Zanzibar looks like a pure beach trip, so people pack swimsuits and not much else. Then they get to Stone Town, where you're expected to cover your shoulders and knees, and find mosquitoes after dark and showers on at least 14 days in every month of the year. Pack modest, light clothes and bug spray before you pack the fourth swimsuit.
Zanzibar weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 31°C88°F | 33°C91°F | 32°C90°F | 28°C82°F | 28°C82°F | 28°C82°F | 28°C82°F | 29°C84°F | 30°C86°F | 30°C86°F | 30°C86°F | 30°C86°F |
| Low | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F | 22°C72°F | 22°C72°F | 21°C70°F | 21°C70°F | 23°C73°F | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F |
| Rain days | 18 | 14 | 20 | 28 | 21 | 19 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 21 | 23 | 26 |
Season by season
Hot season
December–FebruaryThe hottest stretch, with highs of 30°C (86°F) to 33°C (91°F) and nights of 24°C (75°F) to 25°C (77°F). December is still wet with 26 rain days, but February drops to 14. Bring the lightest cotton and linen you own, a hat and serious sun protection.
Wet season
March–MayThe long rains. April is the wettest month with 28 rain days, and March and May aren't far behind at 20 and 21. Highs ease to 28°C (82°F) by April but it stays humid. Some beach hotels close for part of this stretch, so check before you book, and bring a rain shell and quick drying clothes.
Cool season
June–SeptemberOur pick. Highs of 28°C (82°F) to 30°C (86°F), cooler nights of 21°C (70°F) to 22°C (72°F) and fewer rain days, 15 to 19 a month. Bring a light layer for breezy evenings on the beach and on boat trips.
Rainy season
October–NovemberThe short rains, with 21 rain days in October and 23 in November, and highs of 30°C (86°F). It's warm and humid, with showers that come and go. A packable shell and repellent earn their space.
What to bring to Zanzibar
0 of 24 packed- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Zanzibar is warm and wet all year. This lasts up to 12 hours on your skin and won't damage your camera or sunglasses. Decant it if you fly carry-on only.
Made for sitting out at a beach bar or guesthouse terrace after sunset. It sets up a 10 meters (20 feet) zone while you stay put, so keep repellent on your skin when you walk.
- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Zanzibar's sockets are mostly UK-style Type G, which this covers, and five ports means one outlet charges everything. It won't fit the older round pin Type D sockets.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
The wet swimsuit from a dhow trip or a swim at Nungwi goes in here, away from your dry clothes.
Even the driest month here gets 14 rain days. This packs into its own pocket, so take it on every boat trip.
April brings 28 rain days. It's a light, packable women's rain shell that's easy to keep in a day bag. Get it before you fly.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
At 33°C (91°F) in February you'll drink more than you think. This keeps water cold for 24 hours on the beach.
Clothing
- Loose long pants or long skirts · 2Stone Town expects covered knees
- Light long-sleeve shirts · 3Covers shoulders, blocks mosquitoes
- Sarong or scarf · 1Cover up off the beach
- Swimsuit · 2
- Sun hat · 1February averages a 33°C high
Footwear
- Water shoes · 1Coral at low tide on the east coast
- Sandals · 1
Gear
- Sunglasses · 1
- Compact umbrella · 1April brings 28 rain days
Health and toiletries
- Reef-safe mineral sunscreen · 1
- Antimalarials, if prescribedAsk a travel clinic
- After-bite cream · 1
- Hand sanitizer · 1
Documents and money
- Passport
- Visa and travel insuranceCheck entry rules before you fly
- Yellow fever card, if requiredCheck rules for your route
Tech
- Phone charger and cable
What shoes should you pack for Zanzibar?
Stone Town's alleys are narrow, uneven and often wet, so wear sandals with grip or light sneakers. On the east coast at Paje and Jambiani, low tide exposes coral and sea urchins, so bring water shoes. Flip-flops are fine for the sand itself.
What do people wear in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is mostly Muslim, and outside the beach resorts people dress modestly. In Stone Town and the villages, cover your shoulders and knees, and women often carry a light scarf. Swimwear is for the beach and the pool only.
What plugs does Zanzibar use?
Tanzania uses Type D and G plugs at 230V. The UK-style Type G is the most common socket, and an adapter with a UK plug covers it. Older buildings sometimes have round pin Type D sockets, which need a local adapter.
Tours and things to do in Zanzibar
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Zanzibar.
What should you leave at home for Zanzibar?
Leave short shorts and crop tops for the beach, they draw attention in Stone Town. Skip heavy jeans and anything that takes days to dry, because in this humidity nothing dries fast.
Packing for Zanzibar: questions people ask
What should I wear in Zanzibar?
Light, loose cotton or linen that covers your shoulders and knees for Stone Town, and swimwear for the beach. A light scarf helps with both sun and modesty.
When is the rainy season in Zanzibar?
The long rains run March to May, with April the wettest at 28 rain days. The short rains run October and November. Even the driest month gets 14 rain days.
What is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
June to September. Highs are 28°C (82°F) to 30°C (86°F), nights drop to 21°C (70°F) to 22°C (72°F), and rain days fall to 15 to 19 a month.
Do I need mosquito repellent in Zanzibar?
Yes. It's warm and wet all year, so use repellent in the evening and at night, and ask a travel clinic about malaria advice before you go.
Do I need water shoes in Zanzibar?
For the east coast, yes. Low tide at Paje and Jambiani exposes coral and sea urchins.
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