Best Time to Visit Zanzibar
Month-by-month guide for Zanzibar, Tanzania — when to go for best weather, when to save money, and which months to skip. Updated 2026.
Zanzibar by month
Best Good Quiet Avoid
Which season should you pick?
Dry season Dec–Mar is peak — warm, low rain, best hotel and flight demand. May–Oct is the rainy season with afternoon storms; prices drop 30–50%.
Peak season
Dec–Mar
Best weather. Highest prices — book flights + hotels 3+ months out.
Shoulder — best value
Apr, Nov
Weather still good, prices drop 20–40%. Sweet spot for budget travellers.
Avoid
May–Oct (rainy season)
Only worth it if you have specific reason — deep discounts, but weather works against you.
Search flights for your dates
Once you've picked a month, compare flight prices across airlines. Prices for Zanzibar (ZNZ) shift 20–40% between peak and shoulder months.
Book a hotel in Zanzibar
Dec–Mar rooms sell out first at the best hotels. If you're travelling peak, book 60+ days out. Shoulder-season rooms rarely need more than 30 days lead.
Local tip
ZNZ is 6km from Stone Town — taxis USD 15-25 (negotiate, no meter), Daladala minibus TZS 500. For 4-hour layovers: Stone Town walk + Forodhani night market. For 12+ hours: add a Spice Tour. Bring USD cash — ATMs unreliable.