Consider the weather in Zanzibar by months, find out when is the best time to go on vacation to Tanzania and what climatic features will await a tourist.
If you want to get into summer in winter, then you are in Zanzibar! Since the island is in another hemisphere, when we have winter, it is real summer there. A beach holiday on the wonder island is possible all year round. But still, there are months that are better to skip and go on an exotic trip a little earlier or later.
Zanzibar Island is located in the Indian Ocean on the other side of the equator. With such an arrangement, it is impossible to unambiguously state the weather by month. And it is difficult to predict for the next week, there can always be surprises.
Many people complain that the weather conditions are incorrect in the guidebooks. Usually they are approximate, the fact that during your vacation it will be exactly as it is written in the book or in the reviews of tourists, it is far from a fact.
But still, there are general criteria for the weather in Zanzibar, when going on a trip it is worth listening to them.
Best time to go to Zanzibar
Our winter and summer are considered the best times to visit the archipelago. Of course, our tourists prefer to travel in winter, because in summer it is warm here too. But Europeans are more fond of resting from June to September. During this period it is a little cooler, the temperature of the air and water is very comfortable. During the day, the air warms up to +26 - +28. There is practically no precipitation, a light refreshing breeze blows from the sea.
When it's winter, it's summer in Zanzibar. It is at this time that our compatriots prefer to rest in warm countries. The thermometer from December to March often rises to +40, but most often around +35. Unlike Europeans, you will not scare us like that, because in the summer in the south of our country it is no less hot.
In December, January and February, it rains very rarely, although sometimes it would be desirable more often. In the sultry heat, the drizzling rain is long-awaited and welcome.
The ocean off the coast of the island during this period is very warm and clean, which contributes to excellent diving and snorkeling.
- Brief cheat sheet:
Immediately, we note that there is no pronounced rainy season in Zanzibar. It rains, but they are short, about 10-15 minutes, then the sun comes out immediately.
The rainiest months - April, May and November.
WINTER
- It is considered a high season for the cost of tours and the number of tourists
- The air warms up to + 30-33 °
- Water + 28-30 °
- Average humidity
- It rarely rains
Advantages of a trip during the winter season:
- cloudless and sunny
- zanzibar african summer
- fruit season is in full swing and high prices for them ⠀
SPRING
- Low season
- The air is warmed up + 28-30 °
- Water + 27-29 °
- Humidity high
- It rains very often but passes quickly
Advantages of the trip:
- fewer tourists
- the cost of rest is several times cheaper, discounts in hotels
- Fruit at this time is juicy and a lot of greens
SUMMER
- Peak season
- Air + 26-29 °
- Water + 25-27 °
- Humidity low
- The rains are very rare
Pros of rest:
- driest season
- no sweltering heat
AUTUMN
- High season
- Air + 28-32 °
- Water + 26-28 °
- Average humidity
- Frequent but short showers (about 10 minutes)
Pros:
- ideal air and water temperature
- start of season mango, passionfruit, pineapple, watermelon
When to go on a sightseeing vacation
But for visiting the sights, the most comfortable months are - June-October.
The weather in Zanzibar in June is great for hiking. The air temperature is about +26 degrees. You can safely walk around the city without fear of sunstroke. And in the evening near the sea, a light jacket will not hurt. The rain rarely drizzles, and is quickly replaced by the sun.
Attention! The main thing to remember is that there is a strong sun on the island at any time of the year. Even if the sky is cloudy, be sure to use sunscreen, and it is better to wear light clothes with sleeves and a cap.
It is dangerous that near the sea because of the breeze, the heat is practically not felt, you want to sunbathe in the sun and swim for hours in the ocean. Most of our tourists fall for it, and for the first time the days burn out. And for the rest of the days they walk in closed clothes and try not to be in the sun.
About insects and mosquitoes
Of course, a trip to Africa raises some concerns. But Zanzibar is a place where a lot of people rest every year, if there was a danger to health, so many tourists did not come.
Malaria mosquitoes that tolerate dangerous whitening are extremely rare on the island. From December to March, there are no mosquitoes at all, they do not like to sunbathe and do not survive in such heat. In the Zanzibar winter - from June to September, they are also rare.
The tsetse fly was bred on the island, so you can not be afraid of its bites.
