What Is The Best Month To Visit Zanzibar? The seasons in Zanzibar might not coincide with those in your country of residence, depending on where you are in the world. The seasons in Africa are supposed to be the polar opposite of those on the western half of the globe. Therefore, you cannot predict the weather here using the weather in your home nation. When is Zanzibar’s busiest season of the year? The season that is least busy? How does Ramadan affect Zanzibar? The best month to travel to Zanzibar depends on all of these factors. Let’s talk about each topic now.
WHAT IS THE BEST MONTH TO VISIT ZANZIBAR?
Although the dry seasons of December to February and June to October are the finest times to visit the Zanzibar islands, in general, the beaches on the southern and western parts of the islands are more protected from wind during these months. On the other hand, it typically comes from the southwest from June to October; therefore, the northern and eastern coasts are excellent. But in the end, these islands remain at the whim of the water, and their weather can be erratic throughout the year. Even in the ‘dry’ seasons, afternoon showers are common, but they usually last only a few minutes and are refreshingly chilly.
It is also possible to travel there during the rainy season, when there are fewer tourists and you are more likely to find affordable trips and lodges (those that are still open). The sunsets can be very stunning, the rain can be severe, but it’s not generally consistent, and pineapples are in season! Road damage and transit delays can make travel more difficult, but you’ll finally get there.
WEATHER AND CLIMATE IN ZANZIBAR
Temperature
All year long, Zanzibar experiences very stable weather. According to Climates to Travel, the average temperature in Zanzibar is 25–29 °C (79–84 °F), with the lowest temperature occurring in September at 21°C (78.5 °F) and the highest occurring in January, February, and March at 33°C (84 °F). For the avoidance of doubt, August is regarded as the coldest month and February as the hottest. Remember that this is the island of Zanzibar, which is only 426 miles from the equator. So, compared to someone from Germany, which is located 3,600 miles from the equator, the concept of cold is different here. The lowest temperature was once again 21 °C, or 78.5°F. That may not even be cold where you are from.
Sunshine/Length of Days
The island experiences a lot of sunshine, as one might imagine. In January, February, and October, the sun is out for nine hours each day. September, November, and December have 8.5 hours of sunshine per day on average. The shortest days are in May and April, when there are only 6.5 hours and 6 hours of daylight, respectively.
Humidity
Humidity is important! The amount of stickiness you may experience outside depends on that. Zanzibar has a humidity range of 77 to 85%. In January, February, and September, it is 77%. 78% are in July, August, and October. The highest is 85% in April. November humidity is 82%, and May humidity is 84%.
Ocean Temperature
You may be interested in the ocean’s temperature if you want to go swimming a lot while you’re here. The temperature ranges from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, or 78 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with the lowest reading of 25 degrees in August and the maximum reading of 30 degrees in March. The next four hottest months are December, January, February, and April. July and September had the next-lowest temperatures at 26°C (78 °F).
Visibility
Additionally, Time and Date indicate that Zanzibar has an annual visibility range of 20–22 kilometers. However, every month except for April has visibility of at least 21 or 22 kilometers.
Wind
Here too, the wind can be quite strong. You must understand the wind if you intend to engage in any activity (skydiving, sailing, etc.) where this is significant. Usually, it’s between 9 and 14 km/h. The least windy month is March, while July is thought to be the windiest. However, there is also a 14 km/h wind in January and June.
Rain
The two rainy seasons in Zanzibar are from November through December and from March through May, when it rains heavily. With 7 days each, February and June have the fewest number of rainy days. The months with the most rainy days are May and April, with 15 and 18, respectively. With 13 days each, March and December are not far behind. The wettest month is April, with 385mm (15.2′′) of rain falling, while the driest are July through September, with 50mm (2′′).
The wet seasons over the past three years have not been typical. Compared to usual, there have been fewer days and far less rain overall. Both of the wet seasons in 2022’s previous year barely met the definition of a rainy season.
BUSY VS. LOW SEASON IN ZANZIBAR
There are high and low seasons in Zanzibar. These are the seasons of the year when tourists arrive in the greatest numbers and the smallest numbers. From March to May, which is the low season, is also the rainy season. The alleged peak season runs from June until October. However, December and January are some of the busiest travel times here (especially around the holidays), so if you’re looking for a lot of activity and people to share the island with, those are the best months to go.
FESTIVALS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN ZANZIBAR
The islands are popular with tourists from outside and expats from Nairobi and Dar es Salaam during major holidays like Christmas and Easter. Expect crowded flights and increased hotel prices. On the other hand, life moves more slowly as many restaurants and shops close during the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan. Sports enthusiasts might choose to time their trip to coincide with the Zanzibar International Marathon, which is held annually in early November.
The majority of Tanzania’s public holidays are observed on the islands as well. On these days, offices and businesses are typically closed, while some tour operators are still open. Among the public holidays with set dates are:
- 1 January: New Year
- 12 January: Mapinduzi ‘Revolution’ Day
- 7 April: Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume Day
- 26 April: Union Day: Zanzibar and Tanganyika
- 1 May: Workers’ Day
- 7 July: Saba Saba (Seven Seven)
- 8 August: Peasants’ and Farmers’ Day
- 14 October: Nyerere Day
- 9 December: Independence Day
- 25 December: Christmas Day
- 26 December: Boxing Day
The Muslim holidays of Idd il Fitr, which marks the conclusion of Ramadan, and Idd il Maulidi (also known as Maulidi ya Mfunguo Sita), which commemorates Muhammad’s birth, are widely observed and serve as virtual public holidays. These festivals fall 11 or 12 days early each year and have dates that are determined by the lunar calendar.
THE BEST MONTH TO VISIT ZANZIBAR
You may have already determined which month is ideal for you based on a number of criteria that are significant to you at this point. In general, From June to October is the ideal month to travel to Zanzibar. It’s not particularly hot, ranks among the months with the second-longest days (many hours of sunshine), is among those with the lowest levels of humidity, has good visibility, has the second-highest levels of wind, and is among those with the fewest raindrops. Although it is the height of the travel season, September and October is not one of the busiest months.
The ocean’s temperature in September is the only thing that could go wrong. Despite having the second-lowest water temperature, Zanzibar won’t experience a frigid climate. If you’re worried about the wind, you shouldn’t worry unless you’re planning on engaging in activities on the water that depend on the wind speed.
Since the weather is generally consistent throughout the year, there is almost never a bad time to visit Zanzibar though. So, April would not be the month you intend to visit Zanzibar. But if that is the only time you can arrive, do so. In the rainy season, it usually rains in the morning. After a few hours of heavy rain, the sun may suddenly shine brightly. It nearly immediately eliminates any traces of a strong downpour.
