Zanzibar
Two rainy seasons, and only one of them should put you off
Zanzibar's calendar is built around two rainy seasons of very different character. The long rains in April and May genuinely disrupt a trip — many smaller hotels simply close. The short rains around November are far milder and often amount to an afternoon shower. Understanding that difference is most of what you need to plan this island well.
June to October — dry, and lined up neatly with the South African winter
The year, season by season
Dry season
June to OctoberThe reliable window. Clear skies, lower humidity and calm seas. It coincides with South African school holidays in July, which is why those weeks behave like a peak.
Short rains
November to DecemberBrief afternoon showers rather than washouts. Rates soften before climbing sharply over Christmas and New Year. Often good value in early November.
Hot season
January to MarchHot and humid with intermittent rain, but largely sunny. Busy over the New Year period, then quieter and more reasonable through February and March.
Long rains
April to MayThe genuine low season. Heavy, sustained rain and many hotel closures. Prices are at their lowest by a wide margin, with the obvious caveat attached.
Where to base yourself
Getting around
The island is small but the roads are slow, and a transfer from the airport to the northern or eastern beaches can take well over an hour. Most visitors pre-arrange transfers through their hotel rather than hiring a car. Stone Town itself is a walking city — its lanes are too narrow for driving.
Compare car hire →Worth knowing
- 01Tides matter more here than at most beach destinations. On the east coast the sea retreats a long way at low tide, which makes swimming impractical for part of each day. The north coast is far less affected.
- 02Zanzibar is semi-autonomous within Tanzania and applies its own entry formalities in addition to Tanzania's. Confirm current requirements well before travelling.
- 03It is a predominantly Muslim island. Beachwear is normal at resorts, but modest dress is expected in Stone Town and villages.
- 04Nonstop flights from Johannesburg exist, but routings via Nairobi, Dar es Salaam or Addis Ababa are often competitive — always price both.
Getting to Zanzibar
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Common questions
What is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
June to October. It is dry, comfortable and aligns with the South African winter, though July and August are correspondingly busy.
Should I avoid Zanzibar in April?
For most trips, yes. April and May are the long rains, when rainfall is heavy and sustained and a number of smaller hotels close for the season.
Which side of the island should I stay on?
The north (Nungwi, Kendwa) if uninterrupted swimming matters, because the east coast tides expose a wide reef flat for part of each day. The east if you want quiet or kitesurfing.