Best Time to Visit Zanzibar: Weather by Month

Zanzibar enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures all year. The main thing to plan around is the rain.

Zanzibar's seasons

• June to October: dry, sunny and slightly cooler, with pleasant sea breezes. The most popular time.
• November: short rains, usually brief tropical showers.
• December to February: hot and humid with lots of sunshine. Excellent beach weather.
• March: hot, with rain starting towards the end of the month.
• April and May: the long rains, with heavy showers. Some hotels close, and prices are lowest.

Month-by-month overview

• January and February: hot and mostly dry, calm seas, ideal for snorkelling and diving.
• March: very warm; good value before the rains.
• April and May: wettest months; best avoided unless you want the lowest prices.
• June: the dry season begins; fresh and green.
• July and August: peak season; book early.
• September and October: dry, warm and calm, excellent for beaches.
• November: short rains, but often plenty of sunshine between showers.
• December: hot, with the festive season bringing higher prices.

Best time for a safari and Zanzibar trip

The best overall months for a combined trip are June to October and late December to February, when both the safari parks and the beaches have their best weather.

Wind and kitesurfing

The kusi (south-east) winds blow from around June to September and the kaskazi (north-east) winds from around December to February — the best kitesurfing seasons in Paje.

Sea conditions for snorkelling and diving

Visibility is usually best when the sea is calm, often from October to March. Whale sharks are sometimes seen around Mafia Island to the south from around October to February, and humpback whales pass Zanzibar's coast from around July to September.

Events and festivals

• Sauti za Busara — a celebrated music festival in Stone Town, usually held in February
• Zanzibar International Film Festival — usually mid-year
• Mwaka Kogwa — a traditional New Year festival in Makunduchi, usually in July

Dates vary, so check the latest schedule before travelling.

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth visiting Zanzibar in the rainy season?

The rain often falls in short heavy showers, and prices are lower. However, some hotels close in April and May, and sea conditions can be rougher.

What is the hottest month in Zanzibar?

February and March are usually the hottest and most humid months.

Is Zanzibar good in December?

Yes. December is hot and mostly sunny, although it is a busy and more expensive time around Christmas and New Year.

Ramadan

Dates change each year. During Ramadan, Zanzibar is quieter, some local restaurants close during the day and visitors should be respectful in public. Hotels and resorts operate normally.

Plan your trip with our beach and safari combos or read our Zanzibar travel guide.