Zanzibar: Best Season, Weather & Travel Tips

As sad as it is to admit, alas, summer is over. Fortunately, we have a destination that will extend the warm season and lift everyone’s spirits. And while colleagues are racking their brains over beach pictures for work calls, we suggest making a dream come true and heading to Tanzania, to the island of Zanzibar. There you will find white sand, an exotic climate, and an overall vibe of carefree life.

General information about Zanzibar weather by month: recommendations and seasons

To put it simply, Zanzibar island is located near the equator. This means there are no sharp temperature fluctuations, and the thermometer readings stay at +28–35 °C.

And it would be a true paradise, if not for the change of seasons. Like any other hot region, Zanzibar experiences alternating rainy and dry seasons.

To prevent your vacation from becoming the main disappointment of the year, we recommend familiarizing yourself with the local climate in advance. Although it’s not particularly harsh, it does have its nuances. Fortunately, you won’t have to consult tarot cards to understand the changes. You just need to read and save our article for the future — we’ve gathered all the most important information here.

Winter

We won’t hide it, winter in Tanzania is pleasant. In short, it’s the perfect time to escape the low temperatures of your city and show off turquoise waves in your stories — let all your exes be envious.

By the way, winter is also a great opportunity to get acquainted with the local underwater world. During this time, excursions and diving are often organized. And by mid-January, you can witness the Great Migration of animals in some parks. The spectacle is simply stunning!

In the first weeks of December, there might be rare rains — echoes of autumn. However, they are quickly replaced by 30-degree heat and bright sun. It’s a kind of gift for New Year and Christmas (fortunately, you can arrange such a gift for yourself by getting plane tickets on our website. But it’s a secret! Otherwise, we might meet on the beach and fight over a prime sun lounger).
The weather in January in Zanzibar will leave no one indifferent. It’s hard to believe, but this is when calendar summer begins in Tanzania. So if you’re escaping snowdrifts and blizzards, January is the time — for temperatures of +35 °C and the best tan of your life.
February we recommend for those who want to relax with children (or don’t mind basking under the clouds). There is almost no precipitation. The only catch is that the entire sky is covered with clouds (fortunately, the water and air temperatures remain the same). And you can recover after all the holidays precisely in February: there’s no scorching sun, but the climate is pleasant.

It’s up to you, of course, to decide which winter month is best to go on vacation to Zanzibar. And we continue.

Spring

Spring brings the rainy season. It is always wise to prepare and check the weather forecast at least a month before the trip. This will help you get rid of unnecessary items or, conversely, pack the essentials.

Let’s not forget to remain optimistic, because even in such a situation, there are advantages. And those are the prices. Many hotel owners and tour guides significantly reduce them, as few people are prepared for torrential rains.

However, tourist reviews indicate that downpours don’t really hinder sunbathing: you can check the weather forecast on your phone in advance and have a great day. This means you’ll save more money and have something to remember.

March is notable for its rains. Fortunately, they are usually punctual and occur after lunch. So, for those who love to grab a sun lounger at 6 AM and stay there until noon — this is your time (and we have something to learn).
April is considered the rainiest month. During this time, it becomes humid and stuffy. Secretly: if you’re not planning to spend all your days on the beach, but want to explore the local flora and fauna more, April is an excellent month for observing animals and plants.
In May, the rains practically don’t stop: some parts of the island might flood, and some hotels even close for safety. This happens rarely, of course, but just to keep you informed: May is the least popular month for a vacation in Zanzibar.

Summer

Summer in Zanzibar is considered the dry season: the thermometer doesn’t drop below +25 °C or rise above +30 °C, but otherwise, it’s sunny and pleasant here — perfect for a mini-safari tour or exploring local attractions.

June sees many travelers here. It’s not surprising, as the weather is favorable: little precipitation and calm seas. And if you’re still wondering when is the best time to go to Zanzibar, choose one of the summer months, you won’t go wrong. The main thing is to follow your heart.
July is often called the beginning of the beach season. Firstly, the weather is pleasant: not cold, but not hot either. Secondly, more diverse tours and excursions are offered. The only drawback is the increase in hotel room prices.
In August, Tanzania is often visited for windsurfing or kitesurfing — the weather allows for it and is very pleasing. This is when the Zanzibar holiday season begins, and its popularity grows.

