02/09/2026
When is rainy season in Zanzibar? ⛈️
Zanzibar has two—the long rains and the short rains. Rainfall starts to creep up in mid-March, before the heavy, long rains arrive in April and May, when there can be as much as 16 inches of rainfall a day.
During these months, it’s common for seasonal restaurants and shops to close and life in general slows down as locals wait for the monsoons to pass. However, the rains clear the humidity left behind during the sticky east African summer, making the months that follow far more pleasant.
Rainfall creeps up again in November and December, when an average of 8 inches falls each day. However, these short rains tend to clear as quickly as they arrive and leave even bluer skies in their wake.
〽️Which is the hottest month?
The warmest month is February, when average temperatures reach 82°F, with around 70% humidity. January and December both offer average highs of 80°F, with slightly lower levels of humidity at 67%.
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