Zanzibar Weather and Climate

Being situated 6° south of the Equator just off the Indian Ocean coast of East Africa means the islands of Zanzibar enjoy a warm equatorial climate with reasonably constant daytime temperatures of 26°C. However, they are subjected to the seasonal monsoons and it is important to know when these are and plan accordingly.

At a glance:
· Equatorial climate with heavy rainfall from March to end May.
· November to March is generally the hot and humid time of the year with
..temperatures often above 30°C. Rainfall is limited to short bursts.
· April to June is the monsoon period characterised by torrential rainfall.
· July to October is probably the most pleasant time to visit Zanzibar.
..The temperatures average 25°C and there is little rainfall.

Monsoons:
· The northeast monsoon winds blow from anytime in November to March.
· The southwest monsoon winds blow from June to October.

Seasons:
The monsoons and the rainfall determine the seasons on the Zanzibar Islands. There is very little variation in temperature which might otherwise define the typical winter and summer. Temperatures on the islands vary between 26°C and 28°C with Pemba being slightly cooler and often wetter than Zanzibar Island.

Temperatures:
· Summer - Average temperature on Zanzibar Island is about 28°C. The hottest months are from December to March.
· Winter - Average temperature on Zanzibar Island is about 25°C.
· Cooling sea breezes and trade winds relieve the humidity on the coastal areas throughout the year.

Rainfall:
The main rains fall anytime from mid-March through to the end of May each year. There is a second much shorter rainy season in November.