Best Time to Visit Zanzibar: Plan Your Tour Package Right

Zanzibar is your next dream destination in case you are dreaming of turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and a mix of Swahili, Arabic and colonial culture. It is a tropical paradise off the east coast of Tanzania that presents its visitors with a magic getaway full of history, culture and natural beauty. Zanzibar is a place where every person can find something to his or her liking, whether a beach lover, adventurer, or culture enthusiast.

But it is important to time your visit so that you can enjoy your trip most. The Best Time to Visit Zanzibar will enable you to schedule your trip around the climate, festivals and tourist seasons in the island. Whether it is snorkeling in crystal clear waters, attending local holidays or spending some time in paradise resorts, the right time will make your trip the experience of a lifetime.

Here are the Best Time to Visit Zanzibar: Plan Your Tour Package Right

Climate of Zanzibar

Zanzibar has two rainy seasons and two dry seasons, and this has a major impact on activities as well as travel attractiveness that is experienced on the island. The long and short rainy seasons are between March and May and November respectively. The best time to travel is the dry seasons; between June and October and between December and February.

It has an average temperature of between 25 o C and 30 o C throughout the year with increased humidity in wet months. Thus, the dry season is often referred to as the Best Time to Visit Zanzibar by the people who want to have fun on the water, sunbathe, and visit historical places.

June to October-Peak Dry Season

This is probably the most tourist friendly and favorite time of visiting Zanzibar. These are warm and sunny months with low humidity and little rain, which makes it an ideal beach holiday, snorkelling and diving. The waters are smooth and crystal clear, which provides a great visibility during underwater exploration.

It is also the season when wildlife viewing in the adjacent Tanzanian mainland parks, such as the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater can be combined with your Zanzibar tour package. But this peak season is associated with increased crowds and increased prices, therefore, it is best to book your Zanzibar tour early before the rush.

December to February- Mini Dry Season

The period is also regarded as one of the Best Times to Visit Zanzibar particularly by people who are fleeing winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Temperatures are a little warmer than the June- October dry season, and the sea is warm and welcoming. It is an ideal time during which couples and honeymooners may seek to get a tropical escape with fewer tourists than during the peak season.

Along with the beach activities, this is also a good time to visit Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is full of narrow alleys, busy bazaars, and old buildings. The Christmas and New Year period also brings about a special aura to the island, but accommodation is booked in advance and the rates might be higher.

March to May- Long Rains (Low Season)

Zanzibar has a long rainy season which is the off-season. This is not the best time to take a typical beach vacation since heavy rains and high levels of humidity turn away most tourists. Some of the roads in the island can be flooded thus making them unreachable and some hotels and resorts can be closed in order to carry out maintenance.

But when you have a limited budget or like a quiet environment then this might be a good time. The green and beautiful vegetation that grows in these months contributes to the beauty of the island and you may get huge discounts on hotels and tour packages. All you need to do is to be ready to have occasional rain which may ruin some of your plans.

November -Short Rains

November is a month of transition and the showers are short and unpredictable. It is not as wet as the long rainy season but it is less than ideal weather to those who want sunshine without interruptions. Nevertheless, the tourists are fewer in this season, and that implies more relaxed beaches and a less hectic atmosphere.

Other travelers choose this time to get the benefit of shoulders season pricing and yet get reasonable weather during part of their visit. November might be a manageable compromise especially when you want to take a multi destination Tanzania tour with a couple of days in Zanzibar.

Special Events and Festivals to Pay attention to

In making the Best Time to Visit Zanzibar decision, you may also want to consider some of the cultural events of the island:

• Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) -This is one of the most thrilling cultural events in East Africa and is held in July and draws filmmakers and artists around the world.
• Sauti za Busara – This is an energetic music festival that is held in February and it features the best African music.
• Eid Celebrations -Zanzibar is largely Muslim, and so Eid is celebrated in a big way. This may be in different months as per the lunar calendar and is an excellent time to observe local practices.
• Taking part in one of these events may give you an additional cultural dimension to your visit, and make your stay in Zanzibar more than just the natural beauty of the place.

Seasonal Travel Tips

• Reserve Early: If you are visiting between peak season (June-October or December-February) you should reserve your flights and rooms early.
• Packing: The dry season requires light cotton, sunscreen and hat, whereas during the rainy season, an umbrella or raincoat is a must.
• Be Respectful: Zanzibar is a highly Islamic culture. Dress modestly when travelling around local villages or the Stone Town and be respectful of local customs.
• Knowing about such practicalities can make a trip a successful and culturally sensitive one.

Conclusion

The Best Time to Visit Zanzibar will be determined by your preferences as a traveller. Be it pursuit of sunshine, affordable shopping, or desire to experience the festivals of the island in full swing, there is a season, which will suit your schedule best. Every season has its own special treat and with the information you have, your Zanzibar experience can be as peaceful or as thrilling as you would like it to be.

Therefore, prior to making your flight reservation, stop and think about what you are seeking, sun-kissed beaches, cultural celebration or quiet contemplation. Whether it is your choice, it is worth planning your Zanzibar tour package during the best time so that you can have a more gratifying and memorable getaway to this African utopia. And it is not only the weather that matters when you want to know the Best Time to Visit Zanzibar; it is the ability to synchronize your travel desires with the ultimate rhythms of the island.