Fall in Zanzibar City brings a mix of warm temperatures, lighter rainfall, and steady breezes that shape daily life on the island.
Expect average daytime highs around 29–31°C and cooler nights near 21–23°C, so the season feels comfortable for both sightseeing and spending time by the coast.
The shift from the long rains earlier in the year to shorter, lighter showers in November creates a balance between sunny skies and refreshing rain.
You’ll notice more stable weather in September and October, with lower rainfall and plenty of sunshine.
November marks the start of the short rains.
Even when the showers arrive, the season rarely interrupts outdoor plans, since rain usually comes in short bursts.
The consistent humidity and warm sea temperatures keep the island feeling tropical, and steady winds from the Indian Ocean help take the edge off the heat.
This mix of mild warmth, manageable rain, and good visibility makes fall a practical season for exploring Zanzibar City.
Whether you want to walk through Stone Town’s narrow streets, relax on the beaches, or spend time on the water, the weather sets a reliable backdrop for your trip.
Overview of Fall in Zanzibar City
Fall in Zanzibar City brings steady warmth, high humidity, and frequent rainfall.
You’ll find consistent tropical conditions, with only slight changes in temperature, cloud cover, and wind as the season moves along.
Fall Months and Calendar
Fall in Zanzibar City runs from March through May.
This period includes the region’s long rains, which hit hardest in April.
Rainfall often arrives in short, heavy bursts instead of all-day storms.
You might still see bright skies between the showers.
Daylight hours slowly shorten during these months.
In early March, the sun rises close to 6:30 a.m. and sets around 6:40 p.m.
By late May, sunsets happen closer to 6:15 p.m., giving you about 25 minutes less daylight.
Average daily highs range from 32°C in March to about 29°C in May.
Nights stay warm, usually around 24°C, with little variation.
The Indian Ocean also stays inviting, with water temperatures between 27–29°C.
General Climate Patterns
High humidity and frequent muggy days define the fall season.
You’ll often feel sticky air both day and night, with dew points above 21°C most of the time.
Even though the temperature doesn’t drop much, the humidity makes the air feel heavier.
Rainfall averages about 115 mm per month, but April can bring much more.
The chance of a wet day is around 25%, with April being the wettest.
Despite the rain, sunshine still breaks through, especially later in the season as cloud cover decreases.
Winds shift gradually during fall.
In March, breezes usually blow from the east, while by May they turn more southerly.
Wind speeds increase from about 15 kph in March to over 21 kph in May.
These stronger winds can bring some relief from the humidity.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Compared to summer (December–February), fall feels wetter and cloudier.
You’ll notice more frequent storms, higher humidity, and slightly cooler afternoons.
The long rains make this the wettest part of the year, especially in April.
By contrast, winter (June–August) is drier and more comfortable.
Rainfall drops sharply, skies clear, and winds pick up.
Many travelers prefer winter for outdoor activities, while fall suits those who don’t mind humidity and occasional downpours.
Spring (September–November) brings shorter rains and warmer conditions, but not as intense as fall.
Spring feels more balanced, while fall stands out as the season of heavy showers and lush growth across Zanzibar Island.
Average Temperatures During Fall
In Zanzibar City, fall temperatures stay warm but shift slightly as the season moves along.
Expect hot afternoons, mild nights, and sea temperatures that stay great for swimming.
Daytime Highs and Nighttime Lows
During fall, daytime highs in Zanzibar City average between 29°C and 32°C (84°F to 90°F).
Early in the season, highs reach closer to 32°C, while by the end of May they drop to around 29°C.
These numbers make the afternoons warm but not extreme compared to peak summer.
Nighttime lows usually range from 22°C to 25°C (72°F to 77°F).
Nights are consistently mild, so you rarely need anything heavier than light clothing.
The lowest temperatures of the year usually show up in early September, but even then, evenings stay comfortable for outdoor activities.
This balance of hot days and mild nights creates a climate where you can enjoy both daytime beach outings and relaxed evenings without big temperature swings.
Monthly Temperature Trends
Fall in Zanzibar City covers March through May.
Each month, you’ll notice a small but steady cooling trend.
- March: Highs around 32°C (90°F), lows near 25°C (77°F).
- April: Highs drop slightly to about 30°C (86°F), lows average 24°C (75°F).
- May: Highs level out near 29°C (84°F), lows around 23°C (73°F).
The cooling is gradual, so you won’t notice sudden changes from one week to the next.
Instead, the shift is subtle and makes the climate feel stable.
Humidity stays high, but the consistent warmth means you’ll get muggy conditions most days.
Still, the temperatures stay within a narrow range, which makes packing and planning easier.
Sea Temperature for Swimming
The Indian Ocean around Zanzibar City stays warm throughout fall.
Average sea temperatures range from 29°C in March to about 27°C by late May.
These values are well above the comfort level for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
Since the water cools only slightly, you can enjoy long swims without feeling chilled.
The ocean stays inviting even during cloudy or windy days.
Warm water also supports marine activities like coral reef tours and boat trips.
With consistent sea conditions and minimal variation, you can plan water-based outings without worrying about big temperature changes.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Zanzibar City sits in a tropical climate zone where rainfall comes in distinct wet and dry phases.
During the fall months, you’ll notice the shift into the short rainy season, with measurable changes in precipitation and humidity that affect comfort and daily life.
Start of the Short Rainy Season
By late October and November, you enter the short rainy season, known locally as Vuli.
These rains aren’t as intense as the long rains of April and May but still bring frequent showers.
