Zanzibar Weather By Month: 12 Months Ultimate Guide You Can’t miss

Picture this: you’re lying on a beach in Zanzibar, turquoise water lapping at the sand, palm trees swaying, and the sun warm on your skin. Sounds like paradise, right? Well, it kinda is. But here’s the thing — not every month in Zanzibar feels the same. The weather swings between hot and dry, humid and rainy, breezy and cool, and sometimes all of that in one week. That’s why understanding Zanzibar weather by month is key if you’re planning your dream trip.

This isn’t one of those boring “climate reports.” Nope. We’re going to break it down month by month — the real deal: temperatures, rainfall, sunshine hours, humidity, and what that actually means for you as a traveler. Should you go diving in February? Is April a total washout (spoiler: yeah, mostly)? When are the beaches emptiest but still gorgeous? That’s what we’re gonna answer here.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly when to pack your bags for Zanzibar, whether you’re chasing long sunny beach days, underwater adventures, or just want to avoid soggy flip-flops.

January: Hot Days, Blue Skies, and Endless Sunshine

January in Zanzibar is what travel posters are made of. Seriously, if you want the perfect beach escape to kick off the year, this is it.

• Temperature & Sea: Days hover around 31–32 °C, and nights are a cozy 24–25 °C. The sea? Warm and inviting at about 28–29 °C — like stepping into a giant bathtub, only way prettier.
• Rainfall & Sunshine: Rain? Barely any. This is peak dry season. Expect plenty of cloudless days and blazing sunshine.
• Humidity & Comfort: Sure, it’s humid (around 75–80%), but the coastal breezes make it bearable. Early mornings feel fresh, afternoons can be sweaty, but hey — you’re never far from the ocean.
• Best For: Beach lounging, snorkeling, and anyone escaping a dreary winter back home.
• What to Pack: Light, breathable clothes, sunscreen (lots of it), a wide-brim hat, and of course, swimwear.

January’s vibe is pure “holiday mode.” If you’re dreaming of Zanzibar weather by month that’s all about sun, this is your jackpot.

February: More Heat, Still Paradise

February is basically January’s twin — hot, dry, and perfect beach weather. If you missed January, no worries. February’s just as magical.

• Temperature & Sea: Still sizzling. Highs around 32 °C, with the sea staying that dreamy 28–29 °C. Perfect conditions for swimming and diving.
• Rainfall & Sunshine: Rain is rare. Days are bright, skies are clear, and visibility underwater is fantastic. Divers and snorkelers, this is your month.
• Humidity & Comfort: Humidity sticks around, but the ocean breeze keeps things tolerable. If you’re sensitive to heat, you’ll want shade breaks.
• Best For: Snorkeling, diving, and exploring Stone Town without worrying about sudden downpours.
• Travel Note: February can get busy because of Valentine’s getaways and winter escape seekers. Book early if you want the best spots.

If you’re scrolling through a Zanzibar weather by month chart, February shines as one of the top picks for those craving uninterrupted sunshine.

March: Heat Meets the First Signs of Rain

March is a bit of a wildcard. Early in the month? Still hot and dry. By the end? You might be running for cover from a sudden downpour.

• Temperature & Sea: Temperatures don’t back down — days hit 32–33 °C, nights around 24–25 °C. The sea is warm but can get choppier later in the month.
• Rainfall & Sunshine: Here’s where the “long rains” start to sneak in. Early March is fine, but as the month rolls on, showers pop up more often, usually in the afternoon or evening. Sunshine hours shrink a little, but mornings are usually still clear.
• Humidity & Comfort: Humidity cranks up a notch, so be ready for that sticky, tropical feel.
• Best For: If you come in the first half, you’ll still catch good weather for the beach. By late March, expect interruptions — plan cultural tours or lazy afternoons with a book when it rains.

March is the “shoulder month” in the Zanzibar weather by month lineup. Not the worst, not the best, but still doable if you’re flexible.

April: When the Skies Open Up

Okay, let’s be real — April is the wettest month in Zanzibar. If your dream holiday is sunbathing and sipping cocktails by the pool, this is not your month.

• Temperature & Sea: Still warm, with highs around 30–31 °C and nights around 23–24 °C. The sea gets rougher, and diving visibility isn’t great.
• Rainfall & Sunshine: This is peak rainy season. Expect heavy downpours, sometimes lasting hours. Sunshine is limited, though you might get breaks between storms.
• Humidity & Comfort: Humidity is off the charts, often over 85%. It’s muggy, sticky, and not always comfortable.
• Best For: Indoor activities — spa treatments, cooking classes, or wandering through Stone Town when the rain eases.
• Travel Note: The upside? Resorts slash their prices, and you’ll find way fewer tourists.

On any Zanzibar weather by month guide, April is flagged as “rainy, very rainy.” If you’re chasing bargains and don’t mind clouds, it could still work.

