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Weather in Zanzibar
Spice island beaches and Stone Town labyrinth
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About Zanzibar
Zanzibar is the archipelago that the Swahili coast dreamed up. Stone Town is one of Africa's most atmospheric old cities — a labyrinth of carved wooden doors and coral-stone buildings where cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom have been traded for centuries.
Best months to visit
August
Language
Swahili / English
Things to do in Zanzibar
Beach relaxation
Snorkelling and diving
Stone Town
Spice tour
Dolphin tours
Sunset dhow cruise
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
31C
Hot and humid, with occasional showers.
February
32C
Hot and humid, with occasional showers.
March
31C
Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.
April
29C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
May
28C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
June
28C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
July
27C
Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.
Recommended
August
28C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
September
29C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
October
30C
Hot and humid, with some rainy days.
November
30C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
December
31C
Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.
Zanzibar is where the Indian Ocean turns its most improbable shade of turquoise — an archipelago of coral-fringed islands with a Swahili-Arab culture steeped in the spice trade, narrow Stone Town alleys lined with carved doorways, and beaches at Nungwi and Kendwa that rank among Africa's finest. It's the natural companion to a Tanzania safari, but it rewards solo visits emphatically. The fresh seafood at sunset, the dhow sailing trips, and the call to prayer echoing through Stone Town at dawn are experiences that stay with you.
Best areas to stay in Zanzibar
Stone Town
Zanzibar's extraordinary UNESCO-listed historic capital — a maze of carved Omani doors, coral-stone buildings, spice markets, and the Forodhani night food market.
Nungwi
The most developed and lively beach destination in Zanzibar — excellent swimming, snorkelling at the reef, dhow boat trips at sunset, and a vibrant restaurant scene.
Paje & East Coast
The consistent east coast trade winds have made Paje Zanzibar's kitesurfing capital, with a relaxed, bohemian beach atmosphere and stunning low-tide tidal flats.
Prison Island (Changuu)
A tiny islet a short boat trip from Stone Town, home to a population of giant Aldabra tortoises and excellent snorkelling on the surrounding reef.
Getting to Zanzibar
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Flights
Fly from the UK to Zanzibar (ZNZ) via Nairobi (with Kenya Airways or British Airways codeshare), Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), or Doha (Qatar Airways); most routes involve one stop.
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From London
~12–14 hours total journey time from London
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Getting around
Dala-dalas (minibuses) connect Stone Town with main beaches cheaply if slowly; taxis and private transfers are more comfortable; motorbike hire is possible but road conditions vary.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
June to October and December to February offer the best weather — low humidity, clear skies, and calm seas ideal for snorkelling and diving. The long rains (March–May) bring heavy rainfall, while November sees short rains.
Do I need a visa for Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is part of Tanzania — UK citizens need a Tanzanian tourist visa, obtainable as an e-visa online in advance for US$50, or on arrival at the airport for US$100. Apply online for the better rate.
Is Stone Town worth visiting?
Absolutely — Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most atmospheric historic towns in East Africa. Allow a full day for wandering the labyrinthine alleys, visiting the spice market, and the moving slavery museum.
What is the best beach in Zanzibar?
Nungwi on the northern tip has the finest swimming conditions (no tidal fluctuation) and a lively beach atmosphere. Kendwa is similar and less busy. The east coast beaches (Paje, Jambiani) attract kitesurfers and have a more secluded feel.
Can I combine Zanzibar with a Tanzania safari?
Easily — Zanzibar is a 20-minute flight from Dar es Salaam or Arusha, making it a perfect post-safari beach addition. The classic combination of Serengeti/Ngorongoro followed by Zanzibar beach time is one of Africa's great travel itineraries.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Zanzibar is everything the photographs promise and then some — the water at Nungwi is genuinely that colour. Stone Town was a highlight I hadn't expected; the Forodhani night market with fresh grilled lobster for a few pounds was extraordinary.
Amina B. · August 2024
★★★★★
We combined a Serengeti safari with five days in Zanzibar and it was the perfect Africa trip — from watching wildebeest migration to lying on a palm-fringed beach with gin and tonic. The spice tour in Stone Town was fascinating.
Kevin M. · July 2023
★★★★☆
Beautiful and very affordable — our beach villa with a private pool cost less than a London hotel room. The dhow sailing trip at sunset was exceptionally romantic and the seafood was the freshest I've ever tasted.
Lucy P. · January 2024
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