Your Monthly Guide: When to Go & What to Expect

Zanzibar is a year-round destination, but each month brings its own magic. Whether you're chasing the sun, looking to avoid the crowds, or hoping to spot dolphins or blooming tropical flowers, this month-by-month guide will help you plan the perfect stay. On the island, the sun usually rises around 6:15 AM and sets around 6:30 PM, offering nearly equal hours of daylight all year long.

January

• Climate & Temperature: Hot and sunny, with average temps around 30–32°C. Occasional showers.

• Fauna: Good time to see dolphins near Kizimkazi. Birdwatching is excellent.

• Flora: Lush greenery remains after short rains. Lots of hibiscus and bougainvillea in bloom.

• Fruits: Abundant mangoes, jackfruits, and passion fruits.

• Animals: Dolphins, sea turtles visible, especially in protected areas.

• Tourist Season: High season – many visitors escaping winter in Europe.

February

• Climate & Temperature: Very warm, sunny, and dry. A great beach month. Average temperatures: 29–33°C.

• Fauna: Butterflies, dolphins, and monkeys can be spotted inland.

• Flora: Very green; flowers still blooming.

• Fruits: Watermelons, papayas, mangoes.

• Animals: Sea turtles may be seen in marine parks.

• Tourist Season: Peak season – popular for honeymoons and beach holidays.

March

• Climate & Temperature: Still hot, humidity rises. Some pre-rain showers. Average temperatures: 28–31°C.

• Fauna: Good time for observing marine life before the rains stir the water.

• Flora: Blooming frangipanis and local herbs.

• Fruits: Late mango season, bananas, coconuts.

• Animals: Dolphins still frequent. Turtles less active.

• Tourist Season: Medium – fewer crowds, but still sunny.

April

• Climate & Temperature: Start of the long rains. Heavy showers, often at night. Average temperatures: 27–30°C.

• Fauna: Lush for birdwatching, but fewer marine activities due to visibility.

• Flora: Jungle-like vegetation, bright flowers appear.

• Fruits: Soursop, oranges, bananas.

• Animals: Less wildlife spotting due to rain.

• Tourist Season: Low season – very quiet, ideal for peace and deals.

May

• Climate & Temperature: Rain continues but starts to ease late in the month. Average temperatures: 26–29°C.

• Fauna: Some animals return as weather stabilizes.

• Flora: Zanzibar is at its greenest and most vibrant.

• Fruits: Start of lychee and pineapple season.

• Animals: Inland wildlife becomes more visible.

• Tourist Season: Still low season, but slowly picking up.

June

• Climate & Temperature: Dry, cooler (27–29°C), with fresh ocean breezes.

• Fauna: Great for dolphins again. Ideal time for diving.

• Flora: Coastal flowers bloom, especially plumeria.

• Fruits: Peak for pineapple, papaya, and lychee.

• Animals: Return of sea turtles to nesting zones.

• Tourist Season: Start of high season, especially end of the month.

July

• Climate & Temperature: Very pleasant, dry, and breezy. Average temperatures: 24–27°C.

• Fauna: Turtles nesting, dolphins common, butterflies everywhere.

• Flora: Dry season vegetation – less lush but beautiful flowers persist.

• Fruits: Avocados, bananas, papayas.

• Animals: Sea turtle nesting season, monkeys active inland.

• Tourist Season: High season – school holidays in Europe.

August

• Climate & Temperature: Clear skies, cool evenings. Average temperatures: 24–27°C.

• Fauna: Great for dolphin tours and turtle spotting.

• Flora: Slightly drier, yet colorful.

• Fruits: Passion fruits, oranges, avocados.

• Animals: Whale sightings possible in the deeper channels.

• Tourist Season: Still peak season.

September

• Climate & Temperature: Warm and calm. The sea is ideal for swimming/snorkeling. Average temperatures: 25–28°C.

• Fauna: Excellent snorkeling visibility, dolphins, and turtles.

• Flora: Green starts to return slowly.

• Fruits: Papayas, coconuts, and bananas.

• Animals: Marine life thriving, inland wildlife visible.

• Tourist Season: Mid to high – calmer than August.

October

• Climate & Temperature: Warming up. Some short rains late in the month. Average temperatures: 27–31°C.

• Fauna: Good month for spotting chameleons and exotic birds.

• Flora: Tropical blooms start again.

• Fruits: Pineapple, mango season starts again.

• Animals: Baby turtles may be seen in hatcheries.

• Tourist Season: Medium season, peaceful and pleasant.

November

• Climate & Temperature: Short rains begin, but often brief and refreshing. Average temperatures: 28–32°C.

• Fauna: More birds, butterflies, and lush vegetation.

• Flora: Everything is reborn – lots of greenery.

• Fruits: Mangoes, jackfruits, citrus.

• Animals: Dolphins return in large groups, turtles still seen.

• Tourist Season: Low to medium, great for nature lovers.

December

• Climate & Temperature: Warm, sunny, some light showers. Average temperatures: 28–32°C.

• Fauna: Dolphins, colorful birds, and marine life.

• Flora: Bougainvillea, frangipani, and lush palm trees.

• Fruits: Mangoes, papayas, pineapples.

• Animals: Sea turtles may be seen; dolphins are abundant.

• Tourist Season: Peak season, especially around Christmas/New Year.

Choose the month that inspires you most to discover the beauty of Zanzibar — and book your stay at Matlai for exceptional service and a truly unforgettable escape.

Written by Cassandre Clech - intern at Boutique Hotel Matlai