Weather in Zanzibar in May
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Book now, pay at pickup — compare Hertz, Avis, Budget, Sixt and 800+ rental companies for May in Zanzibar.
Compare car hire prices → Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no extra cost to youZanzibar in May is hot — daytime temperatures average 28.3°C, dropping to 24.1°C at night. The month is fairly wet (18 rainy days on average), with roughly 10.4 hours of sunshine a day. This is peak season for good reason — conditions are close to ideal. For the complete picture, see the best time to visit Zanzibar — every month compared. Once you know when to go, find your Zanzibar packing list at 247PackingList.
Get ready for Zanzibar in May
Search flights to Zanzibar
Compare 100+ airlines for May — one search, best price.
Search Flights →Lightweight travel clothing
Lightweight, breathable clothing and a compact travel umbrella are essential in this climate.
Check Price →What to pack for Zanzibar in May
- Light layers
- Sunscreen
- T-shirts and light trousers or shorts
- Light waterproof layer
Compare all months in Zanzibar
| Month | High | Rain | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31.8°C | 56.1mm | 10/10 |
| February | 32.4°C | 56.9mm | 10/10 |
| March | 32.0°C | 100.4mm | 9/10 |
| April | 28.8°C | 359.0mm | 8/10 |
| May | 28.3°C | 96.3mm | 10/10 |
| June | 27.7°C | 57.5mm | 10/10 |
| July | 27.3°C | 51.3mm | 10/10 |
| August | 28.5°C | 41.9mm | 10/10 |
| September | 29.8°C | 38.0mm | 10/10 |
| October | 30.6°C | 81.2mm | 10/10 |
| November | 30.1°C | 176.0mm | 9/10 |
| December | 31.0°C | 86.4mm | 10/10 |
Full month-by-month guide: best time to visit Zanzibar →
For facts about Tanzania — currency, language and dialling code — see our Tanzania country guide at 247CountryInfo. Travellers also find it useful to keep a Zanzibar travel guide to hand. Check clothing sizes in Tanzania before you shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is May a good time to visit Zanzibar?
May rates 10/10 for visiting Zanzibar — excellent time to visit. Expect average highs of 28.3°C, 96.3mm of rain across the month and about 10.4 hours of daily sunshine.
What is the temperature in Zanzibar in May?
In May, Zanzibar has average highs of 28.3°C (82.9°F) and average lows of 24.1°C (75.4°F).
Does it rain in Zanzibar in May?
Some rain is likely. Zanzibar averages 96.3mm across about 18 rainy days in May, so a light waterproof layer is worth packing.
What should I wear in Zanzibar in May?
For Zanzibar in May (28.3°C highs / 24.1°C lows), pack light layers plus sunscreen, t-shirts and light trousers or shorts, light waterproof layer.
More essentials for Zanzibar in May
Packing cubes
Keep the bag organised whatever the weather — compression cubes for every size.
Check Price →Travel first aid kit
Compact TSA-friendly kit for peace of mind wherever you travel.
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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.