Month guide · Zanzibar · Tanzania
Zanzibar in September
What September 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
September is one of the best months to visit Zanzibar. Expect average highs of 29°C (84°F), lows of 21°C (70°F), about 5 rainy days and roughly 12.1 hours of daylight. Dry, sunny and warm, with good diving visibility.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 29°C (84°F) / 21°C (70°F)
- Rainy days
- About 5
- Daylight
- About 12.1 hours
- Sea temperature
- 26°C (79°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in September
September is the 9th-warmest month in Zanzibar: days average 29°C (84°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 30 days. Compared with August (28°C (82°F)), September is about as warm; by October highs stay near 30°C (86°F).
- Sunrise (15 September)
- About 06:16
- Sunset (15 September)
- About 18:20
- Daylight
- About 12.1 hours
- Sea
- 26°C (79°F)
Long rains (March–May). Hot and humid March gives way to heavy rain in April and May, with rough seas, closed hotels and the lowest prices.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, September rates 4 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in July). Book accommodation early: September is one of the pricier months.
Events in September
September has no major recurring festival in Zanzibar, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in September
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time 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
Market · Stone Town
Forodhani Gardens night market
Every evening the waterfront gardens in front of the Old Fort fill with food stalls grilling seafood skewers, making Zanzibar pizza and pressing sugarcane juice with lime and ginger, while local boys dive off the sea wall at sunset.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Food
- After dark
- Kids
The sea averages 26°C (79°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Zanzibar.
What to pack
For highs near 29°C, lows near 21°C and 5 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; comfortable walking shoes.
Is September a good time to visit Zanzibar?
One of the best months to visit Zanzibar. The other best months are January–February and June–August. Compare every month.
Zanzibar in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is September a good time to visit Zanzibar?
It is one of the best months to visit Zanzibar. Dry, sunny and warm, with good diving visibility.
+How warm is Zanzibar in September?
Average highs are around 29°C (84°F) and lows around 21°C (70°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Zanzibar in September?
Expect rain on about 5 days of the month.