Climate Overview
The climate in Zanzibar is hot. The average annual temperature is 27°C and approximately 1278mm of precipitation falls per year. Zanzibar receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Zanzibar sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.
Temperature
Zanzibar has relatively stable temperatures year-round, staying within a 7°C range. The warmest month is March, when average highs reach 30°C and the mean temperature sits around 28°C. August is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 23°C and an average of 25°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 3°C between highs and lows.
Precipitation
Zanzibar is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 1278mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 107mm per month. The wettest month is April, averaging 322mm of rainfall. May and March also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is July, with just 34mm. That's 287mm less than April, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.
Wind
Zanzibar is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 4km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is January, averaging 5km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in March, with average winds dropping to 3km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 2km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months.
Seasons
93 days until Spring
It is currently winter in Zanzibar, which began on June 21, 2026. Zanzibar sits near the equator, so the traditional four-season cycle is less pronounced — temperatures remain relatively stable year-round. The warmest period peaks in March at around 30°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in August near 23°C. Spring is next, beginning on September 23, 2026 — 93 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from 24 to 29°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 251mm for the season, averaging 84mm per month. Winds are generally light, averaging 3km/h. An umbrella or waterproof jacket is advisable as spring showers are frequent.
Summer
Temperatures range from 26 to 30°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 223mm for the season, averaging 74mm per month. Winds are generally light, averaging 4km/h. Light, breathable clothing is ideal — perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 25 to 30°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 686mm across the season with a monthly average of 229mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 4km/h. A waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear are recommended as rain becomes more frequent.
Winter
Temperatures range from 23 to 28°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 119mm over the season and a monthly average of 40mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 5km/h. A light jacket or sweater is usually sufficient, though cooler evenings may call for an extra layer.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Zanzibar based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.
