Zanzibar City, Tanzania Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Zanzibar City
Zanzibar City has a tropical wet-and-dry climate, marked by year-round warmth split between a rainy season and a pronounced dry season. Average daytime highs range from about 82°F (28°C) in July to around 89°F (32°C) in February, and the city records roughly 209 days of measurable precipitation a year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: February - highs near 89°F (32°C)
- Coldest month: July - highs near 82°F (28°C)
- Record high: 98°F (36°C) · Record low: 65°F (18°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: April (27 rainy days) · Sunniest: December (11.5 h sun/day)
- Climate type: tropical wet-and-dry - year-round warmth split between a rainy season and a pronounced dry season
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on February. Highs average 89°F (32°C) and overnight lows stay near 78°F (26°C). The coolest month is July, with typical highs of 82°F (28°C) and lows around 72°F (22°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 98°F (36°C) and dropped as low as 65°F (18°C).
Rain, sun and snow
April is usually the wettest month. It brings about 14.3 inches (363 mm) of rain over 27 days, while August is the driest. December brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.5 hours of sun a day.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 88° | 78° | 14 | 3.0 in | 11.1 h/day | 77% |
| February | 89° | 78° | 11 | 1.9 in | 11.1 h/day | 75% |
| March | 89° | 77° | 19 | 4.7 in | 10.4 h/day | 78% |
| April | 84° | 76° | 27 | 14.3 in | 8.4 h/day | 87% |
| May | 82° | 75° | 20 | 7.0 in | 9.7 h/day | 84% |
| June | 82° | 73° | 15 | 2.1 in | 10.5 h/day | 79% |
| July | 82° | 72° | 15 | 1.7 in | 10.7 h/day | 78% |
| August | 83° | 71° | 14 | 1.4 in | 10.9 h/day | 76% |
| September | 85° | 71° | 14 | 1.5 in | 11.3 h/day | 76% |
| October | 86° | 73° | 15 | 3.5 in | 11.4 h/day | 77% |
| November | 86° | 75° | 23 | 6.3 in | 11.3 h/day | 82% |
| December | 86° | 77° | 23 | 5.1 in | 11.5 h/day | 81% |
Zanzibar City month by month
Zanzibar City weather in January
January brings highs around 88°F (31°C), lows near 78°F (26°C), about 14 wet days.
Zanzibar City weather in February
February brings highs around 89°F (32°C), lows near 78°F (26°C), about 11 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Zanzibar City.
Zanzibar City weather in March
March brings highs around 89°F (32°C), lows near 77°F (25°C), about 19 wet days.
Zanzibar City weather in April
April brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 76°F (24°C), about 27 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Zanzibar City.
Zanzibar City weather in May
May brings highs around 82°F (28°C), lows near 75°F (24°C), about 20 wet days.
Zanzibar City weather in June
June brings highs around 82°F (28°C), lows near 73°F (23°C), about 15 wet days.
Zanzibar City weather in July
July brings highs around 82°F (28°C), lows near 72°F (22°C), about 15 wet days - typically the coldest month of the year in Zanzibar City.
Zanzibar City weather in August
August brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 71°F (22°C), about 14 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Zanzibar City.
Zanzibar City weather in September
September brings highs around 85°F (30°C), lows near 71°F (22°C), about 14 wet days.
Zanzibar City weather in October
October brings highs around 86°F (30°C), lows near 73°F (23°C), about 15 wet days.
Zanzibar City weather in November
November brings highs around 86°F (30°C), lows near 75°F (24°C), about 23 wet days.
Zanzibar City weather in December
December brings highs around 86°F (30°C), lows near 77°F (25°C), about 23 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Zanzibar City.
Seasons in Zanzibar City
September through November
September through November in Zanzibar City runs hot, with daytime highs averaging 86°F (30°C) and nights around 73°F (23°C); expect showers on roughly 52 days across the season. With the humidity factored in, afternoons often feel hotter than the thermometer reads - run the numbers through the humidity and dew point converter to see why.
December through February
December through February in Zanzibar City runs hot, with daytime highs averaging 88°F (31°C) and nights around 77°F (25°C); expect showers on roughly 48 days across the season.
March through May
March through May in Zanzibar City brings hot afternoons, with daytime highs averaging 85°F (29°C) and nights around 76°F (24°C); expect showers on roughly 66 days across the season.
June through August
June through August in Zanzibar City is hot, with daytime highs averaging 82°F (28°C) and nights around 72°F (22°C); expect showers on roughly 43 days across the season.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Zanzibar City?
Is Zanzibar City hot in summer?
Is Zanzibar City cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Zanzibar City get in a year?
Best time to visit Zanzibar City
The best time to visit Zanzibar City is generally June to August and February, when these months combine the driest skies with the most comfortable heat. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 84°F (29°C).
Pack for Zanzibar City with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature; moisture-wicking fabrics to cope with the humidity. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - February nights average 78°F (26°C).
Zanzibar City temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.