Still, there are other insects on the island that can sting painfully. They are active even in the dry season. They will not bring significant harm to the body, but unpleasant sensations are guaranteed.
Zanzibar weather: March, April, May
During this period, autumn begins on the island, if in March there is still not much rain, then in April and May it rains quite heavily. It is during these months that it is not recommended to go to the island. Insects, including mosquitoes, are quite active, there is a small chance of picking up malaria.
Zanzibar weather in May although warm +25 +28, yet not conducive to a relaxing beach holiday. Due to precipitation, the water in the sea will be cloudy and cooler than in winter.
In the rainy season, there are also pluses: prices for tours fall significantly, the cost of excursions and meals in restaurants is also low, and there are few vacationers on the beaches. These benefits are often enjoyed by those who cannot stand the heat.
At this time, many tourists go on vacation in order to significantly save money and when booking hotels, many good hotels by the sea make big discounts on accommodation.
September October November
During an autumn trip to Zanzibar Island, the weather can be unpredictable. When we have a cloudy autumn, spring comes on the archipelago. The air temperature rises to +28, although it happens +22... The water temperature in Zanzibar is about +26. In September and October, precipitation is light, but in November it can intensify.
All three months the air is warmed up to approximately the same temperature.
From September to November, residents of the northern part of our planet often come to the island. After all, for them, who are not used to the heat, +40 is painful.
Hotel prices are slightly cheaper than in summer or winter. On the beaches you will feel like on a desert island, there are very few tourists.
When is the best time to go diving and snorkeling?
If you want to explore the underwater world of the Indian Ocean, take a trip in December, January or February. The ocean at this time of the year is calm, the water is clear even at depths. Divers have chosen September and October as well.
But in April and May for such purposes it is not worth going. Rains mess up the water, and you won't get much pleasure.
The Zanzibar summer is also ideal for snorkeling, the water is not only clean, but also warm. You can swim for hours without fear of freezing.
How much does a vacation in Zanzibar cost? For a complete overview of housing prices, meals, air tickets and other aspects of recreation, see a separate review.
Weather in Zanzibar now
Travel tips for Zanzibar
- If you decide to relax in Zanzibar during the coronavirus period, it is worth knowing - they do not require a PCR test for Covid-19 upon arrival.
- You can apply for a visa at the airport (the airport building is small, don't get lost at the exit and you will find a local transfer without any problems). The cost of registration is $ 50 per tourist. Payment is made in cash without change or by bank transfer with Visa and MasterCard. Here you will also have to fill out a migration card and a visa application form. Everything will take about 20 minutes.
- Full registration at the airport with baggage claim takes no more than 40 minutes.
- We advise you to change money at the airport. Banks and hotels are holding the most unfavorable course.We do not recommend changing money on the street - there are many scammers.
- Important! Dollars on the island are accepted not older than 2009!
- You shouldn't take the Euro, here they are equal to the dollar. That is, 1 $ = 1 €, it is not profitable for Russians.
- In restaurants, fruit shops, souvenir shops, cafes - it is profitable to pay with local currency (shillings).
- SIM cards of local operators can be more easily purchased upon arrival at the airport. The cost of a SIM card with a regular tariff is about $ 22 for 10 MB of Internet.
- If you use the services of Fly Dubai, find out if they are fed during the flight, some flights, even long ones, do not have meals. Bring some snacks or extra money to buy food on board with you.
- Find out the reviews of tourists who have already been here and know about all the nuances of a vacation by the sea in Tanzania.
- It is imperative to take a sunscreen with a high degree of protection - at least a factor of 50.
- In addition to sunscreen, lightweight clothing with sleeves is required.
- You will not be able to walk on the beach without sunglasses, the white sand reflects the sun and blinds your eyes, so glasses are required.
- Repellents may or may not be needed. If the trip is planned during the rainy season, then they are required.
- Although the archipelago is hot, a light blouse can come in handy.
- When preparing for your trip to Zanzibar, be responsible for collecting your first aid kit. It must be obligatory: antipyretic, pain relievers, antiseptics, absorbents, drugs for disorders of housing and communal services and poisoning.
- For all the information on the ways to get to Zanzibar and prices for the trip, see a separate review.
