Zanzibar

Overview

The Spice Island is quite different from the rest of the country. Traditionally more oriented toward the Arabian Peninsula than the heart of Africa, 98% Muslim, and rich in a history, culture, and architecture distinct from the continent, this is a world apart. There are no safaris here—instead, you can enjoy the beaches of this archipelago...

The Zanzibar Archipelago consists of three main islands: Unguja (also called Zanzibar—like its capital), Pemba, and Mafia, as well as several smaller islands.

Main towns

Tourist attractions

Towns and their heritage

Beaches and coastline

Nature and activities

Climate

Zanzibar and its islands enjoy a hot, humid equatorial climate year-round, which sea breezes struggle to moderate. Rainfall occurs occasionally in November–December (the "short rainy season") and especially from March to May (the "long rainy season"), with much heavier and more persistent showers. This is also when temperatures are at their highest.

Best time to visit Zanzibar

	Jan.	Feb.	Mar.	Apr.	May	Jun.	Jul.	Aug.	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
Coast and islands climate

: very favorable | : favorable | : moderately favorable | : unfavorable.

Sea temperature throughout the year

	Jan.	Feb.	Mar.	Apr.	May	Jun.	Jul.	Aug.	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
Zanzibar	27	27	28	28	27	25	24	25	26	27	27	27