Top cities in Zanzibar
The UNESCO-listed old town: lanes, carved doors, Omani palaces and a night food market by the sea.
The far north, where the tide barely retreats, and the island's best sunsets.
The quiet east coast, with luxury resorts and shallow lagoons.
A famous restaurant on a rock in the sea, reached on foot or by boat depending on the tide.
The sister island to the north, quieter and known for diving and coral reefs.
Weather in Zanzibar City by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 33° | 33° | 33° | 31° | 30° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 30° | 31° | 31° | 32° |
| Low | 25° | 24° | 25° | 25° | 24° | 23° | 22° | 21° | 21° | 22° | 23° | 24° |
| Rain (mm) | 74 | 51 | 177 | 409 | 298 | 52 | 31 | 38 | 37 | 116 | 201 | 168 |
| Month | High | Low | Rain (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 33° | 25° | 74 |
| Feb | 33° | 24° | 51 |
| Mar | 33° | 25° | 177 |
| Apr | 31° | 25° | 409 |
| May | 30° | 24° | 298 |
| Jun | 29° | 23° | 52 |
| Jul | 29° | 22° | 31 |
| Aug | 29° | 21° | 38 |
| Sep | 30° | 21° | 37 |
| Oct | 31° | 22° | 116 |
| Nov | 31° | 23° | 201 |
| Dec | 32° | 24° | 168 |
Source: 1991–2020 normals, in degrees Celsius.
Best time to visit Zanzibar
June to October is the dry and most pleasant season, with days of 29° to 31°.
December to February is hot and sunny, and matches the mid-year school break.
April and May bring the long rains (around 409 mm in April), and some resorts close.
Before you travel
- Buy Zanzibar's compulsory entry insurance (from Zanzibar's state insurer) before travel; it's checked at the airport and is in addition to your own policy.
- Tides are strong on the east coast, so choose the north (Nungwi and Kendwa) if you want to swim all day.
- Zanzibar is mostly Muslim, so dress modestly outside the resorts; halal food is everywhere.
- Bring recent-issue dollar notes, as older ones may be refused.
Hotels in Zanzibar: the best areas to stay
Frequently asked questions
Do Saudis need a visa for Zanzibar?
Yes, a Tanzania visa, online before travel or on arrival, plus Zanzibar's compulsory entry insurance.
Are there direct flights from Saudi Arabia to Zanzibar?
No; fly with a connection via Dubai or Doha.
Is Zanzibar good for a honeymoon?
Yes, with its white beaches and quiet resorts; the best time is June to October.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; entry requirements and flight schedules change. Please check the official requirements before travel. The binding price is the one in your booking confirmation.