Zanzibar Vacation

January marks the start of the short dry season in Zanzibar, a period of relatively hot, humid weather that builds gradually from late December and runs through to the beginning of March.

Average temperatures in Zanzibar remain pretty constant throughout the year, but January is one of the hotter months, with daytime highs regularly up to 35°C (95°F). Although generally sunny, there may still be the occasional afternoon thunderstorm in Zanzibar.

These clear quickly, however, and won’t disrupt you too much when enjoying a beach holiday in Zanzibar. 

With sea temperatures of up to 30°C (86°F), they’re unlikely to put you off swimming either but expect a few windy days as the north-eastern ‘kaskazi’ wind blows in Zanzibar in January. 

The north-eastern kaskazi is a major factor in choosing where in Zanzibar to holiday in January. Beaches along Zanzibar’s north and east coasts bear the brunt of the wind – a steady, stiff breeze usually between 20 and 30 km/h (11-17 knots). 

Wind and waves can also wash seaweed onto the eastern beaches, although many resorts make a point of clearing the bathing areas in front of their properties. If you’re a kite surfer, all this is great, of course, and the stable, moderate winds are also ideal for beginners. 

Paje very popular at this time of year, as is Kiwengwa, although it’s a bit more low-key. If you’re looking for something more sheltered, try Kendwa or Ras Kizimkazi. Day trips to the west coast atolls of Chumbe and Prison Island are also ideal at this time of year.

January is an ideal time to visit Zanzibar for a beach holiday with friends or family. 

Travel Tips

• January is Zanzibar’s mango season, and the markets are full of fresh, ripe fruit. It also marks the end of the clove harvest in Pemba, with fragrant piles of the islands’ main export drying in the sun. January is prime time for swimming with whale sharks off Mafia Island, and the visibility is at its best over the coral gardens of Chole Bay.
• Kitesurfing aside, January’s only real disadvantage is the kaskazi wind, which, although rarely so strong as to be unpleasant, can blow seaweed onto the eastern beaches and erode the sand along the northeastern coast. The seas may also be too rough for some off-shore dive sites, but there are always other options along the more sheltered west.

February is Zanzibar’s hottest month and also one of its driest. Daytime highs regularly exceed 35°C (95°F), with sultry, humid conditions that build and build until the clouds burst in March. 

The north-eastern ‘kaskazi’ wind, having reached its peak in January, eases off gradually as February unfolds.

It’s an excellent month for dedicated beach holiday time, with minimal chance of an afternoon shower, moderate to light breezes, and warm (if not hot!) seas, which can easily top 30°C (86°F), especially in the shallower bays and lagoons.

Although the kaskazi wind slowly dies down throughout February, Zanzibar’s southern and western coasts are still the more sheltered.

Kendwa’s wide, protected beach is ideal for sunbathing and swimming, and it’s a good time of year for dolphin excursions off Ras Kizimkazi. 

To the west and south of Zanzibar Town, Prison and Chumbe Islands make great day trips – Chumbe for its protected snorkeling reef and Prison Island for its giant tortoises. 

None of this is to suggest that the east coast is off limits. In fact, the mellowing kaskazi can bring welcome relief from the heat. February is a popular month all along the east coast, especially in Paje, which remains popular for kitesurfing.

February is a very popular month to choose Zanzibar as a beach holiday destination with its heat and ideal weather conditions. 

Travel Tips

• February’s major highlight is the Sauti za Busara Music Festival, which takes place in and around Stone Town’s Old Fort each year. Over four frenetic days, some of Africa’s best musicians rock the crowds with a mix of African jazz, pop, and local taarab beats. It’s a wonderful time to be in Stone Town but bear in mind that the old quarter is much busier than usual and accommodation can be harder to find. For divers, the southern sites are at their absolute best in February, especially the coral reefs of Mafia’s Chole Bay.
• February is an excellent month to be in Zanzibar, but if you struggle with the heat, then May to September may be better. Swimming with the whale sharks is still possible off Mafia, but the deeper dive sites are usually too rough for safe access. The kaskazi may be lessening, but sand erosion and washed-up seaweed can still be an issue along beaches in the northeast.

Zanzibar’s main rainy season begins in March, but the first heavy downpours may only arrive mid-month. Until they do, the archipelago remains at its hottest and most humid as the summer winds subside and the beaches bake in the sun. 

