Zanzibar is warm all year. What changes is rain, humidity and how busy the island feels — and those differences matter more than temperature.
The dry seasons
June to October is the long dry season: lower humidity, steady breeze, reliable sunshine. July and August are the busiest and most expensive months.
December to February is hot and mostly dry, with short bursts of rain. Christmas and New Year book out early.
The rains
The long rains run from late March into May, with heavy afternoon downpours and the lowest prices of the year. Some smaller hotels close.
November brings the short rains — brief showers that rarely spoil a day.
Choosing for your trip
Divers and snorkellers get the clearest water from October to March. Kitesurfers want the winds of June to September and December to February.
Whenever you come, transfers run in all weather; in the rains, allow a little more time on the unsealed final stretches.
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