When is the Best Time to Visit Zanzibar

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When is the Best Time to Visit Zanzibar
Zanzibar experiences hot and humid weather all year round, thanks to its proximity to the equator. The temperatures remain pleasant throughout the year with minimal variations in temperatures, ranging from a low temperature of about 26° C in the coldest month to a high temperature of about 33° C in the warmest month. Zanzibar Island is a great destination all year round, but because of the changes in tides, winds and animal movements, some seasons are better suited for certain activities.
The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the dry months, which lasts from June to October, and it is the long dry season. This time of the year has the most favorable weather for beach activities because the temperatures are cooler, skies are sunny, water is clear and there are no rains. It is also the peak tourist season. The months of November to February are also a great time for visiting Zanzibar, although this period tends to be more humid than in the long dry season, and slight showers can be experienced in some months during this period.
Zanzibar Weather and Climate
Zanzibar Rainy Season
Rainy seasons in Zanzibar can be divided into two: the long rainy season and the short rainy season. The rainy season is usually marked by high temperatures and humidity levels.
The long rainy season in Zanzibar runs from mid-march to May, with most of the rain falling in April with an average of 390mm of rainfall. This season experiences heavy downpours that can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. There may be days when it doesn’t rain at all. Despite the intense rains in this season, Zanzibar still experiences a good amount of sunshine during these months. Since this is the off-peak season, fewer visitors come to Zanzibar during this time. During this time, most of the restaurants close, while the ones that stay open charge less for accommodation.
In Zanzibar, the short rain season runs from November to December. This season is marked by light showers that last for a few minutes, followed by clear skies and sunshine.
Zanzibar Dry Season
Zanzibar has two distinct dry seasons: the cool and dry season [long dry season] starting from June and ending in October and hot and dry season [short dry season] from January to December. Days are marked by clear skies and sunshine. There is hardly any rain during this period. With lower temperature and humidity levels, the long dry season in is more mild, making it a pleasant time to visit Zanzibar.
Temperature Variations: Hot & Cold Months in Zanzibar
In Zanzibar the minimum sea temperature is 25.5 ⁰C and the maximum is 29.2 ⁰C. March experiences the warmest water temperature while August has the coldest water temperature.
June, July and August are the coldest months in Zanzibar with the latter being the coldest with an average temperature of 25.6 ⁰C
There is a slight variation in temperatures each month. Here is a basic overview of what to expect in each month.
Month |
Temperature (° C) Min – max |
Rainfall (mm) | Water temp (° C) |
January |
24.5 – 32.4 | 80 | 28. 9 |
February |
24 – 33 | 65 | 28.9 |
March |
25 – 33 | 145 | 29.1 |
April |
25 – 30 | 400 | 28.9 |
May |
24 – 29 | 250 | 28 |
June |
23 – 29 | 75 | 27.5 |
July |
22-29 | 55 | 26.5 |
August |
21-28 | 55 | 25.4 |
September |
22-29 | 55 | 26.5 |
October |
23-30 | 90 | 26.5 |
November |
24-32 | 220 | 28.5 |
December |
27-32 | 180 | 29 |
Windy in Zanzibar
There are two windy seasons in Zanzibar: Kaskazi and Kuzi. Kaskazi, runs from mid-December to February and Kuzi from mid-April to October. The windiest month in Zanzibar is July while March is calmest month.
The best time to visit Zanzibar, Month by Month
January
January marks the beginning of the short dry season and the end of the long rainy season in Zanzibar. January is a transitional month between the peak season and the off-peak season in Zanzibar. It is one of the warmest months in Zanzibar, with temperatures ranging from 24.5° C to 32.4 ° C. Day time temperatures average 30° C and night temperatures of around 26.5° C. January is sunny, though slight afternoon showers may be experienced for a few days. With sea water temperature of 29° C and great water clarity, January is a great time to dive, snorkel and swim.
February
February is more or less like January, expect that it is hotter [hottest month in Zanzibar], and more humid. The skies are clear and there is hardly any rainfall. If you want to enjoy the beach and to avoid crowds, this is an excellent time to visit.
March
Up until around mid-March, the weather is sunny and dry, though it is cooler than January and February. Mid-March marks the beginning of the long rainy season. With temperatures ranging from 25° C to 33° C, it is a great time to visit if you want to avoid the sweltering heat. March experiences the least amount of wind, making it the calmest month of the year. March experiences the warmest sea temperatures in Zanzibar at 29.1° C.
April
Zanzibar experiences an average 16-19 days of rain in April, making it the wettest month and the most humid month in the island. April is still hot with temperatures ranging from 24 ° C to 30° C. Temperatures remain fairly constant during day and at night. This is the least visited month in Zanzibar.
May
The rainy season continues in May, with a slightly cooler weather than April. The temperature ranges from 25° C to 28° C. The amount of rainfall drops to 250 mm down from 400mm in April. May marks the end of the long rainy season in Zanzibar.
