When is the Best Time to Visit Zanzibar? The beautiful island of Zanzibar is visited all year round by travelers looking to experience white, sandy beaches and a vibrant blend of culture and history.
Temperatures tend to stay around a balmy 30 degrees celcius, whether it’s rainy or dry seasons so there is not really a best time to visit Zanzibar.
A rich cultural heritage, superb local cuisine combined with pristine beaches, luxury beaches and a wealth of marine life provide opportunities for both relaxation and exploration. Often combined with a safari trip, Zanzibar is the perfect place to unwind after a thrilling Tanzania wildlife adventure.
When is the Best Time to Visit Zanzibar? – Summary
- Watersports – June – October
- Heavy rainfall – March – June
- Festivals – February/July/September
Things to do in Zanzibar
For a relatively small island as Zanzibar, there are plenty of festivals and events to partake in all year round.
In February each year
Sauti za Busara, one of Africa’s most renowned music festivals, with hundreds of artists performing. Held in the ancient walls of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On this festival expect plenty of color and festivities.
Throughout the month of July
The Zanzibar International Film Festival is another annual event, showcasing the best new documentaries and films from Africa, and even further a filed. It takes place in various landscapes across the island, allowing you to experience much of what Zanzibar has to offer.
September
Jahazi Literary & Jazz Festival and Zanzibar Beach and Watersports Festival are held. The literary and Jazz festival provides a platform for Africa’s most talented writers and musicians. The beach and watersports festival takes advantage of the beautiful beaches and holds sports tournaments, as well as other activities such as music sessions and bartending competitions.
Best Time to Go
June to October – For Watersports
From June to October, the days are long and the rains are almost non-existent leading to endless blue skies and glorious sunshine. Take advantage of the clear skies and indulge in a variety of watersports such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, snorkeling and diving.
January to February – On a winter escape
Lying between the rainy seasons, January and February are also great months to visit Zanzibar Island, making it your perfect destination for a winter getaway.
When to avoid
If you are looking for a beach retreat, it is best to avoid March through to June as these generally see heavy rainfall, with prolonged downpours throughout the day. Many beach lodges close during this time due to the rains, opening up again in June. The other wet season is during the months of November and December, but with much lighter and less predictable showers.
About Zanzibar Island
Zanzibar is a group of Islands off the coast of Tanzania, these beautiful islands paired with their Arabian history make for an excellent safari add-on, or the perfect romantic getaway with your family or someone special. With intriguing architecture in the main town, Stone Town, you will be able to experience a mix of culture and landscape with pristine beaches and crystal clear waters.
Stone Town, on the western side of the island was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 and once you lay your eyes on the town’s faded grandeur, you will understand why. This visible lines and layers of the many cultures and centuries are etched into the profile of this port town, once the Indian Ocean’s most important trading post. The heady scent of spices in its bustling labyrinth of streets make it an incredibly intoxicating place.
Pemba Island located 80 km to the North East of Zanzibar Island, offers you unspoiled nature, dense forest, green valleys and white sandy beaches. Beautiful corals and rich marine life make for excellent scuba diving along mangrove – knotted shores. It is also the world’s main exporter of cloves.
Mafia Island lying just south of Zanzibar is an adventurous destination, it boasts stunning beaches, sublime marine wildlife and the exclusive feeling of complete seclusion. The island is surrounded by a barrier reef teeming with sea life and almost half of its coastline has been designated as protected Marine Park.
In conclusion: The stunning Zanzibar Archipelago is visited all year round. The temperatures tend to stay around 30 degrees Celsius, whether it’s rainy or dry season, so there is not really a best time to visit.