Zanzibar, TanzaniaQuick decision
When to visit Zanzibar?
🌞 Best time overall
July
🌡️ Optimal temperature
23°C–28°C in July
🌧 Least rain
51% rainy days in July
🌧 Wettest month
April (92%)
📅 Best score
8.0/10
By trip type
Best time by type of trip
Beach & LagoonJune-October or December-February — Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, turquoise waters.
Diving & SnorkellingJuly–October — coral reef, turtles, dolphins at Kizimkazi.
Stone TownYear-round — UNESCO site, Swahili culture, spice tours.
Whales & DolphinsJuly–September — humpback whales migrating from Antarctica.
FamilyJuly–August — calm sea, white sand beaches, turtles at Nungwi.
BudgetApril-May or November — between seasons, accommodation -30%.
Monthly climate data
Zanzibar weather month by month
| Month | Min °C | Max °C | Rainy days (%) | Precip. mm/d | Sun h/d | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🌤️ January | 26°C | 32°C | 42% | 2.1 | 11.3h | 7.4/10 |
| 🌤️ February | 26°C | 32°C | 41% | 1.4 | 11.3h | 7.5/10 |
| 🌤️ March | 26°C | 32°C | 59% | 3.4 | 11.0h | 7.1/10 |
| 🌦️ April | 25°C | 29°C | 92% | 12.3 | 10.3h | 7.0/10 |
| ⛅ May | 24°C | 28°C | 67% | 6.0 | 10.9h | 7.4/10 |
| 🌤️ June | 23°C | 28°C | 55% | 2.1 | 10.9h | 7.8/10 |
| 🌤️ July | 23°C | 28°C | 51% | 1.4 | 11.0h | 8.0/10 |
| 🌤️ August | 22°C | 28°C | 50% | 1.3 | 11.0h | 8.0/10 |
| 🌤️ September | 22°C | 30°C | 51% | 1.4 | 11.1h | 7.6/10 |
| 🌤️ October | 23°C | 30°C | 59% | 3.1 | 11.5h | 7.4/10 |
| ⛅ November | 24°C | 30°C | 75% | 4.3 | 11.7h | 7.1/10 |
| ⛅ December | 25°C | 31°C | 66% | 3.4 | 11.4h | 7.2/10 |
Ideal
Fair
Challenging climate
Source: Open-Meteo · 10 years
🌴 Tropical destination — heavy rain months benefit from an algorithmic adjustment: tropical showers are intense but brief and usually don't ruin a trip.
Seasonal breakdown
What to expect each season
🌸 Spring (Mar–May) — Good time
Average 30°C, 73% rainy days, 10.7h sunshine/day. Score: 7.2/10.
☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) — Good time
Average 28°C, 52% rainy days, 11.0h sunshine/day. Score: 7.9/10.
🍂 Autumn (Sep–Nov) — Good time
Average 30°C, 62% rainy days, 11.4h sunshine/day. Score: 7.4/10.
❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb) — Good time
Average 32°C, 50% rainy days, 11.3h sunshine/day. Score: 7.4/10.
Accommodation
Find a place to stay in Zanzibar
Check availability during the recommended period
Tip : off-peak months (April, May) are cheapest but weather is significantly worse.
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Activities and tours in Zanzibar
Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and local experiences.
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Flights
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Monthly weather
Detailed weather by month
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
July is ideal with 51% rainy days and 28°C. The months of July & August offer comparable conditions.
April is the wettest month with 92% rainy days.
Yes, July is the best month with an average of 28°C.
In winter, the average score is 7.4/10. Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.
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