When is The Worst Time to Visit Zanzibar?
When you hear Zanzibar, you think crystal-clear waters, large coral reef colonies, white sand beaches, and beautiful spice farms. Sounds like a perfect escape.
While Zanzibar is fun all year round, some periods are less inviting for tourism than others.
Ask anyone, and they'll tell you that the worst time to visit Zanzibar is during the rainy season. The infamous monsoon months. From April to May, Zanzibar experiences heavy rainfall, making it seem like the skies are having a grand water balloon fight.
It's not exactly what you imagine when picturing a tropical paradise.
But from experience as a resident and a travel guide, there are worse times to visit Zanziba –periods that most tourists are unaware of. I’ll share that with you in this post.
The Not-So-Secret "Worst" Time to Visit Zanzibar
People will tell you that the long rainy season (April-May) is the absolute worst time to visit Zanzibar. And they're not completely wrong.
Imagine this:
Heavy downpours: Think buckets of water falling from the sky, making it hard to enjoy anything outdoors.
Rough seas: Forget about diving or snorkeling – the ocean turns into a choppy mess.
Flooding: Streets transform into rivers, and getting around becomes an adventure.
Limited activities: Many restaurants and shops close up, leaving you with fewer options
How bad is rainy season in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar has two main seasons – dry and rainy.
The rainy season usually hits from April to May, and then again from November to December. Now, nobody likes a wet vacation, right?
During these months, the archipelago transforms into a waterlogged wonderland, with muddy roads and a higher chance of encountering mosquitoes.
The once-clear waters become a bit murky, playing hide-and-seek with the vibrant marine life that usually attracts divers from all over.
So, long rains = bad, right? Well, not exactly.
While the rainy season is definitely not ideal for diving or beach time or other fun activities in Zanzibar, there are upsides to visiting during this time:
Less crowded: You'll have the island to yourself!
Cheaper prices: Resorts and hotels and flights offer lower rates during the off-season.
Lush greenery: The rain nourishes the land, making everything lush and vibrant.
Unique experience: Witnessing the power and beauty of the rainy season can be quite special.
Visit the map of Zanzibar to pick a great spot for your vacation.
The real “Worst” time to visit Zanzibar (Most People Don't Know About)
After over 40 decades running East Africa’s safest dive center in Pemba Island, Zanzibar, I can guarantee that what most people consider to be the worst time to visit Zanzibar is not quite it.
Many tourists discover here, that Ramadan might be the worst time to visit Zanzibar. Now, there are lots of ways to really enjoy Zanzibar during the Ramadan. In fact, This is one of the pillars of Zanzibar’s culture that you might want to catch.
But, many tourists I’ve worked with had hard times during this period, because of the changes in lifestyle. Have that in mind when you plan your trip to Zanzibar.
As Ramadan moves around during the year with the lunar calendar, it can appear during high season (the dryer, cooler season) as well as low season (rainy season).
90% of the near 1.3 million people in Zanzibar are muslim and will be fasting during this period.
Ramadan can actually be an even worse time to visit Zanzibar than the rainy season, especially if you're looking for a typical beach vacation.
Here's why:
Fasting: During Ramadan, many eateries on the main roadways close from sunrise to sunset either because the proprietors are fasting or as a courtesy to those who are fasting. However, resorts by the beach remain open and continue to serve food all round.
Quiet atmosphere:
The lively Zanzibar nightlife comes to a standstill during Ramadan.
Poor customer services:
Those who have been fasting for the majority of the day will always move a little more slowly, receptionists and customer service personnel will struggle to keep up the smiles.
Plus, in Zanzibar, the heat never goes away, and going an entire day without food or water is no easy feat. So don’t expect the best service.
Cultural restrictions:
Tourists are expected to be respectful of local customs and traditions, which may limit certain activities. Throughout the year, Zanzibar is a rather conservative location, so it's advisable to respect the local way of life by wearing modestly.
This is especially crucial during Ramadan. Women should cover their shoulders with blouses and knee-length skirts, or they can cover their shoulders with a scarf.
So, if you're looking for a fun-filled, carefree vacation, Ramadan might not be the best time to visit.
What is off season in Zanzibar?
Everyone knows about the rainy season, but there's this quiet, sneaky period, usually from mid-March to may and then again from mid-November to early December, when the crowds disappear. Not a great time to visit Tanzania.
During the off-season, some places shut down. While you escape the hustle and bustle, you might encounter some facilities closed for renovations or maintenance.
Imagine arriving all excited, only to find your favorite beach shack closed, and your Instagram-worthy spot is under construction. Talk about a vacation buzzkill!
Which month is best for Zanzibar?
Now, which month is the best to visit Zanzibar? Drumroll, please! The sweet spot is from June to October.
That's when Tanzania’s weather is drier than a desert and the sea is as calm as your grandma's knitting circle.
The sun is out, the beaches are pristine, and you can enjoy Zanzibar's underwater wonders without worrying about raindrops photobombing your snorkeling selfies. The top site for diving & snorkeling is Pemba Island.
Catch the tail end of the northeastern trade winds, making the conditions for your scuba diving in Africa top-notch.
The water is clear, and the marine life is out in full force, ready to show off for your underwater camera. It's like being in a real-life episode of Blue Planet, minus David Attenborough narrating your every move.
Plus, this is when the European summer is in full swing. So, while your friends back home are sweating buckets, you'll be chilling on the shores of islands in Zanzibar, enjoying the perfect blend of sunshine and ocean breeze.
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, if you want to make the most of your Zanzibar experience, steer clear of the rainy season, the sneaky off-season and perhaps Google Ramadan.
Aim for those golden months from June to October, and you'll be diving into a tropical paradise that will leave you with memories as bright as the Zanzibar sunsets.
Diving in Zanzibar during the dry season...
"We scheduled 6 dives over 3 days. The diving was so good we stayed and dove an extra day. I am a divemaster, and my friends with me dove their 100th dive here. We have been diving in many parts of the world. Diving Pemba was superb. The dive company was excellent. I recommend it highly. Really pleased we chose to dive at Pemba, and especially pleased we dove with Swahili Divers."
Suzan (@Eriespirit), Kandy District, Sri Lanka
