What You Need to Know: The best time to visit Zanzibar is the dry season from June to October and from December to February, with sunny days and warm sea. April and May are the long rains, when some hotels close and prices are lowest; November brings short showers. The sea stays about 77 to 84 °F (25 to 29 °C) all year. For kitesurfing on the east coast, the trade winds blow from June to September and December to February.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Zanzibar? Weather Month by Month
For most travelers, the best balance of weather, sea and price is June to October or January to February. If you want the lowest prices and don't mind showers, April and May are worth considering; just check that your chosen hotel is open.
| Months | Weather | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| January – February | Hot, mostly dry, calm sea | Beach, diving, combining with calving safaris |
| March | Hot, rains begin | Quieter beaches |
| April – May | Long rains, humid | Lowest prices; some hotels close |
| June – October | Dry, sunny, cooler evenings | Beach, safaris, kitesurfing |
| November | Short rains, showers | Quieter, green |
| December | Hot, mostly dry | Holidays (busy over Christmas) |
January and February are hot and mostly dry, with calm seas: ideal for beach days and diving, and a good time to combine Zanzibar with a safari in the southern Serengeti, where the herds are calving. March is hot and humid as the long rains approach.
April and May bring the long rains: heavy showers, often with sunny spells between, and some hotels close for a few weeks. Prices are lowest and the island is quiet. June to October is the main dry season, slightly cooler, with steady trade winds on the east coast that kitesurfers love; it is also peak season, so book early.
November brings short, sharp showers but plenty of sunshine, and December is hot and busy over the holidays. Whatever the month, the sea stays warm. Combine your stay with a safari; see our safari packages.
How Zanzibar's Tides Affect Swimming
On the east coast (Paje, Jambiani, Kiwengwa) the tide goes out a long way, leaving sand and rock pools for hours; swimming is best around high tide. In the north (Nungwi, Kendwa) you can swim at most tides. Tide times change daily; your hotel can give you the table for your stay, and we time sandbank trips to low tide.
Zanzibar Winds and Water Sports
The kaskazi (north-east) wind blows from about December to February and the kusi (south-east) from June to September, the kitesurfing seasons on the east coast. October to March brings the calmest seas and the best diving visibility; see diving in Zanzibar.
Combining Zanzibar with a Safari or Climb
June to October suits all three: dry on safari, good on Kilimanjaro and sunny on the beach. January and February add the Serengeti calving season. Avoid April and May for all three. See the Kilimanjaro, safari and Zanzibar tour and our safaris from Zanzibar.
Zanzibar Crowds and Prices Through the Year
July, August and Christmas to New Year are the busiest and most expensive; book hotels early. April and May are cheapest, with some hotels closed. Our excursion prices are the same all year.
The Best Time to Visit Zanzibar for Each Type of Trip
Beach days, diving, kitesurfing and a safari each have their own best months. Match your plans to the season:
| Trip | Best months |
|---|---|
| Beach and swimming | June – October, December – February |
| Diving and snorkeling | October – March, for the best visibility |
| Kitesurfing | June – September, December – February |
| Safari and beach | June – October, or January – February for calving |
| Lowest prices | April – May |
| Whale sharks (Mafia Island) | October – February |
See our Zanzibar holidays and safaris from Zanzibar.
Ramadan and Festivals in Zanzibar
Zanzibar is mainly Muslim, and during Ramadan many restaurants in Stone Town close during the day and life slows down until sunset, when the town comes alive for the evening meal. Beach hotels continue as normal. Visitors are welcome, but should dress modestly and avoid eating or drinking in public in town during daylight hours.
Festivals add color to some months: the Zanzibar International Film Festival and Sauti za Busara music festival have brought crowds to Stone Town in past years, so check dates if you want to join or avoid them. Eid celebrations after Ramadan fill the streets with families in their best clothes.
Common Questions About the Best Time to Visit Zanzibar
Is it worth visiting Zanzibar in the rainy season?
If you want low prices and quiet beaches and don't mind rain, yes. Check that your hotel is open.
What is the hottest month in Zanzibar?
January to March are the hottest; June to August have cooler evenings.
When is the sea calmest?
October to March, the best months for diving and boat trips.
Is Zanzibar worth visiting in the rainy season?
Yes, if you want low prices and few visitors: rains often come in heavy showers with sunny spells, but some hotels close in April and May.
Is Zanzibar good in December?
Yes: it is hot and mostly dry, but busy over Christmas and New Year, so book early.
Can I visit Zanzibar during Ramadan?
Yes. Beach hotels run normally; in Stone Town, be respectful during daylight hours.
When is Zanzibar cheapest?
April and May, during the long rains, when many hotels lower their prices.
Is it too hot in February?
It is hot and humid, but sea breezes and air-conditioned rooms make it comfortable for most visitors.
Bottom Line: When Should You Go to Zanzibar?
Go from June to October or December to February for dry, sunny days; choose your beach by tide and wind; and avoid April and May unless you want low prices.
Send us your dates, your hotel (or the area you'd like to stay in), the number of travelers and the trips you are interested in through the form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and our team will reply with a written quotation.