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Best Time to Visit Zanzibar
Relax on the white sandy beaches, sip on a coconut fruit and enjoy your safari adventure
Located on the Indian Ocean, about 15 miles from the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is one of the best African beach safari holiday destinations to visit all year. The island boasts a lot to offer, including excellent food, stunning beaches, culture, and history, you name it. And while the notion of a vacation to this exotic Indian Ocean Island is appealing, determining the best time for a beach holiday in Zanzibar may be difficult. As a visitor, you want to ensure your preferences and expectations match what’s available at any particular moment.
When planning for the best time to visit Zanzibar, many factors will come into play, including your hobbies, where you want to go, and why you’re traveling. There is the best time to visit Zanzibar for beachgoers, foodies, and history fanatics, as well as travelers looking for peace and leisure. The weather and temperature are often the most significant factors for a beach vacation. A person’s finest time may be another person’s worst time to visit Zanzibar.
Zanzibar is generally hot all year, however, given that is it often combined with Tanzania safaris, you will want to avoid Tanzania’s rainy season from March to May if you want to enjoy its stunning beaches and great diving. Travel between June and October for assured, constant sunlight with temperatures of up to 30°C: this is regarded as the best time to visit Zanzibar. Nonetheless, let us look at the best time to visit Zanzibar in detail;
Visiting Zanzibar between December and February (Festive Season)
The period between December and February is one of the best times to visit Zanzibar. During this time, the days are sunny and hot; offering the perfect conditions for diving. Furthermore, this is the festive season in Zanzibar and while it is usual for tariffs to rise throughout the Christmas and New Year holidays, this season might vary based on the resort that you stay in. Most hotels in Zanzibar offer their high or festive rates during this period from roughly mid-December to early January. Some may even emphasize that their special deals are not valid. It’s also worth noting that some properties have a minimum night stay, such as 5 nights. However, Christmas season is a popular time to visit Zanzibar, especially with many hotels offering special meals, local entertainment, or romantic festivities.
Visiting Zanzibar between March and May
The period of March to May marks the long rainy season in Zanzibar. The rainy season starts mid-March and is characterized by heavier downpours than any time of the year. The weather at this time is very wet at the beaches, making it the worst time to visit. As a result, most hotels on Zanzibar Island are closed for these two months, as they utilize the time to finish any restoration work on the hotel or provide training for full-time personnel.
Visiting Zanzibar between June and October
The season of June through October is considered the most popular time for visiting Zanzibar. This is the perfect time for you to have the dream African beach safari amidst sun-drenched and palm-fringed beaches, under magnificent sunsets. The weather is pleasant and consistent, with bright sunshine shimmering on the Indian Ocean. As many tourists visit Zanzibar during these months, many hotels and resorts offer special deals to stay competitive on the island. These might range from long-stay discounts and free nights’ lodging to complimentary lobster feasts on the beach for honeymooners. If you are considering a vacation to Zanzibar from June to October, we strongly advise you to book early to ensure that your preferred resort is available.
Visiting Zanzibar in November
The ‘short rains’ are often predicted to begin from late October through November as temperatures increase, breaking the dry mid-year winter. During this time, clouds often form in the mornings and they may be rather bright and humid; breaking out in spectacular, but relatively brief, showers in the afternoons. This allows you ample time to head to the beach bar, have a massage, or enjoy a yoga session. This season, however, is often calmer than the June to October period, so there is a wider range of accommodation options and special deals.
