Zanzibar in May
In May, Zanzibar averages 28°C (82°F) during the day and 24°C (76°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 29 days of the month see precipitation (166 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
May offers comfortable temperatures in Zanzibar, with some rain to plan around.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Zanzibar
May is one of the coolest months in Zanzibar (10th of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C below the annual average (30°C). May runs 1°C cooler than April (29°C) and stays flat into June.
May sunrise & sunset in Zanzibar
Times shown for Zanzibar local time (Africa/Dar_es_Salaam), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Zanzibar — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Zanzibar's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Zanzibar in May
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (Shoulder) and Zanzibar's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Zanzibar
Zanzibar is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Zanzibar
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Sea temperature in Zanzibar — May
Across the year Zanzibar's sea swings from 26.2°C (August) to 29.8°C (December) — May sits at 28.4°C.
Zanzibar in other months
| 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 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Zanzibar in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Zanzibar in May?
In May, Zanzibar averages a high of 28°C (82°F) and a low of 24°C (76°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Zanzibar in May?
May is quite rainy in Zanzibar, with about 29 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Zanzibar?
May is warm but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Zanzibar in May?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Zanzibar for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.