Best Time to Visit Zanzibar
The best months to visit Zanzibar are Jun, Jul, Aug. Here is the full monthly breakdown.
Photo: Jezael Melgoza / Unsplash
Best Months: Jun, Jul, Aug
These months offer the best balance of comfortable temperatures and low rainfall for visiting Zanzibar. Expect highs of 28°C to 28°C to 29°C with relatively dry conditions.
Warmest Month
February
33°C high
Coldest Month
July
22°C low
Driest Month
January
15 rain days
Wettest Month
April
32 rain days
Monthly Weather
January
High: 32°C / Low: 25°C
15 rain days
February
High: 33°C / Low: 26°C
16 rain days
March
High: 32°C / Low: 25°C
22 rain days
April
High: 28°C / Low: 24°C
32 rain days
May
High: 28°C / Low: 24°C
23 rain days
June
High: 28°C / Low: 23°C
21 rain days
July
High: 28°C / Low: 22°C
15 rain days
August
High: 29°C / Low: 22°C
19 rain days
September
High: 30°C / Low: 22°C
18 rain days
October
High: 31°C / Low: 23°C
26 rain days
November
High: 30°C / Low: 24°C
28 rain days
December
High: 31°C / Low: 25°C
25 rain days
Tourist Seasons in Zanzibar
Peak Season
June, July, August
- +Best weather conditions
- +Most activities and events
- -Higher prices and larger crowds
- -Book accommodation well in advance
Shoulder Season
May, September
- +Good weather, fewer tourists
- +Better value for accommodation
- +More authentic local experiences
- ~Some attractions may have reduced hours
Off Season
January, February, March, April, October, November, December
- +Lowest prices of the year
- +No crowds at attractions
- -Weather may be less favourable
- -Some seasonal businesses may close
Month-by-Month Breakdown
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
January | 32°C | 25°C | 15 | Off Season |
February | 33°C | 26°C | 16 | Off Season |
March | 32°C | 25°C | 22 | Off Season |
April | 28°C | 24°C | 32 | Off Season |
May | 28°C | 24°C | 23 | Shoulder Season |
June★ | 28°C | 23°C | 21 | Peak Season |
July★ | 28°C | 22°C | 15 | Peak Season |
August★ | 29°C | 22°C | 19 | Peak Season |
September | 30°C | 22°C | 18 | Shoulder Season |
October | 31°C | 23°C | 26 | Off Season |
November | 30°C | 24°C | 28 | Off Season |
December | 31°C | 25°C | 25 | Off Season |
Season Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Zanzibar?
What is the weather like in Zanzibar?
When is peak tourist season in Zanzibar?
Is Zanzibar worth visiting in winter?
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Zanzibar
Make the most of your trip by booking popular tours and activities in advance.
Zanzibar Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Discover Zanzibar on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.
View Tour Details
Zanzibar Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Eat your way through Zanzibar with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.
View Tour Details
Best of Zanzibar: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Skip the queues and get straight into Zanzibar's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.
View Tour Details
Day Trip from Zanzibar: Scenic Excursion
Escape Zanzibar for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
View Tour Details
Zanzibar Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Zanzibar's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.
View Tour DetailsWe earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Top 3 Areas to Stay in Zanzibar
Liveliest areas for nightlife, culture, and entertainment
Nungwi
A lively northern beach town known for its stunning sunsets and vibrant atmosphere.
Our top picks in Nungwi
Stone Town
A labyrinthine historic heart pulsing with Swahili, Arab, and European influences.
Our top picks in Stone Town
Paje
A laid-back kite-surfing paradise on the southeast coast with a bohemian feel.
Our top picks in Paje
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Found your hotel in Zanzibar?
We search 30+ sites including members-only platforms like Secret Escapes and Voyage Privé. Most people save 14-23%.
More Zanzibar Travel Guides
Plan Your Perfect Zanzibar Trip
Tell us what you love and we'll build a personalised day-by-day itinerary with the best spots, tours, and hotels. Completely free.