Daily highs reach over 35°C (95°F) before the monsoon hits, bringing some relief. Early March is prime beach holiday time across the islands, but the towering thunderheads signal the low season, and a number of hotels and resorts close.

Overall, however, March weather is difficult to predict. Some years the rains come early or late, and even once they begin, there can be some very fine days in between.

March’s unpredictable weather extends across Zanzibar, and throughout the islands, it can be fine and hot or pouring. As the rains arrive, the prevailing northeaster dies completely; March is the least windy month anywhere on the islands. 

Many visitors avoid Zanzibar in March, but on good days the glassy seas are wonderful for diving and snorkeling, with excellent visibility and few other visitors on the reefs.

West-facing resorts are treated to simply incredible sunsets as vast banks of clouds glow pink and purple over the sea.

Travel Tips

• March is the start of pineapple season in Zanzibar, with pineapples so sweet you may wonder if you’ve ever tasted one before. Although some hotels and resorts in Zanzibar close, many others offer discounts, and March to May are the best months for deals. Glassy seas and spectacular sunsets are the rewards for those who travel to Zanzibar in the low season. Afternoon storms can be heavy, but most mornings are clear, and you’re more likely to find a piece of paradise all to yourself.
• Some hotels and lodges close from March to May, so your preferred Zanzibar accommodation may not be available. The rains themselves put many people off, which is ideal if you’re after solitude, but a definite drawback if you’re not. March is undoubtedly the worst month for wind sports in Zanzibar. If that’s what you’re after, avoid this time of year.

April is Zanzibar’s wettest month, the height of the main rainy season that runs from mid-March to the end of May. With the rains come slightly lower temperatures, but most days still climb above 30°C (86°F). A relatively windless month,

April marks the transition between the north-eastern ‘kaskazi’ and southern ‘kusi’ winds. 

As the month progresses, the breeze gradually swings to the south, building slowly to its peak in June and July. Despite regular downpours in Zanzibar, April can still see some very good days.

The sea is still warm (28°C / 82°F), and the mornings can be clear and fresh. Storms build in the early afternoon and are usually short and fierce; only occasionally does the rain set in for a few consecutive days.

Weather-wise there’s little to distinguish one region from the next in April. Light winds and sudden storms are the norm across the islands.

It’s impossible to predict how much rain might fall and where. In one region, a downpour may cause extensive flooding, while just an hour away, it’s warm and dry.

Sunsets can be spectacular from the west-facing resorts in Zanzibar, but those on the east coast can enjoy breathtaking sunrises. 

April, in short, is a bit of a lottery. Choose your region based on the quality of the accommodation, and be prepared to spend at least a little time indoors.

Travel Tips

• April is Zanzibar’s quietest month and a great time to visit for the near-empty beaches. Low season rates may also apply, especially for stays of a week or longer. Between the cloudbursts, you’ll have some perfect, windless days, so if you have time to spend, then April can be ideal.
• April is, on average, the cloudiest month across Zanzibar. Most days still see sunshine, but it’s not the best time to work on your tan. Some hotels and resorts also close during April, so your first-choice accommodation may not be available. The main disadvantage, however, is April’s unpredictable weather. Conditions can be idyllic but then rapidly change. Excursions of any kind become difficult to plan, and occasional flooding can affect both taxi transfers and public transport.

Early May sees heavy rain throughout the Zanzibar archipelago, but conditions usually improve by the end of the month. Afternoon showers become shorter and lighter, and more consecutive sunny days fall in between.

As the skies clear, the seasonal ‘kusi’ wind freshens from the south, a steady, building breeze that can hit 20 to 30 km/h (11-17 knots). 

 With the rains’ slow withdrawal, temperatures steadily fall but seldom drop below a pleasant 28°C (82°F). By the end of May, more predictable weather returns to the islands of Zanzibar, heralding the start of the long, dry season that generally lasts until November.

As the kusi wind picks up from the south, the northern resorts enjoy the most wind shadow. The light to moderate breeze finds its way into all corners of the archipelago, but Kendwa, Nungwi, and the resorts around the northern Michamvi Peninsula tend to be calmer.

Pemba’s north-western Ngezi Peninsula, however, is still somewhat exposed and is at its windiest from May to July. 

Paje and the other east coast kitesurfing hotspots generally don’t pick up until June, making May a good time for beginners in search of lighter winds and fewer people on the lagoons.

Throughout May, heavy downpours can hit any part of the islands, but good beach time is still very possible, especially towards the end of the month.

