Zanzibar - when ist the best time?

The best time to visit Zanzibar is in the dry seasons, which are from June to mid-October and December to February. But if there’s a particular activity you can’t wait to try, like diving, then read on for some specific seasonal suggestions.

Zanzibar

When’s the best time to visit Zanzibar?
Well, it depends what you’re into!

If you want to visit the beaches, then the two best months are June to mid-October, when it’s cooler and drier. You can also visit Stone Town and do all sorts of other activities.
Or if you want to go for a swim, then December to February is the best time, when it’s hot and dry.

Hakuna Matata

If you visit Zanzibar between March and May, you’re in for a treat! You might get some afternoon rains, but that just adds to the adventure.

May is particularly special, with Pemba Island basking in the refreshing showers. And let’s not forget the thrilling wind that often blows through, adding to the island’s vibrant atmosphere. And if you’re thinking of visiting in late October or November, you’re in for a treat, as these months are also wet throughout Zanzibar.

Best time for beaches

If you’re into hot weather, Zanzibar’s dry season is the best time to visit. You can usually enjoy dry and hot weather for lazing on Zanzibar’s postcard-perfect beaches and swimming in its azure waters between December and February. At this time of year, the temperature usually ranges between 25 and 33 ℃.

The humidity is high, but this just ensures that you’ll want to cool off in the sea often!

But if you’d prefer a little less heat and humidity, then the best time to visit is between mid-June and early October, when temperatures tend to range between 22 and 30 ℃.

Afrimine Tip for you:

Zanzibar’s coastline is mostly rocky, so if you want to relax on one of those sandy white beaches lined by palm trees, then you have to head to certain regions. We’d highly recommend the north and northwest beaches of the main island of Unguja if you’re after a fun vibe, even at night, or if you’re looking for a more serene experience, we’d suggest visiting the east and southeast beaches of Unguja.

Best time for snorkelling

If you’re planning to go snorkelling in Zanzibar, then the best time is definitely the long dry season, which is from June to mid October. This is when the waters are at their calmest and you’ll have the best visibility.

Afrimine Tip for you:

Some of the best corals for snorkelling and diving can be found by Chumbe Island near Stone Town and by the heart-shaped Mnemba Atoll off the north coast of Unguja.

Best time for diving

You’ll be pleased to hear that Zanzibar is a great place for diving all year round. The only time it might not be so good is from mid December to mid February, when the Northern Wind creates choppy seas and visibility isn’t as good. So, let me break it down for you:

If you’re a diver, I’d say the best months are from mid February to April when the seas are calm and visibility is really good.
May is a bit rainy, but the seas are calm, visibility is good, and there are fewer other divers since it’s Zanzibar’s off-peak season.
And if you’re looking for a bit of a change, head to the north of Unguja from June to September for some really special conditions.
From October to mid-December, the conditions improve everywhere, with calm seas and good visibility.

Now, here’s a little secret: Zanzibar is absolutely teeming with amazing diving sites, which is why it’s such a popular spot! Two of our favourite spots are the reefs near Stone Town, those surrounding Mnemba Atoll, and those off Unjuga’s southeast coast. But the jewel in the crown of Zanzibar’s diving sites is the reef surrounding Pemba Island and its islets.

Best time to go sailing

Well, the good news is that Zanzibar is a great place for sailing all year round. The only months that might be a bit wetter are April and May, but even then, it’s still a fantastic experience. But if you want to make the most of the sailing, then I would definitely recommend the cooler, drier months of June to October.

And, as with most places, different parts of the archipelago have different conditions depending on the time of year. From June to September, the best sailing can be found to the north and west of Pemba Island, so you can make the most of those beautiful conditions!

Best time to avoid the crowds

The off-peak seasons in Zanzibar are the rainy ones, which are March to May and mid October to early December. You can still get idyllic days during these months, so you’ll have a great time whatever you choose. The rain is often short and sharp, just a quick downpour in the afternoon.

If you’re planning a short trip and want to make the most of your beach and exploration time, then April and May might not be the best months to avoid.

Hey, if you’re on a budget and you’re up for a little adventure, then why not check out Zanzibar during off-peak months? You might just get some awesome savings on accommodation!

Best time for safari?

Always!

If you’re planning a trip to Tanzania and want to visit Zanzibar too (and we’d be delighted to arrange that for you!), then the best months for both are January, February, or anytime between June and October.

January to March is a great time to spot baby animals on safari, as well as enjoy the lush landscapes. June to October is ideal for seeing lots of animals, as the dry vegetation offers less coverage and the animals are forced to congregate around the few watering holes.

If you’re curious about the best time to experience the incredible Great Migration in the Serengeti, be sure to check out our article:

When is the Best Time to Visit Tanzania?

 

Best time for climb Kilimanjaro

We recommend climbing Kilimanjaro between mid December and March or between mid June and October to enjoy the best weather conditions. And the good news is that these are also the months when you can enjoy the best weather in Zanzibar! It’s almost as if the climate of Tanzania had your best travel interests in mind when it set itself up!

If you want to learn more about the best climbing seasons, check out our Link to

Mountain Kilimanjaro

Now, I have just the thing for you:

Best time to visit Zanzibar + climb Kilimanjaro + go on safari!

If you’re heading all the way to Tanzania, we’d love to whisk you away on an incredible Big Five safari followed by a relaxing Zanzibar adventure! After taking on the challenge of climbing Africa’s tallest mountain, you’ll definitely deserve some time to relax on the beach.

Tanzania has three main attractions: Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti and Zanzibar.

And if you let us handle the planning, we’ll make sure you experience the best of all three, creating memories that will last a lifetime!

 

We would absolutely love for you to have a look at our exciting Kilimanjaro itineraries and varied Tanzanian safari itineraries.

We are sure that they will inspire you to expand your Zanzibar trip.

 

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