Zanzibar Weather, When to Go and Climate Information

(Zanzibar, Tanzania, TZ, East Africa)

Visitors to Zanzibar can enjoy ideal holiday weather for most of the year, thanks to its tropical climate. Its islands are bathed by warm temperatures and tourists can look forward to many hours of unbroken sunshine.

Zanzibar does have a monsoon season, however, which is best avoided. For that reason, the most popular tourist season runs from July to October.

Seasonal Climate Variations / When to Go

The summer season lasts from November to March, with temperatures peaking from December, reaching a maximum of 32°C / 90°F. The weather isn't just hot, it also feels very humid.


Any rainfall at this time of year tends to be short and sharp. Zanzibar's north and east coasts can feel particularly pleasant during the summer months, with the climate experiencing a notable cooling effect from the refreshing sea breezes.

From April to June, visitors to Zanzibar can expect to do battle with monsoon rains. Whilst there is not much difference between Zanzibar's islands, Pemba can perhaps be said to be the rainiest of them all. Temperatures at this time of year don't vary much from those enjoyed in the summer. The average winter temperature in Zanzibar tends to stay at around 25°C / 77°F.

Zanzibar Weather and Climate Chart (Averages)

	Maximum	Minimum
January	32°C / 90°F	24°C / 75°F
February	33°C / 91°F	24°C / 75°F
March	33°C / 91°F	25°C / 77°F
April	30°C / 86°F	25°C / 77°F
May	29°C / 84°F	24°C / 75°F
June	28°C / 82°F	23°C / 73°F
July	28°C / 82°F	22°C / 72°F
August	28°C / 82°F	22°C / 72°F
September	29°C / 84°F	22°C / 72°F
October	30°C / 86°F	23°C / 73°F
November	32°C / 90°F	24°C / 75°F
December	32°C / 90°F	24°C / 75°F