🇿🇦 Cape Town vs Zanzibar 🇹🇿

Cape Town, South Africa vs Zanzibar, Tanzania — a side-by-side climate comparison to help you pick. Zanzibar is the warmer of the two — about 8 degrees warmer on average across the year. Cape Town is drier, with roughly 227 fewer rainy days a year.

Climate at a glance

🇿🇦 Cape Town🇹🇿 Zanzibar
Avg annual high22°C30°C
Hottest monthFebruary (27°C)February (32°C)
Coldest monthJuly (7°C low)August (22°C low)
Rainy days / year89316
SnowRareRare
Best months to visitApril, October, NovemberMay, June, July

🇿🇦 Cape Town

Best around April, October, November. Hottest in February (27°C), coldest lows in July (7°C).

🇹🇿 Zanzibar

Best around May, June, July. Hottest in February (32°C), coldest lows in August (22°C).

Frequently asked questions

Is Cape Town or Zanzibar warmer?

Zanzibar is warmer overall, averaging about 8 degrees higher across the year.

Which is rainier, Cape Town or Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is rainier — Cape Town sees about 227 fewer rainy days per year.

When is the best time to visit Cape Town vs Zanzibar?

Cape Town is best around April, October, November; Zanzibar is best around May, June, July.

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