Travel Tips

• Quiet beaches and discounted hotels are the main advantages of visiting Zanzibar in May. By the end of the month, the rain has usually eased off, with beautiful, calm, clear days punctuated with the season’s final, spectacular storms.
• Despite an increasing number of dry, sunny days, May’s major disadvantage remains the unpredictable weather. Fierce storms can still whip up at a moment’s notice, making planning any activities tricky. Some resorts and dive operators close completely for May, so check your options carefully before you travel.

June marks the start of Zanzibar’s long dry season, and June itself is often the sunniest, driest month of the year. Daytime temperatures are warm, averaging around 28°C (82°F), with pleasant nights around 20°C (68°F) and generally low humidity.

By the middle of June, the southern ‘kusi’ wind is in full flow, a fresh, steady breeze that can blow hard up the eastern coasts. Wind speeds can get up to around 35 km/h (about 18 knots), which is ideal for kite surfers, but some days may be a bit blowy for beach tanning. 

Beyond the protected reefs, the wind can also whip up the seas, especially along the southern coasts, which are at their roughest in June and July.

If you’re into wind sports, then Zanzibar Island’s eastern shores are for you. Paje is the island’s kite surfing capital, but all of the east coast’s major centers will also offer wind-based water sports.

If it’s more relaxed beach time you’re after, then June should see you head for the north-facing resorts instead; the northern seas are also usually calmer in June, which is better for diving and snorkeling. 

That said, if the wind really picks up, then even the north can get choppy, and on the whole, the best diving is usually later in the year.

Around Mafia, diving is only certain in the calmer waters of Chole Bay. June is also the start of Mafia’s turtle hatching season, a major highlight of the southern archipelago.

Travel Tips

• One of nature’s great spectacles takes place between June and September as thousands of tiny turtles dash for the sea. Juani Island, off Chole Bay, is the best place to see them, and guided boat tours from Mafia Island can be booked with the local turtle NGO, Sea Sense (http://www.seasense.org/).

July is generally dry and warm across Zanzibar, with daytime temperatures averaging around 28°C (82°F). This is about as cool as the islands get throughout the year, but even so, the nights rarely dip below 18°C (64°F).

The surrounding seas are also at their coldest in July and August, but sea temperatures of 25°C (77°F) are still the norm, and the shallow lagoons often feel even warmer. July is Zanzibar’s windiest month, with a more or less constant, stiff breeze blowing from the south.

This southern ‘kusi’ wind can get up to 35 km/h (18 knots) but is far more gentle on the islands’ leeward sides.

When the kusi blows from the south, Zanzibar’s north-facing resorts are the most sheltered, so head to Nungwi and Kendwa if you’re after the calmest diving and beach conditions.

Elsewhere across the islands you can expect a light to moderate breeze daily, except on Zanzibar Island’s east coast, where there’s an ever-present stiff wind.

July is arguably the best month for wind sports in Paje, and you’ll find the beach and lagoon full of swishing, leaping kite surfers.

Across the islands, but on Pemba in particular, July is also the start of the clove harvest season, and the scent of cloves is everywhere as they lie in piles in the sun.

But perhaps the best place to be in Zanzibar is Stone Town, where the unmissable Festival of the Dhow Countries takes over the Old Fort district for the first two weeks of July each year.

Travel Tips

• Two of Zanzibar’s most vibrant cultural festivals take place in July: Stone Town’s Festival of the Dhow Countries (organized by ZIFF, the Zanzibar International Film Festival), which is held over two lively weeks at the beginning of the month and, at the end of the month, the Mwaka Kogwa festival which takes place in the southern village of Makunduchi. The Festival of the Dhow Countries has grown and grown in recent years into perhaps the largest cultural festival in East Africa. Incorporating music, film, and dance from all over Africa and Asia, it’s a reason all on its own to visit Zanzibar in July. Mwaka Kogwa is much smaller but no less energetic, an originally Persian new year festival that includes plenty of dancing, singing and even some mock fights, and attracts locals and foreigners from across the islands.
• July is a busy month in Zanzibar, and you’ll need to book your accommodation well in advance. This is true all over the archipelago, but especially if you’re staying in Stone Town while the Festival of the Dhow Countries is on.
• July is also not an ideal time for diving in Zanzibar. The protected northern reefs are usually unaffected, but the open water sites may be too windy and rough.

