All Tanzania safari packages are incomplete without Zanzibar which is a popular travel destination and has a lot to offer to tourists. A vacation on this exotic Indian Ocean island definitely sounds amazing but the daunting part is identifying the ideal time to visit. If you visit this place at the wrong time you might fail to enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
Even though some destinations are good to visit throughout the year there is always a best time to visit somewhere. This time depends on what you want to do once you are there. For example, if you want to do scuba diving in Zanzibar you can only visit the destination in a particular season as such activities do not happen throughout the year.
In this blog we will mention some of the best times to visit Zanzibar according to what things or activities you want to be a part of when you go there. It will help you plan a safari in Tanzania and other trips accordingly.
The best and the worst months- Zanzibar weather by month
If we talk about the best time for Zanzibar excursions in terms of weather we will say it is June to October. The temperature during these months is cool and dry and there is almost no rain and humidity. Moreover, this time also coincides with the safari season in Tanzania. The weather starts becoming hot in September and it lasts till October.
January and February are also good months to visit Zanzibar as the weather is hot and dry. But it is not the best time because the weather is comparatively hotter and more humid than other best months. If you visit Zanzibar in March-May you will find rain as these months see long rains especially April.
During this time, the weather is hot and humid. November and December experience less rain and you will also see the sun. But the weather will be hot so you will need to stay indoors.
The only good thing about visiting in the off season is that you will get good deals on Tanzania safari packages. But what is the point of going in a season when you cannot even go out and explore the outdoors?
So, we suggest you visit the beautiful island in the peak season as it will be worth it. Now that you know about the weather in Zanzibar in different months let us discuss which are the best months to visit Zanzibar during different events and festivals.
Best time to visit Zanzibar for festivals
Traveling to Zanzibar during any festival or event is a good choice as you will get the chance to witness local people’s cultural practices and how they celebrate different festivals. Let us move ahead and discuss what Zanzibar will be like if you visit the island during Ramadan, EID, and other festivals.
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Ramadan
You might see some restaurants shut during Ramadan but you can find food if you stay in the Zanzibar resort all inclusive. However, do not forget to follow Ramadan etiquette and greet people “Ramadan Mubarak” in whichever other places you go.
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EID
If you find Tanzania safari packages during Ramadan it would be amazing if you stay in Zanzibar for Eid al-Fitr. Not only is it an exciting time to visit Zanzibar but you can also consider it as a four day holiday.
That is because people there celebrate the festival for four days and during this time everyone puts their best clothes on and goes into full holiday mode with their loved ones.
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Other festivals
If you enjoy traveling to new places during festivals the best time to visit Zanzibar is February. Although you might find the weather during this month very hot and sweaty you will get to see the Zanzibar music festival– Sauti za Busara.
Besides this, you can also visit in July if you want to see the Zanzibar International Film Festival and in September if you want to see the Zanzibar Watersports Festival.
Best time to visit Zanzibar for outdoor activities
As we already discussed in the blog there is always a best time to do something and that depends on what you want to do. So now we will discuss the best time to visit Zanzibar if you want to enjoy outdoor activities like scuba diving and Kitesurfing. Besides this, we will also tell you the best time and place to see whale sharks in Zanzibar.
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Scuba Diving in Zanzibar
You can go scuba diving during any month in Zanzibar as such watersports happen all year round. But you will only get the maximum visibility (up to 30m) underwater from March to May and also in the months of October and November. But remember do not visit from December to February and June to September as these are probably the worst times to go scuba diving in Zanzibar.
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Kitesurfing in Zanzibar
Zanzibar has a lot to offer to tourists as there are many fun things to do there. Kitesurfing is also one of the many things you can do in Zanzibar and the best time for this outdoor activity is January, February, June, July, and August. It is because of the Kusi winds. These winds make these particular months just the best time for kitesurfing.
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Whale Sharks in Zanzibar
Many tourists book the Tanzania safari tours mainly to go to Zanzibar and see whale sharks. The best time to do so is any month between October to February. However, November and December would be the best months as you can easily go off the coast of Mafia Island to see whale sharks during these months.
Final thoughts
We hope we helped you know that the best time to visit Zanzibar is during the dry season (June to October) as the weather during these months is best if you want to enjoy the outdoor activities. Although you might find the prices of hotels and flight tickets a bit high during this time but one thing that we can say for sure is that you will not regret visiting Zanzibar during these months.
So if white coral sand beaches attract you and you want to chill in the pristine beaches and peaceful seas do not wait any longer! Reach out to us today so that we can make personalized Zanzibar tour packages for you.