Month guide · Zanzibar · Tanzania
Zanzibar in February
What February is really like in Zanzibar: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Moongateclimber, Public domain
Quick answer
February is one of the best months to visit Zanzibar. Expect average highs of 32°C (90°F), lows of 24°C (75°F), about 6 rainy days and roughly 12.3 hours of daylight. One of the hottest months, with clear water and a big music festival in Stone Town.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 32°C (90°F) / 24°C (75°F)
- Rainy days
- About 6
- Daylight
- About 12.3 hours
- Sea temperature
- 29°C (84°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in February
February is the 2nd-warmest month in Zanzibar: days average 32°C (90°F) against a yearly average high of 30°C (86°F), and nights fall to about 24°C (75°F). Rain falls on roughly 6 of its 28 days. Compared with January (32°C (90°F)), February is about as warm; by March highs stay near 32°C (90°F).
- Sunrise (15 February)
- About 06:28
- Sunset (15 February)
- About 18:46
- Daylight
- About 12.3 hours
- Sea
- 29°C (84°F)
Dry season (June–October). Dry, sunny and breezy with pleasant temperatures; peak season in July and August and the best time for kitesurfing.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, February rates 4 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in July). Book accommodation early: February is one of the pricier months.
Events in February
- Sauti za Busara music festival in Stone Town (usually February)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in February
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Neighbourhood · Southern Unguja
Kizimkazi
A fishing village on the south coast where boats take visitors to look for bottlenose and humpback dolphins, and where the Kizimkazi mosque has Kufic inscriptions dated to the early 12th century, among the oldest on the East African coast.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Nature
- History
- Outdoors
Experience · Nungwi
Nungwi dhow yards and sunset
Walk past the dhow builders in the afternoon, then take a sunset sail from the beach.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Couples
- Photo spot
- Views
- Outdoors
Experience · Paje
Kitesurfing at Paje
The shallow, reef-protected lagoon at Paje and the steady trade winds from roughly June to September and December to February make it one of East Africa's main kitesurfing spots, with schools offering lessons for beginners.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Expensive
- Active
- Outdoors
Historic site · Stone Town
Stone Town
Explore early in the morning before the heat and the tour groups; getting lost is part of the experience, and the waterfront is never far.
- Time needed
- A full day
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- History
- Architecture
- Photo spot
The sea averages 29°C (84°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Zanzibar.
What to pack
For highs near 32°C, lows near 24°C and 6 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; comfortable walking shoes.
Is February a good time to visit Zanzibar?
One of the best months to visit Zanzibar, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are January and June–September. Compare every month.
Zanzibar in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is February a good time to visit Zanzibar?
It is one of the best months to visit Zanzibar. One of the hottest months, with clear water and a big music festival in Stone Town.
+How warm is Zanzibar in February?
Average highs are around 32°C (90°F) and lows around 24°C (75°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Zanzibar in February?
Expect rain on about 6 days of the month.