Few places encapsulate paradise like Zanzibar. With powder-white sand, shimmering turquoise waters, and gently swaying palm trees, the beauty of this Tanzanian archipelago is spellbinding. As you stroll along spice-scented alleys, swim over pristine coral reefs, and relax on sun-kissed beaches, you might feel like you’ve strayed into another world.
Thanks to Zanzibar’s location, 30 miles off the coast of East Africa, just south of the equator, this captivating cluster of islands sees consistently pleasant weather. But while you can enjoy a holiday here year-round, certain months are better than others.
Plus, depending on the type of holiday you want – a relaxing beach break? Or an action-packed safari? – the best time to go can vary. So, if you’re thinking about visiting Zanzibar, here’s what to know.
When’s the rainy season in Zanzibar?
Just like mainland Tanzania, Zanzibar has two wet seasons – the long rains and the short rains.
The first rains appear in mid-March, and become heavier in April and May. During these months, as much as 16 inches of rain can fall each day. However, these tropical downpours tend to appear in the afternoons, leaving most mornings relatively dry and bright.
Temperatures usually reach the low-to-mid 30°s, so it’s certainly hot enough to hit the beach – although it can also be uncomfortably humid. Bear in mind that the seas can be silty and churned up during these periods too, so while you can swim, it isn’t always in the crystal-clear waters Zanzibar is known for.
Seasonal restaurants and shops frequently close at this time, and life on the islands slows as locals wait for the skies to clear and tourists to return. For this reason, March, April, and May are some of the cheapest months to visit.
The rains creep back up in November and December, although there’s usually less rainfall at this time – about eight inches each day. The rain often clears as quickly as it arrives, leaving bright blue skies in its wake.
When’s the dry season in Zanzibar?
The long dry season lasts throughout June, July, August, September, and October. After the short rains of November and December, it dries off again for a couple of months before the long rains begin in March.
The warmest months are February and March, when average temperatures reach 34°C, so if you’re thinking about a winter break, Zanzibar is an excellent choice. January also averages temperatures of 33°C, and given the rains begin in March, the first two months of the year are probably your best bet for winter sun.
June through to October, the main dry season, is also – of course – a great time to go; temperatures hover around 30°C, so it’s generally more pleasant than winter temperatures, which can get a bit uncomfortable. This is peak season, however, so prices are at their highest.
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What type of holiday are you looking for?
Visitors to Zanzibar often fall into two camps: those pairing a Tanzania safari with a trip to the islands, and those only visiting Zanzibar.
If the latter applies, you might be better off looking at January and February holidays. Things are quieter than the summer and early autumn months – and often cheaper too.
However, if you’re here to snorkel or dive (Zanzibar has incredible coral reefs and marine life), you might want to think about visiting in March, October, or even November. These months are generally considered the best for diving and snorkelling, as the seas are warm, there’s little wind, and you can enjoy excellent visibility. You also have a good chance of spotting whale sharks from September to December.
Tanzania is one of the best places in the world to go on a safari, and catching the Great Migration – the movement of around two million wildebeest, zebra, gazelles, and other animals – across the Serengeti National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The best time to go on a safari is during the dry season (June to October), and the best time to see the Great Migration is from mid-July to mid-September.
The weather is pleasantly warm with cool, refreshing evenings, and there’s very little rain, making it easier to spot animals, particularly around rivers and waterholes. As this is peak season in mainland Tanzania and the Zanzibar archipelago, prices are at their highest. But if you can afford it, it’s worth it; seeing the largest mammal migration on earth is a humbling experience, and capping off the experience with a beach break is a blissful way to end your trip.
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Final thoughts…
Generally speaking, the best time to visit Zanzibar is between June and October, during the long dry season. Sunshine and blue skies dominate, there’s very little chance of rain, and it’s also the best time to take a safari on the mainland.
However, the short dry season – from mid-December to mid-March — is also a great time to visit. There’s still a low chance of rain, and if you get any showers, they don’t tend to last long. The balmy weather and clear waters lend themselves perfectly to a beach holiday, so if you’re dreaming of winter sun, Zanzibar is a fabulous destination.
Unless you particularly enjoy being caught in tropical rains, it’s best to avoid visiting Zanzibar in April and May. November, March, and December are still a bit of a gamble – although these months are often best for spotting marine wildlife like whale sharks!
Have you ever been to Zanzibar – or are you dreaming of going? We’d love to hear about your travel experiences in the comments below.