Climate Chart Zanzibar City – 0m / 0ft
Zanzibar has a hot and humid climate. Temperatures are relatively consistent throughout the year thanks to its closeness to the equator. Humidity is most noticeable in urban settings, which are less breezy than beaches. The hottest period is from December to March and the coolest from May to September. The Wet seasons are March to May and November to December.
Dry Seasons January to February & June to October
Most days are sunny in the Dry season, though brief rainstorms are possible at any time of year. The main Dry season, from June to October, is relatively cool, but January and February are among the hottest months.
- January & February – Conditions are dry and sunny, with rain typically falling in short storms about once a week. It is very hot, peaking at above 32°C/90°F most days, and seldom dropping below 24°C/75°F at night.
- June, July, August & September – These are the driest and coolest months. Rain is unusual, and the sky tends to be blue. Temperatures usually peak at around 29°C/84°F and drop to 22°C/72°F.
- October – October is a transitional period. The first two to three weeks are an extension of the Dry season, but the first storms of the Wet season usually fall toward the end of the month.
Wet Seasons November to December & March to May
The Wet seasons are hot and humid. Rain usually falls every two to three days in the form of short tropical storms, so it is still possible to visit, but do keep an eye on the weather forecast when planning activities.
- November & December – The short rainy season kicks in over November, which is usually the third-wettest month on Zanzibar, and dwindles toward the end of December. Temperatures are high, typically reaching a daily maximum of 31°C/88°F and a minimum of 24°C/75°F.
- March, April & May – Well over half the annual rainfall occurs over these three months, of which April is significantly the wettest. Temperature wise, March is almost as hot as January and February, whereas May and to a lesser extent April are more in line with June to September.