The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the dry season from June to October. This also coincides with safari high season in Tanzania, making the Zanzibar Archipelago a very popular post-safari choice.
However, this tropical island is good to visit at most times of the year, thanks to its regular sunshine and balmy Zanzibar weather.
January to March
This is a great time to visit Zanzibar if you don’t mind the heat and humidity. The days are sunny and hot, and visibility in the water is at its clearest – making it the best time to snorkel and scuba dive in Zanzibar.
The weather in Zanzibar will start to turn from about mid-March as the 'long rains' become more imminent.
June to October
An African beach holiday means sun-drenched shores, palm fringed beaches and glorious sunsets – expect all this and more during the dry season. This is the best time to visit Zanzibar for whiling away long days in the sun and exploring the wonderful sights of the 'spice island'.
When it comes to planning your trip around the Zanzibar weather, it’s important to take note of Tanzania’s two distinct rainy seasons:
1. The 'Short Rains' – November to December
Usually expected to start in November when the temperatures rise, the 'short rains' break the dry mid-year winter. Clouds usually build up during the mornings (which can be rather sunny and humid) and break in spectacular, but generally short-lived showers in the afternoons – giving you enough time to retire to the beach bar or enjoy a massage before returning to your sun lounger.
2. The 'Long Rains' – April to May
The 'long rains', as the name suggests, are far heavier and make the beaches along Tanzania’s Indian Ocean coastline hot and very wet. If you want to enjoy the best weather in Zanzibar, this is not a good time to visit.
Local time is GMT +3, which is used in East Africa in general as well. Same time zone with Eastern Europe.
Zanzibar is laying on the warm Indian Ocean, 6 degrees from the Equator. The climate is reasonable with constant temperature of 21 – 33 Celcius degrees. However, this is subjected to the seasonal northeast monsoon winds, blowing day and night from November to March (the Zanzibar summer). The temperature is then about 26 – 34 Celcius degrees with humidity. The southwest monsoon winds blow from the beginning of June to mid October (the Zanzibar winter). Then the temperature is about 21 – 29 Celcius degrees. The rain season is from April to the end of May, although one should expect shower any time through out the year.
Visitors from most of the countries require visa to enter Zanzibar and Tanzania, and the passport should be valid for six months onwards. Single entry tourist visa can be applied for at Tanzanian embassies, Tanzanian High Commissions and at the Tanzanian borders (airports and in some cases when crossing the border by land).
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous state within Tanzania, so although you don’t need a separate visa to enter, you will need to show your passport on arrival. Visitors flying directly to Zanzibar are able to purchase a visa on arrival at the airport, and don’t forget your yellow fever vaccination certificate.
If you get your visa at the airport, in Zanzibar visa should always be paid with credit cards.
You should take advice from your doctor. Visitors are required to show a yellow fever certificate before entering Zanzibar if they come from yellow fever risk countries. Malaria is not as common in Zanzibar as it is in mainland Tanzania, but prevention medicine is recommended.
Cover up after the sunset and use mosquito repellent on exposed skin. Sleep with a mosquito net or in an insect free room. HIV is a threat! Protection should be used. Drink bottled or well boiled water and make sure the seal is unbroken.
Remember that medical facilities are limited in Zanzibar. Visitors are advised to have comprehensive insurance to cover the unlikely event of serious accident. There are many hopsitlas in Tanzania that accept international insurance cards
The local currency in Zanzibar is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSh). US dollar bank notes are also widely accepted as payment throughout the island. Traveler’s cheques can be exchanged at banks, bureau de change and some hotels.
Clothes should be light, loose, washable and preferably made from natural fabrics, rubber flip-flops or sandals are excellent choice for wondering around the villages and town, but a sturdy pair of walking shoes will normally be needed for sightseeing or walking through the forest. The tropical sun in Zanzibar is very strong, especially in midday. Sunscreen with high SPF and shady hats are preferable. It’s good to also pack sun glasses and flash light (the electricity is not completely reliable).
