Season guide · Zanzibar · Tanzania
Zanzibar in the hot dry season
Mid-December–February: weather, crowds, prices and the best things to do this time of year.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Moongateclimber, Public domain
Quick answer
Hot, humid and mostly dry, with calm, clear water for snorkelling and diving; busy over the holidays. Expect highs up to 32°C (90°F) and lows around 24°C (75°F), with about 23 rainy days across Mid-December–February. January–February are among the best months of the year to visit.
Key facts
- Months
- Mid-December–February
- Temperatures
- 24°C (75°F) to 32°C (90°F)
- Rainy days in the season
- About 23
- Sea
- 28°C (82°F) to 29°C (84°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in the hot dry season
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°C (90°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 7 | 12.4 h | 4/5 |
| February | 32°C (90°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 6 | 12.3 h | 4/5 |
| December | 31°C (88°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 | 12.5 h | 4/5 |
Compared with the rest of the year: average highs of 32°C (90°F) against a yearly 30°C (86°F), and 23 of the year's roughly 103 rainy days fall in these 3 months. Crowds rate 4/5 and hotel prices 4/5 on average.
What's on in the hot dry season
Recurring events; dates move from year to year, so confirm with the organiser.
- February: Sauti za Busara music festival in Stone Town (usually February)
Make the most of the weather
Neighbourhood · Southern Unguja
Kizimkazi
Choose a dolphin operator that does not chase or crowd the animals, and do not jump in on top of a pod.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Nature
- History
- Outdoors
Aquarium · Nungwi
Mnarani turtle conservation pond
A natural tidal pool at Nungwi run as a community conservation project, where rescued green and hawksbill turtles are cared for and some are released to the sea.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- Nature
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
Experience · Central Unguja
Spice farm tour
Choose a small farm tour that includes lunch, and bring cash for buying spices directly from the farm.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- Food
- Nature
- Kids
Day trips in the hot dry season
- Pemba Island (About 30 minutes by plane) — Zanzibar's greener, hillier and far less visited northern island has clove plantations, mangroves and some of the region's best wall diving; better as an overnight than a day trip.
- Dar es Salaam (About 2 hours by fast ferry) — Tanzania's largest city has the National Museum, the Kariakoo market, the fish market and a lively waterfront; most travellers pass through rather than stay.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen
- A packable rain jacket for showers
- Comfortable walking shoes
Other times of year
Questions travellers ask
+Is the hot dry season a good time to visit Zanzibar?
Yes: January–February are among the best months. Hot, humid and mostly dry, with calm, clear water for snorkelling and diving; busy over the holidays.
+What is the weather like in Zanzibar in the hot dry season?
Highs of up to 32°C (90°F) and lows around 24°C (75°F), with about 23 rainy days over the season.