August is the last of the slightly cooler months on Zanzibar. Hot days can still be over 30°C (86°F), but somewhere around 28°C (82°F) is more common.

Sea temperatures also reach their lowest in August, although far from icy at a very reasonable 25°C (77°F). 

August to October is perhaps the most pleasant period on the archipelago: not too hot, not too humid, and with steadily softening breezes from the south.

By the middle of August, the southern ‘kusi’ wind begins to fade, although it usually stays strong enough for the kite surfers in Paje. August can be seen as a transition period in Zanzibar, a mix of perfect beach and diving days with some windy, choppy days thrown in.

August is an excellent time to be anywhere on Zanzibar – only divers need to plan carefully, as some off-shore sites may be too rough. The southern kusi wind can still churn up the southern channels, and dive sites along the northern coasts tend to have calmer conditions. 

Although slowly fading, the kusi still draws kite surfers to Paje and both Paje and Matemwe offer good steady winds and flat lagoons for beginners.

In other parts of the archipelago, Pemba’s clove harvest is in full swing, and on Mafia’s Juani Island, it’s still a great time to see the hatching turtles.

For the calmest, most tranquil beach days, the northern coastlines remain best, especially Nungwi and Kendwa, which can be particularly serene.

Travel Tips

• Besides great beach days and good diving off the northern coasts, August is prime time for sport fishing off Zanzibar. Deep sea boat tours can be arranged to search for sailfish and marlin, which can be hooked off the east coast until February.
• August is a busy time to be on Zanzibar and it’s essential to book well in advance. Budget accommodation is usually easier to find, but the more popular hotels and resorts – especially the smaller, more intimate boutiques – can fill up fast.

If August is a great time to be on Zanzibar, then September just gets better. It’s one of the sunniest, driest months across the islands, with average daytime temperatures gradually climbing over 30°C (86°F).

The southern ‘kusi’ wind has blown steadily since May but now eases back to a cooling breeze. In Paje, some kitesurfing is still possible until October, but the season is slowly drawing to a close.

With the gentling breeze, the seas of Zanzibar are also calm, and by the middle of September, the more challenging deep-water dive sites are usually accessible.

The sea starts to warm up (to around 26°C / 79°F), and September and October can produce some of the best diving conditions of the year.

September is a wonderful month all over Zanzibar, but the Mafia archipelago has something special to offer. Not only are the turtles of Juani Island still hatching, but the calmer seas allow for some incredible diving in the deeper channels.

Here you’ll find colossal 3-meter grouper, and for even bigger thrills, it’s the start of the annual whale shark season.

Above the waves, September is ideal for the beach, and all the islands’ resorts are popular at this time of year. Nungwi and Kiwengwa can get particularly busy, but it’s quieter in the less developed regions such as Matemwe and Pingwe.

Travel Tips

• Swimming with whale sharks is one of the most astounding wildlife experiences on the planet, and these giant, gentle creatures begin to arrive off Mafia Island in September. By the end of the month, the water visibility increases – up to 25m (82ft) on the calmest days. All over Zanzibar, the diving is excellent, and the warm, sunny days make for perfect beach time too.
• September’s major disadvantage is its popularity and unless you book well in advance, you may not get your first-choice hotel. The smaller boutiques can fill up especially fast as they’re often in the most sought-after areas, where the beaches are least busy.

October is usually an idyllic time on Zanzibar, with light southerly breezes, clear skies, and calm seas. As the month progresses, the heat gradually builds, and daytime highs regularly top 30°C (86°F).

Nights are also warmer (over 20°C / 68°F) and get increasingly humid as the brief November monsoon draws near.

The monsoon’s exact arrival varies unpredictably each year, and some regions may see heavy rainfall before the end of the month. October is one of Zanzibar’s least windy periods, and ocean visibility is often excellent – up to 25m (82ft) or more.

Sea temperatures also start to climb throughout October, reaching around 27°C (81°F) by the beginning of November.

Sunny days and calm seas are the norm in October, and no single region has a monopoly on the great weather. The beaches around Nungwi can be bustling, and Kiwengwa and Paje are also very popular and often full.

All the major resort areas can get busy in October, so if you’re looking for more exclusivity, then the smaller villas and boutiques around Matemwe and Pingwe are usually best. 

Ras Kizimkazi is also a quiet option throughout the year, but whereas it can be pretty windy from June to August, by October, the light breeze is now cool and refreshing.

