Zanzibar in May
Autumn in Zanzibar: expect hot weather with highs of 28°C.
Photo: Jezael Melgoza / Unsplash
May Weather in Zanzibar
🌡️
Average High
28°C
❄️
Average Low
24°C
🌧️
Rain Days
22.8
🌤️
Season
Autumn
What to Expect
May in Zanzibar brings hot weather with daytime highs around 28°C and nighttime lows of 24°C. You can expect approximately 22.8 days of rain during the month. This is shoulder season with moderate crowds. A good balance of decent weather and reasonable prices.
Packing tip: Pack light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a hat. A light layer for air-conditioned spaces. An umbrella or rain jacket is essential.
May Costs in Zanzibar
Budget
TZS 60000
per day
Mid-Range
TZS 150000
per day
Luxury
TZS 400000
per day
Things to Do in Zanzibar in May
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Zanzibar
Hand-picked guided experiences you can book in advance on GetYourGuide.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Hotels in Zanzibar for May
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FAQ: Zanzibar in May
What is the weather like in Zanzibar in May?
Zanzibar in May has average highs of 28°C and lows of 24°C, with around 22.8 rainy days. The weather is generally hot.
Is May a good time to visit Zanzibar?
May is a shoulder season in Zanzibar, which means decent weather with fewer crowds and often lower prices than peak months.
How crowded is Zanzibar in May?
May sees moderate tourist numbers in Zanzibar. Popular spots will be busy but manageable.
How much does it cost to visit Zanzibar in May?
Budget travellers can get by on around TZS 60000/day. Mid-range travellers should budget TZS 150000/day. Shoulder season often offers good value compared to peak months.
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