Just south of the equator, Zanzibar enjoys a warm tropical climate all year round. So the real question is not the temperature, but the rain: the island has two dry seasons and two rainy seasons. In short, the best time to visit Zanzibar is from June to October, and from December to February.
Good news for travellers combining a safari and the beach: Zanzibar's long dry season coincides with the best safari season in northern Tanzania.
Best time to visit Zanzibar: the essentials
The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the dry seasons: June to October, ideal to combine with a safari, and December to February, with a calm, clear sea. Avoid April and May, the long rains. Choose your beach according to the tides: the north (Nungwi, Kendwa) for swimming at any time, the east (Paje, Jambiani) for lagoons and kitesurfing.
Zanzibar weather, month by month
- JanuaryHot and dryCalm sea, ideal for the beach
- FebruaryHot and dryThe hottest month
- MarchHot and humidFirst showers
- AprilLong rainsThe wettest month
- MayLong rainsSome hotels close
- JuneDry and coolerGood weather returns
- JulyDry and pleasantIdeal after a safari
- AugustDry and pleasantHigh season
- SeptemberDry and sunnyFewer crowds than August
- OctoberDry and warmGreat value for money
- NovemberShort rainsBrief showers, softer prices
- DecemberHot and dryHolidays: book early
Best timeGood timeRainy season, lower prices
June to October: the long dry season
Clear skies, less humid air and pleasant heat: it is the most comfortable season of the year. The trade winds cool the east coast, to the delight of kitesurfers. It is also the ideal time to combine the beach with a safari in the Serengeti, as explained in our Great Migration guide.
- Weather
- Dry, warm but not too hot
- Best for
- Beach, safari and Zanzibar, kitesurfing
- Crowds
- High in July and August
Our tip: September and October offer the same weather as summer, with fewer people and lower prices.
December to February: heat and glassy seas
The second dry season is hotter and more humid. The sea is often very calm and clear, perfect for snorkelling and diving, especially around Mnemba Atoll. It is also the calving season of the Great Migration in the Serengeti.
- Weather
- Hot, sunny, humid
- Best for
- Snorkelling, diving, relaxing
- Crowds
- High over the holidays
March to May: the long rains
Rain can last several hours a day, especially in April. Some hotels and restaurants close, and boat trips are sometimes cancelled. In return, the island is green and quiet, and prices are at their lowest.
- Weather
- Frequent rain, humid heat
- Best for
- Small budgets, flexible travellers
- Crowds
- Very low
November: the short rains
Showers are short, often in the late afternoon, and then the sun comes back. November is a good compromise: the weather stays pleasant, the island is quiet and prices are softer before the December high season.
- Weather
- Short showers, sunshine
- Best for
- A quiet trip, good value
- Crowds
- Low
Which beach to choose, depending on the season and tides?
Tides are very strong in Zanzibar: on some coasts, the sea retreats hundreds of metres at low tide. Choosing the right beach is therefore as important as choosing the right month.
The north: Nungwi and Kendwa
Swimming at any time: the sea stays accessible even at low tide, with beautiful sunsets.
The east: Paje and Jambiani
Kitesurfing and villages: turquoise lagoons and steady wind, but strong tides, so the sea goes far out.
The south-east: Michamvi
Calm and nature: a peaceful peninsula with a sheltered beach and sunsets over the bay.
Stone Town
Culture all year round: the UNESCO-listed old town can be visited in any season, even in the rain.
When to go to Zanzibar, depending on what you want
6 tips to prepare your stay
Check the dates of Ramadan
Zanzibar is mostly Muslim. During Ramadan, whose dates change every year, some restaurants close during the day.
Check the tide table
On the east coast, plan swims and boat trips around high tide.
Book early for the holidays
Between Christmas and New Year, the best hotels are full months in advance.
End your trip on the island
After a safari or a Kilimanjaro climb, a few days at the beach are the best way to recover.
Respect local customs
Away from beaches and hotels, cover shoulders and knees, especially in Stone Town.
Prepare your entry documents
An e-visa plus the Zanzibar insurance if you arrive on the island first, or the mainland mandatory insurance if you land in Kilimanjaro or Dar es Salaam.
Useful official links
Official sources to prepare your stay in Zanzibar.
Best time to visit Zanzibar: FAQ
What is the best month to visit Zanzibar?
September is often the best compromise: dry weather, pleasant heat and fewer people than in July and August. January and February are also excellent for the sea.
When should you avoid Zanzibar?
April and May, during the long rains. Some hotels close and boat trips may be cancelled.
Can you swim in Zanzibar all year round?
Yes, the sea stays warm all year. On the east coast, however, keep the tides in mind: at low tide, the sea can retreat a very long way.
When to combine a Tanzania safari with Zanzibar?
From June to October, the dry season is ideal for both a safari in northern Tanzania and the beach in Zanzibar. December to February is a very good alternative.
Do I need insurance to visit Zanzibar?
Yes. If Zanzibar is your first point of entry, the official Zanzibar inbound insurance is mandatory. If you arrive on the mainland first, Tanzania's mandatory inbound travel insurance applies, in force since 1 October 2026.
