Zanzibar in September
In September, Zanzibar averages 29°C (85°F) during the day and 22°C (72°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 26 days of the month see precipitation (42 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
September offers comfortable temperatures in Zanzibar, with some rain to plan around.
How September compares to the rest of the year in Zanzibar
September is in the middle of the year for warmth in Zanzibar (7th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. September runs 1°C warmer than August (28°C) and warms a further 1°C into October (30°C).
September sunrise & sunset in Zanzibar
Times shown for Zanzibar local time (Africa/Dar_es_Salaam), calculated for the 15th of September. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Zanzibar — September
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of September, in Zanzibar's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Zanzibar in September
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 September's tier (Shoulder) and Zanzibar's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — September 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 — September 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 — September
Across the year Zanzibar's sea swings from 26.2°C (August) to 29.8°C (December) — September sits at 26.7°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 September weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Zanzibar in September →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Zanzibar in September?
In September, Zanzibar averages a high of 29°C (85°F) and a low of 22°C (72°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Zanzibar in September?
September is quite rainy in Zanzibar, with about 26 rainy days on average.
Is September a good time to visit Zanzibar?
September 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 September?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full September packing list for Zanzibar for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.