When to visit
Best Time to Visit Zanzibar
Zanzibar is warm all year, between roughly 26 and 34 degrees. What changes is the rain and the wind, and those two things shape when you should come.
The dry seasons
June to October is the long dry season: sunny, less humid and the most reliable weather of the year. December to February is the short dry season, hotter and more humid but excellent for diving and snorkelling thanks to calm, clear water.
The rains
The long rains fall in April and May, when many smaller hotels close and heavy afternoon downpours are common. The short rains come in November, usually as brief showers rather than washed-out days.
Month by month
- January: hot, mostly dry, excellent diving. Busy.
- February: the hottest month, calm seas, superb visibility underwater.
- March: hot and increasingly humid, quieter, good value.
- April: the wettest month. Many properties close.
- May: rain easing towards the end. Very quiet, lowest prices.
- June: the dry season starts, pleasant and fresh. Kaskazi winds ease.
- July: dry, sunny, breezy. Peak European summer arrivals.
- August: dry and busy, the most popular month with families.
- September: dry, warm, still excellent. A good all-round choice.
- October: warm and dry, quieter than August. Very good value.
- November: short rains, brief showers, good deals.
- December: hot, festive, busy from mid-month. Book early.
Best time for specific trips
Honeymoons: June to October or January and February. Diving and snorkelling: December to March for visibility. Kite surfing: December to March and June to September. Budget travel: May, and early November.