When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?

Enjoy the blue sky, the azure sea, the white sandy beaches with a drink in your hand, or discover the history of Stone Town in the winding streets, permeated with the aroma of spices. These are just some of the things you can experience when visiting the Tanzanian island, Zanzibar.

But when is the best time to visit the island?

Read more below to learn about the weather on the paradise island.

NB: The guide below is a guideline only.

The climate in Zanzibar

Zanzibar is located in the tropical climate belt so the weather is warm on the island all year round.

It’s summer in Zanzibar when it’s winter in the UK. All year round, however, you can expect an average daytime temperature of 25 to 28 degrees and an average night temperature of 20 to 25 degrees. And the sun shines between 7 and 8 hours a day on the island.

Summer or winter, it’s holiday weather in Zanzibar.

Dry season

Zanzibar has two dry seasons: The long, “cold” dry season and the short, humid dry season.

• The long dry season is from June to October – so during the British summer holiday months. There may be brief, light showers, but the weather is mainly sunny.

• The short dry season is in January and February, when, as in the dry season of the summer month, the island receives lots of visitors.

The two dry seasons are great months for a beach holiday in Zanzibar. Enjoy a well-deserved rest at the water’s edge, go for a dip in the lovely water or head out on adventure under the ocean waves. January and February are especially good months for snorkelling and diving as the sea is so clear.

If you feel the need for a little more activity, a spice excursion on the island is a wonderful experience. You can also gain an insight into Zanzibar’s history in Zanzibar’s old town, Stone Town, where a visit to the Darajani market is an experience.

Rainy season

Just as there are two dry seasons, there are also two rainy seasons in Zanzibar: one long and one short.

• The long rainy season is from March to May, and it is during these months that the largest volume of rain falls during the year, and it is very humid.

• The short rainy season is in November and December, and rain showers are often short and quickly replaced by sun during this period.

You should be aware that the rainy season does not mean that it rains all day or every day. You can still enjoy days on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar – and an added bonus is that it’s a more private experience as there are fewer visitors at this time of year. In December, it’s high season again and more people visit the island.

If there are days that are not great for beach activities, the island also offers a whole array of other wonderful experiences. Visit for example the Persian baths, the National Museum, Beit al-Ajaib, or discover one of Stone Town’s other exciting sights.

Wonderful experiences await you on a tour to Zanzibar’s beach paradise.

If you’re unsure about when to go or what holiday to choose, our travel specialists are on hand to help you choose the perfect holiday for you.

Have a great time in Zanzibar!

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller