When is the best time to travel to Zanzibar ?
You are a tourism enthusiast with a desire to discover the most exceptional places on earth. You have heard about the archipelago of Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean and its paradisiacal islands. You are eager to visit this place and experience it for yourself.
What is the right time to undertake this trip? What are the elements to take into account to make your trip a success? Browse through this article to get all the information you need to undertake your trip with peace of mind.
Zanzibar : an archipelago like no other
Zanzibar is an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean which consists of three main islands: Unguja Island, Mafia Island and Pemba Island. The city of Zanzibar Town which is the largest of the archipelago is located on the island of Unguja.
Zanzibar is located opposite the coast of Tanzania formerly known as Tanganyika State. Temperatures are generally high, but there are better times to travel there.
The climate of Zanzibar: key criterion for the choice of a travel period
Zanzibar's climate consists of alternating rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season extends from March to May with about 14 days of rain per month. It is therefore advisable to plan your trip during the remaining months of the year, between June and February.
However, the most suitable time to travel to Zanzibar is undoubtedly the so-called "cold" period, which extends through the months of June and July. During this season, the temperature oscillates between 20 and 25 degrees and the air is particularly light. These conditions will make your visit more pleasant.
The archipelago also has a short rainy season of two months (October and November). It is characterized by punctual rainfall and a temperature of about 30 oC which makes it quite livable.
The dry season extends from January to March and temperatures can reach 35 oC. It is a hot and humid period due to the equatorial climate of the region.
Overview of the best time to travel to Zanzibar
From the above description of the climate, it is clear that this is an important consideration when planning your trip to Zanzibar. The dry season is the best time to travel to the archipelago.
Choose the period between June and September to enjoy a fairly light atmosphere, opt for the period from December to February if you want to enjoy a much warmer environment. The dry season is also suitable for surfing and windsurfing enthusiasts. During this season, they will have enough wind to enjoy the famous spots of Zanzibar.
Also during the dry season, diving enthusiasts will be able to indulge their passion in the exceptional sites that abound in the archipelago. The visibility during the dive, the richness of the flora and fauna as well as the water temperature are all assets that experienced divers or beginners are looking for.
If you want to enjoy the best conditions for diving, it is advisable to go to Zanzibar between September and March. However, the protected areas in the islands of the Zanzibar archipelago offer marine safaris to tourists throughout the year.
Obviously, the best time to visit the archipelago is during the first dry season, mainly from July to September and also during the second dry season from November to February.
If you are a bird lover, then there is no time limit, you can go all year round to discover the many species that abound in the area. For fishing specialists, your departure should be planned according to the type of fish you hope to catch.
Zanzibar is a prime tourist destination where you will have an unforgettable experience. Be sure to choose your departure time according to your objectives.
You will visit the Jozani Forest, have a unique experience swimming with dolphins, go diving in exceptional marine sites and you will discover the stone city. Now that you know what to expect in Zanzibar and the best times to travel, all you have to do is make a reservation.