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Zanzibar weather by month and the best time to visit

Updated October 2026Sources
Jan–Feb, Jun–OctBest time to visit

When to go to Zanzibar

Jun–Oct is dry, cooler and breezy; Jan–Feb is hot and dry. Mar–May has heavy rain and many closures; Nov–Dec has shorter rains.

Zanzibar weather by month

Average daily high, rainfall and conditions.

PleasantHotRainyCool or coldBest months
20°25°30°JFMAMJJASOND
Average highAverage lowRainfall

Monthly averages

MonthHighLowRainHumidityConditions
January29°C85°F27°C80°F62 mm77%Pleasant
February30°C85°F27°C81°F51 mm76%Pleasant
March30°C86°F28°C82°F119 mm76%Pleasant
April29°C84°F27°C81°F256 mm79%Rainy
May28°C83°F26°C79°F186 mm79%Rainy
June27°C81°F25°C77°F29 mm76%Pleasant
July27°C80°F24°C75°F13 mm74%Pleasant
August27°C80°F24°C75°F14 mm74%Pleasant
September28°C82°F24°C76°F22 mm74%Pleasant
October28°C83°F25°C78°F64 mm74%Pleasant
November29°C84°F26°C80°F101 mm75%Pleasant
December30°C85°F27°C81°F92 mm76%Pleasant

Best months across Tanzania

PlaceBest monthsWarmest month
ZanzibarJan–Feb, Jun–OctMar (30°C)
ArushaJan–Feb, Jun–OctFeb (29°C)
Dar es SalaamJun–OctFeb (30°C)
Stone TownJan–Feb, Jun–OctMar (30°C)
NungwiJan–Feb, Jun–OctMar (29°C)
MoshiJan–Feb, Jun–SepFeb (34°C)
PajeJan–Feb, Jul–OctFeb (29°C)

Quick answers

What is the best month to visit Zanzibar?

Jan–Feb, Jun–Oct. Jun–Oct is dry, cooler and breezy; Jan–Feb is hot and dry. Mar–May has heavy rain and many closures; Nov–Dec has shorter rains.

When is the rainy season in Zanzibar?

Rain peaks in April with about 256 mm. Months with 150 mm or more: Apr–May.

What is the hottest month in Zanzibar?

March, with average highs of 30°C (86°F).

How cold does Zanzibar get?

The coolest nights are in August, averaging 24°C (75°F).

More about Zanzibar

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Sources

Climate averages are modelled from NASA POWER (MERRA-2) for 2001–2020 at about 50 km resolution, so coasts and valleys can differ a little. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.