambiani or Matemwe, the sea recedes by hundreds of metres at low tide.

You should therefore choose not only your travel dates but also your accommodation in Zanzibar based on the beach.

Find a hotel in Zanzibar

Wind and weather on the different coasts

The differences in rainfall between resorts aren’t significant enough to make it worth choosing a hotel based on them. Wind, waves and the effect of the tide vary more significantly.

The east and south-east coasts tend to be windier. That is why Paje and Jambiani are the best areas for kitesurfing.

From June to September, the stronger south-easterly Kusi wind blows. From December to February, the milder north-easterly Kaskazi wind prevails.

In the north, around Nungwi and Kendwa, the conditions are generally more suited to a classic beach holiday.

However, day trips to Mnemba Atoll, Nakupenda Sandbank or to see the dolphins at Kizimkazi are always subject to the prevailing wind and sea conditions.

We describe the specific options in our overview of activities in Zanzibar.

Compare excursions in Zanzibar

Temperatures throughout the year

If you’re heading to Zanzibar on a specific date, take a look at what the weather is usually like during each month of the year.

Weather in January

January is considered the peak season, particularly for European travellers seeking warmth to escape the winter frosts. Temperatures in Zanzibar in January reach a pleasant 33 °C and the sky is usually clear and cloudless.

Humidity is quite high and spending time outdoors isn’t quite as comfortable as in summer, but January is still a brilliant month to visit Zanzibar.

It practically never rains here in January.

The weather in February

February in Zanzibar is, as ever, an idyllic choice for a winter holiday in the tropics. Temperatures in February are one degree higher than in the previous month, averaging 34 °C in the shade.

The sea temperature in February is 29 °C.

• Tip: it’s worth booking flights to Zanzibar 3–5 months in advance during this period
  • Compare prices on skyscanner.com

Weather in March

March needs to be divided into two halves. The first half still offers brilliant weather with temperatures around 34 °C, but above all, it’s cloudless.

From the middle of the month, however, cloud cover in Zanzibar increases significantly and the rainy season, known as Masika, begins.

If you’re planning a holiday in Zanzibar in March, go ahead, but only during the first fortnight.

Weather in April

April isn’t the ideal month for Zanzibar. The Masika rainy season is in full swing, bringing average monthly rainfall of 350–400 millimetres.

You won’t be able to enjoy Easter in Zanzibar. Most hotels are closed or operating on a limited basis.

Weather in May

May, like the previous month, will be very rainy. Rainfall will ease off, at least in the second half of the month, but the total for the whole month will still be between 250 and 300 millimetres.

Temperatures hover around 30 °C.

Weather in June

June marks the start of the main tourist season in Zanzibar. The weather is at its best, with nothing but sunny days, temperatures around 30 °C and a sea temperature of 26 °C.

You certainly won’t go wrong with a holiday in Zanzibar in the coming months.

• Tip: even though it’s the peak season, holiday packages from European travel agencies tend to be cheaper than in winter
  • Compare holiday prices using our search engine

Weather in July

July in Zanzibar is just as sunny as the previous month. Temperatures typically hover around 30 °C, whilst the sea temperature reaches at least 25 °C.

Humidity is noticeably lower than in winter, making it very pleasant to be outdoors!

Weather in August

August still offers ideal weather for a holiday on this island. Sunshine, clear skies and temperatures around 31 °C will ensure you enjoy an undisturbed holiday. You can cool off in the sea, but you certainly won’t feel cold. The water temperature is 26 °C.

Zanzibar is a popular holiday destination, so don’t delay in booking your flights, hotels or package holidays, even for August dates.

Book a beachfront hotel

Weather in September

September is ideal for those who aren’t tied to the summer holidays. The sunny days are indistinguishable from those of previous months, and even the 14-day forecast promises clear skies, sunshine and 31 °C.

The sea temperature is 27 °C.

Weather in October

When planning a trip in October, bear in mind that cloud cover will increase towards the end of the month. This is because the second Mvuli rainy season is approaching.

The first three weeks of October will be mostly sunny and cloudless, but expect possible showers during the last week. Air temperatures remain at 31 °C.

Weather in November

November isn’t usually the busiest time of year for holidays in Zanzibar. Showers occur regularly here, and total rainfall is expected to be between 150 and 200 millimetres. You certainly won’t feel cold, as the average temperature here is 32 °C.

Weather in December

December seems to be the perfect time for a holiday in Zanzibar over Christmas and New Year. However, you must expect cloudy conditions and total rainfall of 150 millimetres for the 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.