When Is The Rainy Season In Zanzibar: Best Time To Visit

Would you like to know when is the rainy season in Zanzibar, so you can plan your vacation at the best time?

When you are planning your beach vacation, the most important factor is the weather. You want to enjoy sunshine all day long instead of having a destroyed holiday with rain.

Zanzibar is a beach destination with a tropical climate, however, there are two rainy seasons during the year.

In this article, I will tell you when are the rainy seasons in Zanzibar and guide you on the best time to visit, to help you plan the perfect getaway to this tropical paradise.

When Is The Rainy Season In Zanzibar?

The weather in Zanzibar is tropical and warm during the whole year. However, the weather in Zanzibar is influenced by the monsoons of the Indian Ocean.

Therefore there are not only lovely hot days in Zanzibar but also rainy days, which are known as the rainy seasons.

Zanzibar has two rainy seasons. One is short and one is long rainy season. When there is a rainy season, there must be a dry season too, therefore there is also a long and short dry season in Zanzibar.

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Long rainy season in Zanzibar

The long rainy season in Zanzibar starts in the middle of March and lasts until the end of May.

During this season it can rain from 15 minutes until 2 hours a day when the sun comes out again. It doesn’t have to rain every day but the humidity is high.

It is better to avoid visiting Zanzibar during this time if you dream about a lovely beach holiday or romantic honeymoon as you will be disappointed.

However, people who just want to relax away from home, spend some time on the beach, and are on a tight budget, still visit Zanzibar during this time. They can spend a long time here as the accommodation is cheaper.

However, not all hotels will be open during this time as the demand is low and they are providing rest to the employees before the peak of the season starts.

Short rainy season in Zanzibar

The short rainy season is in Zanzibar during November and December. It is called the short rainy season because the rains are not so heavy and don’t last as long as during the long rainy season.

You can expect a little shower for a few minutes, which is immediately followed by sunshine. During the short rainy season, it is not raining every day.

Tourists like to come during this season as the prices are lower and the weather is still good. However, the prices rise in the middle of December due to the holidays.

It is a popular time for Europeans and Americans to come to enjoy Christmas and New Year’s Eve here due to the cold weather back home and the holiday season.

Long dry season in Zanzibar

The long dry season starts in June and lasts till October. The weather is lovely and warm with everyday sunshine, which is an ideal time for a beach vacation.

The temperature is the lowest during this time, which is still about 29 degrees Celsius/84 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and not lower than 18 degrees Celsius/64 Fahrenheit during the night. The lowest sea temperature is around 25 degrees Celsius/77 Fahrenheit.

Because of the ideal weather during the dry season and also the school holidays in Europe and some parts of the USA, this is the peak tourist time to visit Zanzibar.

Due to that also the prices of the accommodation will be at their highest. However, you will have more choices as all the hotels are open welcoming tourists.

Short dry season in Zanzibar

And finally, a short dry season in Zanzibar occurs during January and February before the heavy rains come.

This is also a very popular time for tourists to visit Zanzibar as the weather is great and Westerners use the opportunity to escape the cold weather back home.

These are the hottest months as it is summer in Zanzibar. The daily temperatures reach 33 degrees Celsius/91 Fahrenheit and sea temperatures can be up to 29 degrees Celsius/84 Fahrenheit.

The best time to go to Zanzibar

Weather is usually the most important factor when choosing the place and time of your holiday.

If you are coming to Zanzibar to enjoy your beach vacation and perfect sunshine weather with a clear sky or coming for your honeymoon, the best time to visit Zanzibar is during the dry seasons.

The long dry season is from June until October and the short dry season is from January until the end of February.

For snorkeling and diving enthusiasts it is also the best time to visit, especially during July and August and January and February when the water is clear and provides excellent visibility.

Many tourists combine their beach relaxing vacation in Zanzibar with a safari in Tanzania or Kenya. The dry seasons are also the best times for the safaris. The landscape is dry so animals can be seen looking for some water.

During the long dry season also wild beast migration is happening, therefore you can enjoy your safari experience and your beach paradise to the fullest.

When To Visit Zanzibar: FAQS

For more questions about when to visit Zanzibar, see these FAQs below.

What is the wettest month in Zanzibar?

The wettest month in Zanzibar is April. It is better to avoid visiting Zanzibar during this month.

What is the cheapest month to go to Zanzibar?

The cheapest months are during the rainy seasons from mid-March to May and then in November.

What is the best time of the year to go to Zanzibar?

The best time to go to Zanzibar is from June to October. Also, in January and February. These are the dry seasons and also the best times for safari. So you can add a safari to your beach vacation.

Is Zanzibar safe?

Yes, Zanzibar is a very safe island. However, do avoid walking on the streets at night, and as a woman, dress conservatively when you are outside of the hotel resort.

Conclusion: When Is The Rainy Season In Zanzibar?

The rainy seasons in Zanzibar are from March to May and from November to December. It is not an ideal time to visit Zanzibar for a beach vacation.

However, if your primary visit is not to sunbathe on the beach and you are looking for a cheaper and peaceful holiday, you can still visit Zanzibar at this time. Try to avoid the month of April when the rain is the strongest.

The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the dry seasons in January and February and from June to October when you can combine a beach vacation with a safari.