Two dry seasons, two rainy seasons, and what each month means for beaches, snorkelling and safaris.
The short answer
Zanzibar can be visited all year. The long dry season from June to October brings cooler, breezy and sunny days and is the busiest time to travel. December to February is hot and mostly dry — excellent for beach days and snorkelling. The long rains in April and May are the quietest months.
Month by month
- January–February: hot, humid and mostly dry, with calm seas and good visibility.
- March: the heat builds and the first rains can arrive late in the month.
- April–May: the long rains — the wettest months, with fewer visitors.
- June–October: the long dry season — cooler, sunny and breezy; peak season.
- November: the short rains, usually brief afternoon showers.
- December: hot and dry, with a busy festive season — book transfers and tours early.
Pairing Zanzibar with a safari
The June–October dry season is also when wildlife is easiest to find on mainland Tanzania, as animals gather near water. If you are planning a safari from Zanzibar, these months combine well with beach time on the island.
Plan around what you want to do
Snorkelling and sandbank trips are best on calm, clear days; kite surfing on the east coast depends on the trade winds, roughly June–September and December–February. Tell us your dates and we will suggest the right mix.