When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
With its white coral sand beaches, turquoise waters and laid-back island vibe, few destinations offer a sense of escapism quite like Zanzibar. Add to that plenty of sunshine and consistently pleasant temperatures, and it’s easy to see its appeal.
The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the dry season, which lasts from June to October, when temperatures hover at an average of 77°F. During these months, rainfall is at its lowest on the island, averaging 2.67 inches a day in June, 1.88 inches in July, 1.5 inches in August and two inches in September. In October, rainfall begins to creep up to 3 inches. The dry season also coincides with safari high season on the mainland in Tanzania, with many travelers factoring in a trip to Zanzibar post-safari. As such, expect the island to be busy during these months.
When is rainy season in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar has two—the long rains and the short rains. Rainfall starts to creep up in mid-March, before the heavy, long rains arrive in April and May, when there can be as much as 16 inches of rainfall a day. During these months, it’s common for seasonal restaurants and shops to close, and life in general slows down as locals wait for the monsoons to pass. However, the rains clear the humidity left behind during the sticky east African summer, making the months that follow far more pleasant.
Rainfall creeps up again in November and December, when an average of 8 inches falls each day. However, these short rains tend to clear as quickly as they arrive, and leave even bluer skies in their wake.