Interesting fact: our summer in Tanzania is considered true winter. So, if for various reasons you miss the coolness, welcome to an alternative winter with white sandy beaches, turquoise water, and what locals call cold: a temperature of +25 °C.

Autumn

Among tourists, autumn is also considered one of the best seasons for a holiday in Zanzibar. The weather is still delightful, and short rains at the end of November don’t even interfere with beach relaxation. In short, it’s beautiful!

Autumn is excellent for fishing and safari excursions.

The weather in September in Zanzibar is considered spring-like. The thermometer stays around +28 °C, and it’s a very good time for swimming in the ocean.
October is practically no different from September. Perhaps more clouds appear, but not enough to hinder sunbathing.
In November, short rains often occur. Tourists prefer to spend this time on excursions, yachting, or visiting local reserves.

Tides in Zanzibar

Besides the weather, we strongly recommend checking the tide schedule in Zanzibar. Otherwise, it might be unpleasant: it’s like the sea is there, but also not there…

The thing is, the tides on the island are quite strong; sometimes you have to walk for 40 minutes to reach the sea, and sometimes much less — it all depends on the phases of the Moon.

UV Index and Sun Protection

So, all those SPF creams we bought on a whim to treat ourselves to something new have come in handy. They are simply essential for a trip to Zanzibar, and here’s why.

The UV index ranges from 0 to 11, and the higher it goes, the more serious the harm to your body. In simple terms, without protection, your skin will burn instantly.

Upon arrival in Tanzania, constantly monitor the UV index in a mobile application, as even on cloudy days, there is a high risk of getting a sunburn. Unfortunately, the ocean water won’t save you — there’s simply no hiding from the sun. However, a cream with SPF 50 or higher will be an excellent help.

Remember that your health is paramount, and you shouldn’t bake in the sun in pursuit of a bronze tan. Secretly: you can get one even with sunscreen, but treating burns will be more painful and take longer. Therefore, do not stay on the beach during peak sun hours and make your vacation not only pleasant but also beneficial.

Best Excursions and Activities in Zanzibar

Zanzibar has many interesting attractions, and locals gladly organize excursions there. Here are some of them.

Stone Town. Besides its unusual architecture, picturesque fort, ancient mosques, and markets, Stone Town is home to the house where Freddie Mercury was born. The famous musician spent his childhood years there, and now it houses a cozy hotel-museum.
Spice Gardens. It’s always interesting to learn about the other side of production. Fortunately, there are several spice gardens in Zanzibar. There you can see how spices are grown, and also observe how turmeric, vanilla, and cinnamon grow.
Serengeti National Park. People often go here on safari excursions to admire Lake Ndutu or observe animal migration.

Among the cool places you can reach without a guide, we recommend Nungwi Beach. It is considered one of the most beautiful in Zanzibar.

Tips for Planning a Trip to Zanzibar

Before planning your trip, familiarize yourself with all important information and recommendations on when is the best time to go on vacation to Zanzibar. It is advisable to check the tide calendar and choose the season that best suits your holiday requirements.
Don’t forget SPF creams, because going outside without them is not just difficult, but also unsafe.
Respect local rules: smoking in public places is prohibited, and permission may be required to photograph some attractions.

Useful Information for Tourists: Visas and Entry Rules

You don’t need to apply for a visa in advance: it is issued at the airport upon arrival for 50＄ (service fee). It is advisable to withdraw money and exchange it for the necessary currency in advance.

You must have your international passport and a completed application form for a visa on arrival.

Now you know exactly when to go to Zanzibar and are ready for a vacation in Tanzania. On the blog, we’ve long told you what to see in the Philippines and where to go in Thailand. Just in case you want to go somewhere else after Zanzibar.

We wish you a pleasant trip and great memories!