What is the Best Time to Visit Zanzibar?

Visiting Zanzibar is always a fantastic experience no matter when you go, yet there is a “best time” to try and visit to make sure you can get the most out of your stay. Zanzibar is situated off the coast of Tanzania, in the Indian ocean and its tropical climate means that most times of year it has something to offer – though different times are best for different activities.

Tip One: Get optimal weather

The rainy season on Zanzibar is generally April to October, and the hottest months are February and March. June to August is usually an especially good time to visit as temperatures usually stay around 25-30 degrees Celsius, and sun and blue skies are pretty well guaranteed.

Tip Two: Enjoy stunning beaches

The stunning beaches that Zanzibar is known for are at their best from June-October as the warm waters mean you can swim for longer and get more out of your beach days. Sunbathing is particularly enjoyable at this time as the sun is strong enough to bronzen your skin without feeling overly hot.

Tip Three: Go swimming with dolphins

Swimming with dolphins is certainly a bucket-list experience, and July-September is the best time to do so on Zanzibar. This is when the dolphins are most active and you’ll have the best chance of encountering them in the wild.

Tip Four: Get competitive with kitesurfing

Kitesurfing is huge on Zanzibar, and though you can do it year-round, it’s generally better from November-May when there’s more wind and milder temperatures. It’s also worth noting that at this time, tourist numbers tend to be lower, so it’s a bit easier to find a secluded beach location.

Tip Five: Keep an eye out for special events

Though there’s always something amazing to do on Zanzibar, you can get an extra special experience if you visit during events like the Zanzibar international Film Festival in July, or at Easter with its sprawling selection of football tournaments.

At the end of the day, there’s no absolutely no wrong time to visit Zanzibar – but with thoughtful planning, you can make sure that your holiday is as good as it can possibly be. From April to October, the temperature might be a bit too hot, but if you come for stunning beaches then June-October will certainly be the best choice for you. Kitesurfers can find great wind from November-May and those looking for wildlife experiences should plan their trip around July-September. If there is a special event that you might want to catch, then make sure to check out the local calendar beforehand. With hospitality as great as Zanzibar’s, you simply can’t go wrong!
If you want more detailed information about tourism in Zanzibar, you can read about Zanzibar attractions on the website of the Tanzania Tourist Board.

An Insider’s Guide to Zanzibar: When is the Best Time to Visit?

Zanzibar is a breathtaking archipelago located in the Indian Ocean. A former trading point for spices, slaves, and ivory, Zanzibar has a rich historical and cultural background. Now, the island is renowned for its idyllic beaches, spices, and cultural heritage. The best time to visit, however, can vary depending on what each traveler’s preferences are. Here’s an insider’s guide to Zanzibar that covers everything you need to know about the best time to visit, must-see attractions, cultural experiences, and where to eat.

Best Time to Visit Zanzibar

The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the dry season between July and October. During this period, the weather is warm and dry compared to the rainy season from March to May. If you love the romance of the monsoon seasons, November to December, and February to June, can be a great time to visit as well.

The lush greenery thrives during the monsoon, and the beaches are quieter, meaning you can have the shore all to yourself. If you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll find that it is cheaper to travel to Zanzibar during the rainy season. It is essential to note, however, that some tourist sites may be closed during this period, and the humidity levels might be high.

Top Attractions in Zanzibar

1. Stone Town: This UNESCO World Heritage site is the heart of the island’s culture and history. Wandering through the narrow alleys of Stone Town, you’ll come across age-old buildings, shop-lined streets, and museums that showcase the island’s past.

2. Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park: This protected park is full of natural beauty and unique wildlife. You can spot rare red colobus monkeys, Sykes’ monkeys, bushbabies, and various bird species.

3. Spice Tour: The Spice Tour takes you on a journey through various spice farms. You can sample a variety of exotic spices, learn about their medicine uses, and understand how they are grown and harvested.

4. Prison Island: Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Stone Town, this island is home to a ruined prison and giant land tortoises that live up to 200 years old.

Cultural Experiences in Zanzibar

1. Zanzibar Butterfly Centre: The Zanzibar Butterfly Center is home to a vast collection of tropical butterflies and moths. This is the perfect place to learn about the lifecycle of butterflies and appreciate the beauty of these insects.

2. Mnemba Island: This eco-tourism hotspot is home to a variety of marine life and is known for its sustainable practices in the fishing industry.

3. Kizimkazi Village: Visit the village to witness dolphins, and even swim with them, in the nearby waters.

Where to Eat in Zanzibar

1. The Rock Restaurant: This iconic restaurant is located in the village of Pingwe and is built on a large rock in the ocean. The food is delicious and the views are breathtaking.

2. Lukmaan Restaurant: This restaurant is located in Stone Town and serves a variety of authentic Zanzibari cuisine at incredibly affordable prices.

3. Forodhani Night Market: Visit this street food market in Stone Town for traditional dishes like shawarma, samosas, grilled seafood, and sugarcane juice.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

1. Visit Pemba Island: Pemba Island is a lesser-known island located off the coast of Zanzibar. The island is known for its scuba diving opportunities and the underwater room at the Manta Resort.

2. Visit other small islands: Take a day trip and explore Chumbe Island, Mnemba Island, and Tumbatu Island, which are lesser-known than other islands in Zanzibar but offer amazing beach experiences.

3. Take a Dhow Cruise: Experience the traditional method of transport in Zanzibar, the Dhow boat. The boat ride will take you to fishing villages and marine parks, and give you a unique perspective on island life.

Conclusion

When to visit Zanzibar depends on each individual’s preferences, but the beauty remains the same. The island offers a vast selection of experiences for its visitors, from being immersed in cultural experiences and trying authentic Zanzibari cuisine to spending days lounging on the sandy beaches. Follow this insider’s guide to Zanzibar, and you’re sure to discover the magic of this breathtaking archipelago.