Best time to visit Zanzibar

Best time to visit Zanzibar

Best time to visit Zanzibar : Zanzibar is a classic tropical vacation gateway offering some of the memorable beach safaris in the world, Zanzibar is an archipelago set in the Indian Ocean made up of larger islands of Pemba and Unguja (also called Zanzibar Island), the island a UNESCO World Heritage Site also known as the Spice Island due to the delicious variety of species grown on the island’s many plantations.

Zanzibar attracts a huge population of visitors from all over the world for various reasons, one of the being beach vacation safari. The island is rich with marine diversity and breathtaking sceries which are you are to watch during your visit, however to fully enjoy the island you have to be mind of the time of the year you visit the island. Good news is, this article takes you through the different months/period of the year which will help you decided on the best time to visit Zanzibar basing on your interests/activities to do.

THE CLIMATE GUIDE OF ZANZIBAR ARCHIPELAGO

As you are planning your trip to Zanzibar, one of the factors to put into account is the weather and climatic conditions in Zanzibar, Zanzibar experiences two seasons that is rain season and dry season.

The Rainy Season in Zanzibar

Short Rains (November to December)

The short rains season in Zanzibar starts in November when the temperatures rise breaking the dry mid-year winter season and lasts upto December, in this season the clouds usually build up during the morning which is often sunny and humid. In the afternoons short-lived showers are received thus giving enough time for travelers to retire on the beach, at a bar and sip a cold drink or a massage before making your way back to the sun lounger

Long Rains (April to May)

Long rains season in Zanzibar starts in April and lasts to May, this season is characterized with heavy rains which makes beaches along the Tanzania Indian Ocean coastline hot and very wet, the long rains season is not recommended as a good time to visit Zanzibar.

The Dry season in Zanzibar

CLIMATE GUIDE OF THE MAJOR AREAS OF ZANZIBAR ARCHIPELAGO

CHUMBE PRIVATE ISLAND

PEMBA ISLAND

ZANZIBAR ISLAND

GUIDE TO TRAVELLING TO ZANZIBAR ARCHIPELAGO – Month-by-Month

January – February

The period from January to February is a great time to visit Zanzibar Archipelago, this is attributed to the hot and sunny days, and the sea is at its clearest level making this period of the year a perfect time for diving and snorkeling. Because the sea is at its clearest, divers and snorkelers get magnificent views of underworld and the marine life in the waters of the Indian Ocean.

March

In March, the weather conditions on Zanzibar Archipelago turns into the long rains seasons with rain showers becoming more frequent, in the middle of march on wards it becomes very wet.

Note: From January – March, Zanzibar Archipelago receives high humidity, however it cannot stop you from having a great experience.

April – May

The period of April – May, long rains are experienced making beaches along the Indian Ocean coastline hot and very wet. Because of the long rains, this period is not a good time to travel to Zanzibar.

June – September

By June, the long rains have finished for the most part of Zanzibar however some light showers are expected. The sunshine experienced in June – September makes this period a beautiful time to visit Zanzibar, this period is perfect for lounging on the beaches of Zanzibar and exploring the Stone Town.

October

In the month of October, mercury slowly starts to rise and a few more showers are possible however they are normally interspersed with sunny spells and should not affect your visit and stay in Zanzibar.

Note

The period of June to October is the perfect time of the year to travel to Zanzibar to enjoy An African beach holiday, this period is a dry season in Zanzibar so expect sun-drenched shores, palm fringed beaches and glorious sunsets. This time of the year is the best time to visit Zanzibar to enjoy long days in the sun and exploring the Stone Town and the Spice Island.

November to December

In November the short rains are starting and the temperature is hotter, usually the showers are short-lived which allows travelers to have a beautiful retreat at the bar, rejuvenating massage and a walk in the white sands of Zanzibar beaches when the sun returns.

 What is the best time to visit Zanzibar?

The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the dry season that is from June to October, this time of the year also coincides with safari in high season in Tanzania thus making the Zanzibar Archipelago a very popular post-safari choice for relaxation and a beach safari experience.

However, Zanzibar Archipelago is a tropical island and is good to visit all year round (it can be visited most times of the year). This is attributed to its regular sunshine and balmy weather with temperatures between 28°C and 34°C and sunshine the norm.

When is the Best Time to do Scuba Diving in Zanzibar?

Scuba diving is one of the most thrilling activities to do during your visit to Zanzibar, the best diving season in Zanzibar is between the period of January – March and July – September. Regardless of the period you chose to do scuba diving in Zanzibar, you will have a great experience.

• July – September is the popular time to travel to Zanzibar
• Diving off the North Coast of Zanzibar Island is good between June and October
• Diving off the South Coast of Zanzibar is good between November and March

Note

During the short rains in November and December the downpours are followed by blue skies, Zanzibar is only wet during the peak of the long rains received in April and May.