Guide
Zanzibar enjoys a warm tropical climate all year round: there is never a bad season for the pool. Still, sunshine, sea conditions and crowds shift from one month to the next. Here is how to pick the best time for your stay, whether you are after pure relaxation or plenty of excursions.
Temperatures range from 26 to 32 °C depending on the month, with sea temperatures around 26 to 29 °C. The island has two dry seasons and two rainy seasons, shaped by the monsoon patterns of the Indian Ocean.
In practice, the sun often breaks through even during the rains; what really changes is the frequency and intensity of the showers.
The long dry season, from June to October, is the most settled period: clear skies, transparent water and slightly less humid air. This is the high season, ideal for combining beach time with excursions.
The short dry season, from December to February, is hot and sunny and hugely popular over the festive period and the European winter. The water is clear and perfect for snorkelling.
The long rains, from March to May, bring more frequent and sometimes heavy showers; some places close, but the island is lush and quiet, with gentler prices.
The short rains in November stay brief and intermittent: plenty of sunny windows remain. In a villa with a private pool, a late-afternoon tropical shower does nothing to spoil a stay.
Frequently asked questions
Check the villa's availability and choose your dates according to the season that suits you best.
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