May: Rain Starts to Ease, But It’s Still Wet

May is like April’s quieter sibling. It’s still rainy, but not as intense, and by the end of the month, things start looking up.

• Temperature & Sea: Highs around 29–30 °C, nights a bit cooler at 22–23 °C. The sea calms down slowly, making conditions better than April.
• Rainfall & Sunshine: The rains taper off as the month goes on. Early May is wet, but late May starts seeing longer sunny spells.
• Humidity & Comfort: Still humid, but more manageable than April. Early mornings can feel misty and fresh.
• Best For: Travelers who don’t mind occasional showers and want great deals. May is much less crowded, which means more peace and quiet.

If you’re scanning Zanzibar weather by month to spot hidden gems, late May might surprise you. It’s not peak season yet, but you’ll start seeing the island’s sunny side again.

June: Dry Season Begins, Cool & Breezy

June is when Zanzibar really hits its stride. The heavy rains are gone, the skies clear up, and the whole island feels fresh and green.

• Temperature & Sea: Days settle around 28–29 °C, and nights are cooler at 22–23 °C. The sea calms down, and visibility improves — divers, this is your sweet spot.
• Rainfall & Sunshine: June marks the start of the long dry season. Rain is rare, and you’ll get plenty of sunshine hours for beach days.
• Humidity & Comfort: Humidity finally eases. With the coastal breezes, the air feels lighter and way more comfortable.
• Best For: Outdoor adventures — snorkeling, hiking in Jozani Forest, or just lying on the beach without worrying about sudden storms.

When people ask, “What’s the best Zanzibar weather by month for comfort?” June often gets the crown.

July: Cool, Sunny, and Seriously Pleasant

July is pretty much perfect. If you hate sweltering heat but still want warm sunshine, this is your month.

• Temperature & Sea: Highs around 27–28 °C, nights at a pleasant 22–23 °C. The sea is calm, with some of the clearest diving conditions all year.
• Rainfall & Sunshine: Almost no rain. You might get a cloudy morning here and there, but most days are bright and sunny.
• Humidity & Comfort: Low humidity makes it super comfortable for sightseeing and exploring.
• Best For: Diving, dolphin-watching, exploring Stone Town, and beach walks at sunset.

Travelers love July because the weather is so easy-going. On the Zanzibar weather by month chart, July sits right in the sweet spot.

August: Dry, Sunny, and Peak Travel Season

August is another gem, and it’s also one of the busiest months in Zanzibar. Everyone seems to want a piece of the sunshine.

• Temperature & Sea: Warm but not scorching — highs of 28–29 °C, with nights at around 23 °C. Sea conditions are excellent, calm and clear.
• Rainfall & Sunshine: Rainfall is almost non-existent. You’ll enjoy long, dry, sunny days — basically postcard weather.
• Humidity & Comfort: Humidity is manageable, with cool breezes in the mornings.
• Best For: Beach holidays, kite surfing, photography, and basically any activity under the sun.

If you’re dreaming of Zanzibar weather by month that guarantees sun, August is a no-brainer — just be ready for bigger crowds.

September: Warming Up, Still Mostly Dry

September feels like summer winding down, but in Zanzibar, the sun’s still going strong.

• Temperature & Sea: Temperatures climb a bit, with highs of 29–30 °C. Nights stay mild around 24–25 °C. The sea remains calm, great for water activities.
• Rainfall & Sunshine: Still mostly dry, though late September can see the first hints of the short rains creeping in. Sunshine dominates most of the month.
• Humidity & Comfort: Humidity starts to rise, but it’s still comfortable compared to the wet months.
• Best For: Travelers who want fewer crowds and warm weather. September often feels like a “hidden gem” month.

On any Zanzibar weather by month chart, September comes across as a “transitional” month — warm, mostly dry, and still awesome for beach days.

October: Short Rains Sneak In

October is when the weather starts to flip again. It’s still warm, but the skies can get a little unpredictable.

• Temperature & Sea: Warm days around 30–31 °C and mild nights at 25 °C. The sea stays warm but can get a little rougher depending on winds.
• Rainfall & Sunshine: The “short rains” begin. Expect more frequent showers, usually in the afternoon or evening, though mornings often stay sunny.
• Humidity & Comfort: Humidity climbs higher, and the air feels heavier, especially mid to late October.
• Best For: Flexible travelers who don’t mind planning around a shower or two. It’s still great for mornings at the beach or exploring before the rain hits.

October in the Zanzibar weather by month cycle is all about balance: you’ll get sunshine, but you’ll need a backup plan for rainy afternoons.

November: Showers and Sticky Heat

November in Zanzibar is kind of a mixed bag. You’ll still get warm, sunny mornings, but afternoon showers can crash the party.

• Temperature & Sea: Highs sit around 31 °C, with nights staying warm at 25–26 °C. The sea is still warm, but heavy rain can affect underwater visibility.
• Rainfall & Sunshine: The short rains pick up, so expect more frequent showers and thunderstorms. Sunshine comes and goes, often peeking out between bursts of rain.
• Humidity & Comfort: Humidity is high, and the sticky, tropical air is very noticeable. You’ll definitely want a fan or AC at night.
• Best For: Budget travelers who don’t mind rain. November has fewer crowds and lower hotel prices, so you’ll have space to yourself — just bring patience for the weather.

In the Zanzibar weather by month lineup, November is all about compromise: cheaper travel, fewer tourists, but rain is part of the deal.

December: Rain Eases, Festive Energy Rises

December is a tale of two halves — the start of the month is still rainy, but by mid to late December, the skies clear and the holiday buzz kicks in.

• Temperature & Sea: Warm days around 30–31 °C and nights near 25 °C. The sea is warm and perfect for swimming once the rains calm down.
• Rainfall & Sunshine: Early December can be rainy, especially at night and in the mornings. But as Christmas approaches, the sun sticks around more often.
• Humidity & Comfort: Still humid, but it feels more manageable toward the end of the month as the short rains wind down.
• Best For: Holiday travelers who want sun, sand, and festive vibes. It’s also peak tourist season, so book your hotels early.

If you’re planning a Zanzibar weather by month trip around Christmas and New Year, December is a winner — just expect bigger crowds and higher prices.

Seasons at a Glance: Zanzibar’s Climate in a Nutshell

Here’s a quick cheat sheet of how the year splits up:

Season / Period	Weather Pattern	Best Travel Vibe
Long Dry Season (June–September)	Cool, sunny, low humidity	Ideal for beaches, diving, outdoor exploring
Short Dry Season (Jan–Feb)	Hot, bright, almost no rain	Perfect for sun worshippers and water sports
Long Rains (Mar–May)	Heavy downpours, sticky humidity	Budget-friendly, lush landscapes
Short Rains (Oct–Dec)	Showers, warm, unpredictable	Fewer crowds, cultural travel, mixed weather

How to Use Zanzibar Weather by Month When Planning Your Trip

Alright, so you’ve got the breakdown. But how do you actually use this info to plan your dream holiday? Here’s the scoop:

• Pick your priorities: If you want crystal-clear beach weather, stick to January–February or June–September.
• Think about budget: Dry seasons mean high prices and more tourists. Rainy months bring discounts and fewer crowds.
• Match activities to months: Diving and snorkeling? Go when the seas are calm (Feb, Aug, Sep). Want lush green scenery? The rainy seasons deliver that.
• Packing tips: Always bring light clothing and swimwear. For wet months, pack a light rain jacket and mosquito repellent. And sunscreen? Non-negotiable, all year round.

Basically, your “perfect month” depends on whether you’re chasing sun, savings, or solitude.

Conclusion

So, there you have it — the full scoop on Zanzibar weather by month. If you’re after non-stop sunshine, January, February, or the stretch from June to September will make you happy. If you’re okay with a little rain in exchange for fewer people and lower prices, the shoulder seasons can be a sweet spot. And if you want lush green vibes and don’t mind getting wet, even the rainy months have their charm.

At the end of the day, Zanzibar is stunning year-round — it just shows you different sides of its beauty depending on when you visit.

FAQs About Zanzibar Weather by Month

What is the best month to visit Zanzibar for perfect beach weather?

The best months to enjoy perfect beach weather in Zanzibar are June through September and January to February. These months fall in the dry seasons, which means clear skies, calm seas, and long sunny days that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the beach.

Which months are the rainiest in Zanzibar?

The rainiest months in Zanzibar are April and May. This is when the island experiences the “long rains,” bringing heavy downpours and high humidity. While it’s not the ideal time for beach holidays, the island turns lush and green, which some travelers find beautiful.

Can I still enjoy Zanzibar during the rainy season?

Yes, you can still have a great trip during the rainy season if you plan accordingly. The showers often come in bursts, leaving time in between for sightseeing or cultural activities. Plus, you’ll find far fewer tourists and lower hotel prices, making it a good option for budget-conscious travelers.

Is Zanzibar too hot in the summer months?

Zanzibar stays hot year-round, but January, February, and March are the warmest months with daytime highs averaging 31–33 °C. While the humidity can make it feel hotter, the constant ocean breeze helps balance things out. Staying hydrated and taking breaks in the shade will keep you comfortable.

What should I pack according to Zanzibar weather by month?

For the dry months, light clothing, sunscreen, and swimwear are essentials. During the rainy months, it’s smart to add a lightweight rain jacket, quick-dry shoes, and mosquito repellent. No matter when you go, a hat and good sunscreen are a must because the sun in Zanzibar is always strong.