Best time to visit · Zanzibar · Tanzania
The best time to visit Zanzibar
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
The best times to visit Zanzibar are June to October, when it is dry, breezy and slightly cooler, and January to February, when it is hot and calm with clear water for snorkelling. Avoid April and May, the heart of the long rains, when seas are rough and some hotels close. November brings shorter, usually brief rains and lower prices.
Key facts
- Best months
- January–February and June–September
- Shoulder season
- March and October–December
- Warmest month
- January (avg high 32°C (90°F))
- Coldest month
- June (avg high 28°C (82°F))
- Rainiest month
- April (~17 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- April–May
Seasons
Zanzibar is hot and humid year-round, with temperatures near 30°C. The long rains usually fall from about March to May and the short rains around November; June to October is drier and slightly cooler, and December to February is hot and mostly dry.
March–May
Long rains
Hot and humid March gives way to heavy rain in April and May, with rough seas, closed hotels and the lowest prices.
June–October
Dry season
Dry, sunny and breezy with pleasant temperatures; peak season in July and August and the best time for kitesurfing.
November–early December
Short rains
Brief afternoon showers and storms, with green landscapes, fewer visitors and good-value stays.
Mid-December–February
Hot dry season
Hot, humid and mostly dry, with calm, clear water for snorkelling and diving; busy over the holidays.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sea | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°C | 24°C | 7 | 28°C | 12.4 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| February | 32°C | 24°C | 6 | 29°C | 12.3 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| March | 32°C | 24°C | 11 | 29°C | 12.2 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| April | 30°C | 24°C | 17 | 29°C | 12 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| May | 29°C | 23°C | 14 | 28°C | 11.8 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| June | 28°C | 22°C | 5 | 27°C | 11.8 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| July | 28°C | 21°C | 5 | 26°C | 11.8 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| August | 28°C | 21°C | 5 | 25°C | 11.9 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| September | 29°C | 21°C | 5 | 26°C | 12.1 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| October | 30°C | 22°C | 7 | 27°C | 12.3 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 31°C | 23°C | 11 | 28°C | 12.4 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| December | 31°C | 24°C | 10 | 28°C | 12.5 h | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| February | Sauti za Busara music festival in Stone Town (usually February) |
| June | Zanzibar International Film Festival (usually June or July) |
| July | Mwaka Kogwa — Shirazi New Year festival in Makunduchi (usually July) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in April–May, and the sights are quietest in April–May. Many visitors avoid April–May.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Long rains | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Dry season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Short rains | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Hot dry season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Zanzibar?
The best times to visit Zanzibar are June to October, when it is dry, breezy and slightly cooler, and January to February, when it is hot and calm with clear water for snorkelling. Avoid April and May, the heart of the long rains, when seas are rough and some hotels close. November brings shorter, usually brief rains and lower prices.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Zanzibar?
Usually in April–May. The heart of the long rains, with heavy downpours, rough seas and some hotels closed.
+What is the rainiest month in Zanzibar?
April, with about 17 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Zanzibar get?
The warmest month, January, averages highs of 32°C (90°F) and lows of 24°C (75°F).