Month guide · Zanzibar · Tanzania
Zanzibar in August
What August is really like in Zanzibar: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Mbz1 assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
August is one of the best months to visit Zanzibar. Expect average highs of 28°C (82°F), lows of 21°C (70°F), about 5 rainy days and roughly 11.9 hours of daylight. Peak season, dry and pleasant, with the coolest sea of the year; book early.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 28°C (82°F) / 21°C (70°F)
- Rainy days
- About 5
- Daylight
- About 11.9 hours
- Sea temperature
- 25°C (77°F)
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in August
August is the coolest month in Zanzibar: days average 28°C (82°F) against a yearly average high of 30°C (86°F), and nights fall to about 21°C (70°F). Rain falls on roughly 5 of its 31 days. Compared with July (28°C (82°F)), August is about as warm; by September highs stay near 29°C (84°F).
- Sunrise (15 August)
- About 06:31
- Sunset (15 August)
- About 18:25
- Daylight
- About 11.9 hours
- Sea
- 25°C (77°F)
Hot dry season (Mid-December–February). Hot, humid and mostly dry, with calm, clear water for snorkelling and diving; busy over the holidays.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, August rates 5 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in July). Book accommodation early: August is one of the pricier months.
Events in August
August has no major recurring festival in Zanzibar, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in August
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Beach · Off Stone Town
Nakupenda sandbank
A strip of white sand that appears in the sea off Stone Town, its size changing with the tide; boat trips stop for swimming, snorkelling and a seafood lunch in turquoise water.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Couples
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
- Kids
Nature · Central Unguja
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
Visit on the way to the east-coast beaches, and keep the recommended distance from the monkeys.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Nature
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
Nature · Matemwe
Mnemba Atoll snorkelling
The protected reef around Mnemba Island, off the north-east coast, is Zanzibar's best-known area for snorkelling and diving, with clear water, reef fish, turtles and, often, dolphins on the way out.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Nature
- Active
- Outdoors
- Couples
Experience · Michamvi Peninsula
The Rock restaurant
Book well ahead and ask about the tide at your booking time.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Expensive
- Couples
- Food
- Photo spot
- Views
The sea averages 25°C (77°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Zanzibar.
What to pack
For highs near 28°C, lows near 21°C and 5 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; comfortable walking shoes.
Is August a good time to visit Zanzibar?
One of the best months to visit Zanzibar. The other best months are January–February, June–July and September. Compare every month.
Zanzibar in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is August a good time to visit Zanzibar?
It is one of the best months to visit Zanzibar. Peak season, dry and pleasant, with the coolest sea of the year; book early.
+How warm is Zanzibar in August?
Average highs are around 28°C (82°F) and lows around 21°C (70°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Zanzibar in August?
Expect rain on about 5 days of the month.