Zanzibar, TanzaniaQuick decision
When to visit Zanzibar?
🌞 Best time overall
July
🌡️ Optimal temperature
73°F–82°F 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 °F | Max °F | Rainy days (%) | Precip. in/d | Sun h/d | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🌤️ January | 79°F | 90°F | 42% | 0.1in | 11.3h | 7.4/10 |
| 🌤️ February | 79°F | 90°F | 41% | 0.1in | 11.3h | 7.5/10 |
| 🌤️ March | 79°F | 90°F | 59% | 0.1in | 11.0h | 7.1/10 |
| 🌦️ April | 77°F | 84°F | 92% | 0.5in | 10.3h | 7.0/10 |
| ⛅ May | 75°F | 82°F | 67% | 0.2in | 10.9h | 7.4/10 |
| 🌤️ June | 73°F | 82°F | 55% | 0.1in | 10.9h | 7.8/10 |
| 🌤️ July | 73°F | 82°F | 51% | 0.1in | 11.0h | 8.0/10 |
| 🌤️ August | 72°F | 82°F | 50% | 0.1in | 11.0h | 8.0/10 |
| 🌤️ September | 72°F | 86°F | 51% | 0.1in | 11.1h | 7.6/10 |
| 🌤️ October | 73°F | 86°F | 59% | 0.1in | 11.5h | 7.4/10 |
| ⛅ November | 75°F | 86°F | 75% | 0.2in | 11.7h | 7.1/10 |
| ⛅ December | 77°F | 88°F | 66% | 0.1in | 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°F, 73% rainy days, 10.7h sunshine/day. Score: 7.2/10.
☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) — Good time
Average 28°F, 52% rainy days, 11.0h sunshine/day. Score: 7.9/10.
🍂 Autumn (Sep–Nov) — Good time
Average 30°F, 62% rainy days, 11.4h sunshine/day. Score: 7.4/10.
❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb) — Good time
Average 32°F, 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°F. 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°F.
In winter, the average score is 7.4/10. Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.
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