Best Time to Visit Zanzibar (Stone Town + beaches)

When to visit Zanzibar (Stone Town + beaches)

June–October is the dry cool season — 25–28°C, low humidity, best diving + kite-surfing in Paje (Kaskazi winds). December–February is dry hot — 28–33°C, holiday premium prices. March–May is long rains — many resorts close, cheapest rates otherwise. November is short rains — brief showers, still good value.

What each season changes

Zanzibar is the perfect beach cap to a Serengeti safari or Morocco desert trip — UNESCO Swahili-Omani heritage + reef-fringed east coast + world-class kite-surf at Paje in one archipelago.

Season and price

Hotel rates in Zanzibar (Stone Town + beaches) follow demand more closely than weather. Shifting your dates by a week either side of a peak period often moves the nightly rate more than switching hotel category — check live prices for both before committing.

Seasonal planning tips

• Cover shoulders + knees in Stone Town + villages — Zanzibar is 99% Muslim; bikinis on beach only.

• Cash US$ for tips + small vendors; ATMs in Stone Town + Nungwi only.

• Avoid seafood on land after long midday sun — stick to reputable resort kitchens.