Best Time to Visit Zanzibar
Zanzibar is best visited All year, when skies are clearer and temperatures are warm without being extreme.
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Once you know the best time to go, find out exactly what to pack for Zanzibar at 247PackingList — climate-matched checklists for every destination. For country facts like currency, language and plug type, see our Tanzania country guide at 247CountryInfo.
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Average daily high and low temperatures (°C/°F). Bars show the daily range each month.
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| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun/day | Rainy days | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January Best | 31.8°C | 25.5°C | 56.1mm | 11.2h | 12 | 10/10 |
| February Best | 32.4°C | 25.4°C | 56.9mm | 10.8h | 13 | 10/10 |
| March Best | 32.0°C | 25.3°C | 100.4mm | 10.5h | 16 | 9/10 |
| April Best | 28.8°C | 24.4°C | 359.0mm | 8.3h | 28 | 8/10 |
| May Best | 28.3°C | 24.1°C | 96.3mm | 10.4h | 18 | 10/10 |
| June Best | 27.7°C | 23.2°C | 57.5mm | 10.3h | 15 | 10/10 |
| July Best | 27.3°C | 22.3°C | 51.3mm | 10.5h | 20 | 10/10 |
| August Best | 28.5°C | 21.4°C | 41.9mm | 10.8h | 15 | 10/10 |
| September Best | 29.8°C | 22.0°C | 38.0mm | 11.4h | 14 | 10/10 |
| October Best | 30.6°C | 22.6°C | 81.2mm | 11.5h | 16 | 10/10 |
| November Best | 30.1°C | 23.7°C | 176.0mm | 10.9h | 23 | 9/10 |
| December Best | 31.0°C | 24.8°C | 86.4mm | 11.6h | 18 | 10/10 |
Zanzibar Climate
Zanzibar has a tropical climate — hot and humid year-round with a distinct wet season. Check the annual climate overview for Zanzibar for the full year picture, or read the dedicated Zanzibar rainy season guide.
Counting down to your trip? Use our holiday countdown timer at LeftToTime to track the days. Owners often keep a Zanzibar travel guide to hand for planning on the go. Check clothing sizes in Tanzania at 247Sizing before you shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Zanzibar?
The best month to visit Zanzibar is January, when temperatures average 31.8°C and conditions score 10/10 for comfort.
What is the weather like in Zanzibar in January?
Zanzibar in January is hot — daytime temperatures average 31.8°C, dropping to 25.5°C at night. The month is moderately rainy (12 rainy days), with roughly 11.2 hours of sunshine a day. Weather-wise, this is one of the most reliable months to travel.
When is rainy season in Zanzibar?
Rainy season in Zanzibar runs March, April, November. Expect heavy downpours and high humidity. Full rainy season guide →
Is Zanzibar good to visit in winter?
Yes — winter (June, July, August) averages 27.3°C highs with a 10/10 comfort rating, making it a solid time to visit.
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Climate data sourced from Open-Meteo (open source, open data licence). Monthly averages calculated from 2020–2023 historical data. Weather can be unpredictable — always check a live forecast before travelling.