June
June marks the onset of the long dry season in Zanzibar. Also June marks the beginning of ‘winter’ months in Zanzibar. During this month, there is less humidity and lower temperatures. With temperatures ranging from 23° C to 29 ° C, it is cooler than in the rainy season. With an average of 8 days of rain showers, June is mostly sunny and dry.
July
Like June, July is cool, dry and experiences little to no rainfall. With temperatures varying between 22 ° C to 29° C, it is the second coldest month in Zanzibar after August. This is the windiest month of the year.
August
This is the coldest month in Zanzibar, with temperatures ranging from 21° C to 28° C. With about 45mm of rainfall, August is one of the driest months in Zanzibar. At 25.4 ° C, August has the coldest water temperatures in Zanzibar.
September
In Zanzibar, the weather is pleasant in September and is marked by sunny and dry days. It is a bit warmer than August and July, making it a perfect time for beach activities. It is the driest and the least humid month in Zanzibar. Temperatures range 22° C – 29° C and there is very little rainfall.
October
The last month of the long dry season in Zanzibar and marks the end of winter/ cold months in Zanzibar. It is dry and cool. Being a transition month between the dry and rainy season, October receives more rain showers than in September with around 95mm of rainfall.
November
November marks the beginning of the short rainy season. The weather is hot and humid. Zanzibar occasionally experiences light showers of about 220mm of rainfall. Tourism is slower during this month, making it a great time to avoid crowds and get a good deal on accommodation.
December
December is still a short rainy season in Zanzibar, but rain starts to taper off. With temperatures varying from 27° C to 32 ° C, December is one of the warmest months in Zanzibar. By mid-December, tourism peaks significantly, which means accommodation is more expensive.
Best Time for Different Activities
Best Time for Diving in Zanzibar
Ocean in Zanzibar is usually warm all year long, with sea temperatures rarely falling below 25° C. Although diving in Zanzibar can be enjoyed throughout the year, the best diving season is in the months of March, July, August, September, mid-November to January. During this season the sea is calmer, there is little to no wind and chances of raining are minimal. Additionally, the visibility is great, and the water is clear, making it easier to spot more marine life. However, in December and January, strong winds may occasionally be experienced, thus reducing visibility. This can lead to delays or cancellation of your diving schedule.
Best Time for Dolphin Spotting in Zanzibar
The best time to see dolphins in Zanzibar is during the dry season months of June to September and January to mid-March. This is because chances of spotting dolphins increase during the warm months, as they are more active. For the best chance of seeing dolphins, it is best to schedule your dolphin safari in the morning. However, it is possible to see dolphins all year long. So, even outside of these months, there are high chances of spotting these adorable creatures in Zanzibar.
Best Time for Whale Watching
The best time for humpback whale watching in Zanzibar is between late July to early November, when the whales pass through the Indian Ocean during their annual migration. The best place to see and snorkel with the humpback whales and their calves is on Mafia Island. You might be lucky to see humpback whales in Mneba Island, though sightings here are rare.
Best Time to See Whale Sharks in Zanzibar
While White-tip reef Sharks are the most frequent shark species you will encounter while diving in Zanzibar, Whale Sharks are also frequently seen on Mafia Island. The best time to see and dive with Whale Sharks in Zanzibar is from November to February.
Best time for Kite Surfing in Zanzibar
The best time to kite surf in Zanzibar is from June to mid-October and December to mid-March. These two seasons provide the most ideal conditions for kite surfing, with consistent winds, warm weather and warm sea temperature and clear skies.
If you are a fan of kite surfing, the East Coast of Zanzibar is the place to be. Here you’ll find many excellent kite surfing spots with shallow waters and flat lagoons, making it a perfect destination for amateurs and advanced kite surfers.
Cheapest Time to Visit Zanzibar
The cheapest time to visit Zanzibar is during the rainy season months from Mid-March to May. This time is considered the off-peak season in Zanzibar. Although heavy rains are experienced, it doesn’t rain all day and the average temperatures during this time average 27° C. There is a huge reduction in prices of lodging, flights, and activities during these months. However, most restaurants in Zanzibar are temporarily closed during this time, so you’ll have a limited choice of accommodation options.
Another cheap time to visit Zanzibar is during the months of November, early December, January, and February. This is the shoulder season in Zanzibar. If you want to take advantage of the good weather, fewer tourist crowds and affordable rates, this is the best time to travel to the Island of Zanzibar. These months have the ideal combination of lower hotel prices, less tourist traffic and pleasant weather. The only downside during this period is that Zanzibar experiences the hottest temperature during these months, which averages 28.5° C.
Finally,
In conclusion, Zanzibar is a great vacation destination at any time of the year, with warm temperatures and amazing beaches to explore. The best time to visit Zanzibar depends on what you’re interested in during your holiday. If you’re looking for an overall best season to visit Zanzibar, the ideal time to visit is between June and October. If you’re looking for the best rates and fewer people, then the months of November to February are the most ideal. However, no matter when you choose to visit the Island of Zanzibar, you’ll be sure to have a great time. So, don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore this beautiful island and its many attractions. And we would be happier to offer you further assistance in terms of information and planning.
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