Best Time to Visit Zanzibar

The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the dry season from June to October. This is also when safari season is busy in Tanzania, so many people like to visit Zanzibar right after a safari. Still, Zanzibar’s warm weather and sunshine make it a nice place to visit at almost any time of year.

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Temp & Rain	33°C 65mm	34°C 66mm	34°C 133mm	31°C 303mm	30°C 231mm	30°C 52mm	29°C 38mm	30°C 33mm	31°C 40mm	31°C 72mm	32°C 151mm	33°C 134mm

Month-by-Month Guide for Zanzibar

January to July
You can visit during these months if you don’t mind warm and humid weather. Days are hot and sunny. January to March is great for diving because the waters are clear, especially in the south. From mid-March, the long rains start to arrive, bringing wetter weather.

April and May
These are the wettest months with heavy rains. It’s not the best time to visit if you want to enjoy sunny beach days because it can be very wet and cool.

June to October
This is the best time to visit Zanzibar. The rains stop and the weather is perfect for sunny beach days, relaxing, and exploring. This season is great if you’re planning a romantic getaway or honeymoon.

August to October
The weather in these months is cooler but still warm and not humid. Gentle breezes start to blow, making the island pleasant. September brings special activities like turtle hatching in the Mafia Archipelago, great for divers, though some dive spots can be rough. October is calm with warm seas and clear skies before the rains begin.

November and December
Starting in November, short rains arrive but they are usually short and happen mostly in the afternoons. Mornings tend to be sunny and warm though. December sees more sunshine and is a good month for diving with dolphins at Mnemba Atoll.

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