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Best time to visit Zanzibar

Month-by-month guide of when to visit

Discover the Best Time to Visit Zanzibar for an Unforgettable Island Getaway

Explore the best time to visit Zanzibar, with detailed insights on weather, peak seasons, and local events to help you plan the perfect island escape.

Zanzibar, the idyllic Indian Ocean archipelago, offers stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and incredible marine life year-round. The best time to visit depends on your ideal holiday experience, whether you’re seeking sun-drenched shores, diving adventures, or cultural festivities.

The dry seasons from June to October and December to February are the peak months for a visit. During this time, you’ll experience warm temperatures, minimal rainfall, and clear skies, perfect for beach relaxation and exploring historic Stone Town. These months also coincide with Tanzania’s safari high season, making Zanzibar an ideal post-safari retreat. December, particularly around Christmas and New Year, attracts larger crowds, so it’s recommended to book in advance.

March, November, and early December fall in the shoulder season, with occasional short rains. While showers are more frequent, they’re usually brief, leaving plenty of sunshine for beach days. Fewer tourists make this a great time for a quieter escape, and accommodation prices tend to be more favourable.

April and May, the long rainy season, bring heavier rainfall and higher humidity. While many resorts close during this period, those that remain open often offer significant discounts. If you don’t mind the unpredictable weather, these months offer a peaceful Zanzibar experience with rich landscapes and fewer crowds.

For cultural events, July hosts the Zanzibar International Film Festival, showcasing African and international cinema. Eid celebrations, marking the end of Ramadan, bring lively festivities, especially in Stone Town, offering a unique glimpse into local traditions. Whether you're after sun-soaked beaches, thrilling water activities, or cultural immersion, Zanzibar promises an unforgettable getaway all year round.

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Ottilie

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January

January is an excellent time to visit Zanzibar, as it marks the start of the dry season. The weather is warm with minimal rainfall, perfect for relaxing on the beautiful beaches or exploring Stone Town’s historical landmarks. The clear skies make it ideal for water activities like snorkelling and diving. This is a popular time for tourists, so it's a great time for an energetic atmosphere, though booking accommodation early is recommended.

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February

Like January, February offers warm, dry weather with plenty of sunshine. It’s a great time for outdoor activities, including dolphin watching, and relaxing on Zanzibar’s beautiful beaches. The conditions are perfect for exploring the island’s rich culture and history. As the crowds increase in this peak season, it’s advisable to plan well in advance, especially around the Valentine's Day period when resorts might offer romantic packages.

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March

March marks the end of the peak season, and the weather starts to shift. While still warm, occasional short rains begin, making it a quieter time to visit. The occasional rain doesn’t disrupt outdoor activities, but it’s best to be prepared for some showers. With fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices, March can offer a more relaxed and peaceful experience compared to the earlier months.

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April

April is part of Zanzibar’s long rainy season, and heavy rains are more frequent during this month. The island sees less tourist activity, with many resorts closed. For those seeking a more secluded experience, the lush landscape is at its greenest, and you can enjoy lower prices at remaining resorts. However, outdoor activities may be limited due to the unpredictable weather, so it’s essential to keep that in mind when planning your trip.

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May

May continues the long rainy season, with frequent, heavy showers and high humidity. The weather can be unpredictable, limiting beach and outdoor activities. Although many accommodations are closed, those that remain open offer reduced rates, and there are fewer crowds. The island’s scenery is lush and vibrant during this time, making it a peaceful time to experience Zanzibar’s natural beauty, though it may not be ideal for typical beach holidays.

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June

June marks the beginning of the dry season, offering pleasant temperatures and clear skies. The island becomes more popular as tourists flock to Zanzibar for the perfect beach getaway. The conditions are perfect for safaris in nearby Tanzania, with clear skies making it ideal for a relaxing break after your safari adventures. The cool breeze in June makes for comfortable days, and it’s a great time to explore both land and water activities.

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July

July is one of Zanzibar’s peak months, with dry, warm weather and an influx of tourists. This is an ideal time for beach lovers, offering sunny days perfect for lounging by the sea or participating in water sports. The island’s popularity means that resorts and tours can book up quickly, so early planning is essential to secure your preferred accommodations. This is a lively time to visit with plenty of events and activities.

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August

August brings the same dry, warm weather as July, making it another peak season month. It’s an excellent time to enjoy Zanzibar’s beaches and clear waters, with a lively atmosphere across the island. This is a popular time for family vacations, especially with the school holiday period. The crowds can make it a bit busier than other months, so booking early is recommended for a smooth trip experience.

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September

September offers great weather for outdoor adventures. The rains are far behind, and Zanzibar experiences sunny, dry days with cooler temperatures compared to the earlier summer months. This is an ideal time for exploring the island's natural beauty, including trips to the spice farms and guided historical tours around Stone Town. It’s also the perfect time to enjoy Zanzibar’s famous beaches, with fewer crowds than in peak season, giving you a more tranquil experience.

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October

October is another fantastic month to visit Zanzibar, as the dry season continues. The weather is warm and sunny, with less humidity, making it perfect for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It's a great time to engage in water activities like diving, snorkelling, and fishing. While still a busy period, it’s less crowded than the holiday months, offering a more laid-back vibe. Early bookings are recommended for the best accommodation options.

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November

November marks the start of the shoulder season as Zanzibar begins to shift toward the rainy season. Short, occasional rains are more frequent, but they don’t typically last long. It’s a quieter time to visit with fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices. It’s still a good time for beach activities, but be prepared for some rain. November offers a peaceful experience with a slightly less bustling atmosphere.

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December

December marks the beginning of the festive season, and Zanzibar sees a rise in visitors due to the holidays. The weather is dry, warm, and perfect for all types of outdoor activities, including lounging on the beaches and exploring the local culture. With the increase in visitors around Christmas and New Year’s, it’s recommended to plan ahead and book accommodations early. Zanzibar is a magical place to celebrate the holiday season with special events and lively celebrations.

Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024

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