Weather in Zanzibar
What's the weather like in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar has warm year-round and moderate rainfall spread across the year. Average daytime highs range from 31°C (88°F) in January to 27°C (81°F) in July, with overnight lows around 26°C (78°F) and 23°C (73°F) respectively.
For comfortable sightseeing temperatures (18–26°C daytime highs), the best months to visit Zanzibar are May through July.
Quick facts
- Country
- 🇹🇿 Tanzania
- Region
- Africa
- Time zone
- Africa/Dar_es_Salaam
- Coordinates
- -6.166, 39.203
Monthly climate
Long-run averages for each month of the year.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C / 88°F | 26°C / 78°F | 42 mm | 23 | — |
| February | 32°C / 90°F | 26°C / 79°F | 34 mm | 19 | — |
| March | 31°C / 89°F | 26°C / 78°F | 119 mm | 26 | — |
| April | 29°C / 84°F | 25°C / 76°F | 317 mm | 30 | — |
| May | 28°C / 82°F | 24°C / 76°F | 166 mm | 29 | — |
| June | 28°C / 82°F | 23°C / 74°F | 44 mm | 26 | — |
| July | 27°C / 81°F | 23°C / 73°F | 40 mm | 28 | — |
| August | 28°C / 83°F | 22°C / 72°F | 34 mm | 28 | — |
| September | 29°C / 85°F | 22°C / 72°F | 42 mm | 26 | — |
| October | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 74°F | 92 mm | 27 | — |
| November | 30°C / 86°F | 24°C / 76°F | 135 mm | 28 | — |
| December | 31°C / 87°F | 25°C / 78°F | 90 mm | 26 | — |
Zanzibar by month
Detailed weather for any specific month:
Seasonal patterns to know
Indian Ocean cyclone season runs November–April (peak January–March). Tropical cyclones can affect this region — peak January–March.
Cities with a similar climate to Zanzibar
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
The most comfortable months in Zanzibar are usually May, June, July, when average highs sit near 18–26°C (64–79°F) with relatively little rain. See the full month-by-month breakdown for the exact figures.
What is the hottest month in Zanzibar?
February is typically the hottest month in Zanzibar, averaging a high of 32°C (90°F).
What is the coldest month in Zanzibar?
August is usually the coldest, with average lows around 22°C (72°F).
Does it snow in Zanzibar?
Snow is rare in Zanzibar; the climate data shows essentially no snowfall across the year.
Live forecast, sunrise/sunset, and more.