Tanzania
Zanzibar Weather & Climate
Spice-scented Stone Town, dhow-dotted harbours and powder-white beaches
28°C
Max sea
29°C
Max air
January
Best month
33mm
Driest month
Spice-scented Stone Town, dhow-dotted harbours and powder-white beaches
Zanzibar is an archipelago off Tanzania's coast where the Indian Ocean meets East African history. Stone Town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is a labyrinth of narrow alleys, carved wooden doors and crumbling coral rag buildings that have been trading spices and ideas for centuries. Step outside the city and the island reveals itself: the north and east coasts offer some of Africa's finest beaches, with sand so white it almost glows, water that ranges from transparent jade to deep cobalt, and a coral reef system that makes for world-class snorkelling.
When to go: June to October (the Kaskazi dry season) and January to February offer the best weather and calmest seas.
The best months to visit Zanzibar are January, February, June. Peak season is February with the best combination of warm temperatures and low rainfall.
| Month | Air | Sea | Rain | UV | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29°C | 28°C | 65mm | 11 | 16 |
| Feb | 29°C | 28°C | 59mm | 11 | 16 |
| Mar | 29°C | 28°C | 192mm | 12 | 16 |
| Apr | 27°C | 27°C | 362mm | 11 | 16 |
| May | 26°C | 26°C | 140mm | 9 | 17 |
| Jun | 25°C | 25°C | 43mm | 8 | 17 |
| Jul | 25°C | 25°C | 33mm | 8 | 16 |
| Aug | 26°C | 26°C | 35mm | 9 | 15 |
| Sep | 27°C | 27°C | 39mm | 11 | 15 |
| Oct | 28°C | 28°C | 89mm | 12 | 15 |
| Nov | 29°C | 28°C | 116mm | 12 | 15 |
| Dec | 29°C | 28°C | 96mm | 11 | 15 |
The best time to visit Zanzibar is January, February, June. Peak season is February when temperatures reach 29°C with very little rain. June to October (the Kaskazi dry season) and January to February offer the best weather and calmest seas.
Sea temperatures in Zanzibar range from 25°C in June to 28°C in January. The sea is bath-warm at its warmest.
Winter temperatures in Zanzibar average 29°C with sea temperatures of 28°C. This makes it a great winter sun destination.
The driest month is July with 33mm. The wettest month sees 362mm. Zanzibar receives 1269mm annually.
Hot and bath-warm seas. Some rain (65mm). UV 11. Sun protection essential.
Hot and bath-warm seas. Very little rain (59mm). UV 11. Sun protection essential.
Hot and bath-warm seas. Heavy rainfall (192mm). UV 12. Sun protection essential.
Warm and very warm seas. Heavy rainfall (362mm). UV 11. Sun protection essential.
Warm and very warm seas. Moderate rainfall (140mm). UV 9. Sun protection essential.
Warm and very warm seas. Very little rain (43mm). UV 8. Sun protection essential.
Warm and very warm seas. Very little rain (33mm). UV 8. Sun protection essential.
Warm and very warm seas. Very little rain (35mm). UV 9. Sun protection essential.
Warm and very warm seas. Very little rain (39mm). UV 11. Sun protection essential.
Hot and bath-warm seas. Some rain (89mm). UV 12. Sun protection essential.
Hot and bath-warm seas. Moderate rainfall (116mm). UV 12. Sun protection essential.
Hot and bath-warm seas. Some rain (96mm). UV 11. Sun protection essential.
Compare destinations, check live sea temperatures and find flights on the interactive globe.
Open WhereIsWarm →