Pemba and Mafia are always much quieter than Zanzibar Island; both boast some of their best diving and snorkeling in October.

Travel Tips

• Calmer seas off Ras Kizimkazi mark the start of the dolphin spotting season. Tours can be arranged from Zanzibar Town, but with the lighter southerly wind, it’s also a great time of year to stay in Ras Kizimkazi itself. Further south, whale sharks are amassing off Mafia, with wonderful opportunities to swim with these giant beasts. October is an excellent month for diving across the archipelago. There’s generally superb visibility, and most, if not all, dive sites are accessible.
• If you’re planning to visit in October, you’ll need to book well in advance, and you may need to avoid the busier regions if you’re after some privacy. There’s also always the chance of an early monsoon downpour, though these are less likely at the beginning of the month.

November is the month of the ‘short rains’ in Zanzibar, a brief period of sporadic storms that may begin as early as mid-October and ease off during December.

These short rains are generally much lighter than the main wet season (from March to May), but consecutive days can be cloudy, and good beach tanning time is not guaranteed.

That said, November mornings are still quite often clear, there’s very little wind, and there can be some very fine days too.

Throughout the month, temperatures continue to rise, with nights around 22°C (72°F) and daily highs above 30°C (86°F) in Zanzibar. Although sudden storms can hit unpredictably, the light winds can produce wonderfully glassy seas.

By the end of November sea temperatures are up to 29°C (84°F) and there’s great diving and snorkeling to be had, at the risk of a few squalls.

Visiting Zanzibar in November is not usually recommended, but it can still be worth the trip if you find a good deal. You may find yourself caught indoors now and then, but the storms rarely last long and can be beautiful over the sea.

As the rains ease off, the north-eastern ‘kaskazi’ picks up but rarely exceeds a light breeze this early in the season. Even so, the flattest seas are generally to the south – Ras Kizimkazi’s dolphin-spotting boat tours are ideal at this time of year. 

There’s good diving to be had all over Zanzibar in November, but again the calmest water and best visibility are off the southern shores.

Mafia island, too, can receive some rain in November, but it’s still possible to swim with whale sharks and enjoy some of the best diving in the archipelago.

Travel Tips

• November’s highlights include glassy southern seas, great diving conditions just about everywhere, and attractive deals at some hotels and resorts. November is one of Zanzibar’s least busy months – a pro or a con, depending on what you’re looking for.
• The main risk in November is the unpredictable weather, and although it’s generally warm and still, there’ll be some rain and several cloudy days. It’s certainly not Zanzibar’s best month for tanning, though you don’t necessarily need sunshine to swim in a 29°C (84°F) sea.

Early December can see showers across Zanzibar, becoming more sporadic as the month passes. Temperatures throughout the islands gradually climb, and hot days can peak around 35°C (95°F).

December’s prevailing wind is the north-eastern ‘kaskazi,’ which gets increasingly fresh along the islands’ east coasts. As the northern wind builds, it whips up the sea, and the exposed northern coastline can get a bit rough. 

December is a fairly unpredictable month when stunning beach days can give way to sudden storms. On balance, however, the forecast is good, with more chance of sunshine towards Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Zanzibar’s southern and western coasts are more sheltered in December, so head to Kendwa or Ras Kizimkazi for the calmest seas. Chumbe Island is also fairly protected from the northeaster and has a stunning coral reef for snorkeling.

Along Zanzibar Island’s east coast, the wind attracts the first kitesurfers of the short summer season. 

The wind is usually not as strong as in June and July, and it can be a good time for beginners to learn. Paje is the east coast’s kitesurfing center, but Matemwe and Kiwengwa also offer good winds.

For diving, the southern dive sites tend to be better, and some open water sites off Pemba and Mafia may be too rough. Swimming with whale sharks is still possible off Mafia, and across the archipelago, the seas are at their warmest – up to 30°C by the end of the month.

Travel Tips

• December’s main highlights are the whale sharks off Mafia and the crystal-clear diving on Zanzibar’s southern reefs. Fresh mangos and dried cloves are piled high in the markets, and although Christmas isn’t widely celebrated, there’s a definite holiday atmosphere on Zanzibar’s streets.
• Although locals don’t make a huge fanfare of Christmas, it’s still a popular time for visitors from abroad. Christmas on the beach is a wonderful novelty, but be sure to book well in advance if you’re planning to visit at this time of year.