Rainfall usually comes in short bursts, not all-day storms.
You might have a sunny morning followed by an afternoon downpour.
The showers are often localized, so one part of Zanzibar City can be wet while another stays dry.
Travelers often find this period manageable because rainfall is predictable and rarely sticks around for long.
Roads and outdoor markets usually stay accessible, though it’s smart to carry light rain gear.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Average precipitation in fall rises compared to the dry months of August and September.
In October, rainfall typically reaches 90–100 mm, spread over about 9–10 days.
By November, totals climb to around 150–200 mm, with 12–14 wet days.
| Month | Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~35–50 | 6–7 |
| October | ~90–100 | 9–10 |
| November | ~150–200 | 12–14 |
These totals show how quickly conditions shift as the season moves along.
While September feels relatively dry, November often requires more planning around showers.
Humidity Levels and Comfort
Humidity rises steadily as the rains return.
In September, relative humidity averages about 75%, which feels tolerable with steady breezes.
By November, levels often reach 80–85%, making the air feel heavier and stickier.
You might notice evenings feel warmer, since the moisture in the air slows cooling after sunset.
Indoor spaces without ventilation can feel sticky, so fans and airflow become important.
Despite the higher humidity, the sea breeze along Zanzibar City’s coast helps balance comfort.
Outdoor activities stay possible, but you should pace yourself during midday hours when both heat and humidity peak.
Sunshine and Cloud Cover
Zanzibar City gets steady daylight throughout the fall, but sunshine and cloud cover change as the season moves on.
You’ll see shifts in both the number of clear days and the hours of direct sunlight.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
During fall, daylight in Zanzibar City lasts between 11 hours 47 minutes and 12 hours 13 minutes.
The difference is small, but you’ll notice slightly shorter days by late May compared to early March.
On average, you’ll get around 7 to 8 hours of effective sunshine per day.
Cloud cover affects this, but it’s still plenty for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and time at the beach.
The earliest sunset of the season happens around 6:14 PM in late May, while the latest is about 6:42 PM in early March.
Sunrise times also shift a bit, from about 6:28 AM in March to 6:23 AM in late April.
If you plan your day around natural light, these small changes matter.
Consistent daylight patterns make it easy to schedule excursions, whether you prefer morning markets, afternoon tours, or evening walks along the coast.
Cloudiest and Clearest Months
Cloud cover drops quickly through fall.
In early March, skies are overcast or mostly cloudy about 73% of the time, but by the end of May, that drops to around 40%.
The cloudiest period falls in mid-March, when thick cloud layers are most common.
This often lines up with higher humidity and rainfall, so you might find fewer long sunny periods then.
By late May, skies clear up a lot.
On May 30, conditions are clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy about 61% of the time.
If you want fewer clouds and more direct sun, visiting toward the end of fall gives you the best odds of clear skies.
Winds and Air Quality
During fall in Zanzibar City, the weather stays warm and humid, but changes in wind direction and pressure patterns affect daily comfort.
Gentle breezes help manage the heat, and stable air quality and good visibility make outdoor activities easier.
Prevailing Winds in Fall
From September through November, you’ll notice the island’s wind patterns shift.
The southeast monsoon, called the Kusi, fades by early September.
By late October and November, the northeast monsoon, or Kaskazi, starts to build.
These seasonal winds aren’t extreme, but they bring noticeable changes.
The Kusi feels cooler and drier, while the Kaskazi carries warmer, more humid air from the north.
This shift often explains why rainfall picks up in November.
Wind speeds usually range between 10–20 km/h, which is enough to create a steady coastal breeze without disrupting daily life.
These breezes help cut the heavy humidity that can build in the afternoons.
For travelers, the winds also affect the sea.
Calmer waters are more common in September, while stronger breezes in November can create moderate waves.
If you’re planning boat trips or diving, it’s good to keep these seasonal changes in mind.
Air Pressure and Visibility
Air pressure during fall in Zanzibar City stays pretty stable, averaging around 1012–1015 hPa.
You won’t see big swings that cause rapid weather shifts, but the gradual move from dry to wetter conditions does affect the atmosphere.
Visibility is generally good, often above 8–10 km, especially in September and October when rainfall is low.
Clear skies and steady daylight hours make this a favorable time for sightseeing and photography.
By November, heavier showers can temporarily cut visibility.
Short rain bursts might create hazy conditions, but these usually clear quickly after the clouds pass.
Air quality stays good throughout the season.
Coastal breezes help clear humidity and limit dust or pollutants.
This makes outdoor activities, from walking tours in Stone Town to beach trips, comfortable and safe for most visitors.
Travel Tips for Visiting Zanzibar City in Fall
Fall in Zanzibar City brings warm temperatures, light humidity, and occasional short rains.
You can enjoy outdoor activities, explore cultural sites, and sample local dishes while preparing for both sunny days and brief showers.
Best Activities for Fall Weather
Fall in Zanzibar usually means dry days, especially from September into early October. The skies tend to stay clear, so it’s a great time to hit the beach.
Nungwi and Kendwa beaches draw crowds for swimming and those unbeatable sunset views. If you’re looking for a classic Zanzibar vibe, these spots rarely disappoint.
Take a stroll through Stone Town too. The narrow alleys and old buildings feel much more inviting when you’re not dodging rain. I’d say guided tours of the spice markets or the Arab fort become way more appealing when it’s cooler out.
If you’re into snorkeling or diving, head to Mnemba Atoll. The water stays warm, and you’ll usually get good visibility to spot all kinds of coral and tropical fish.
Maybe you want somewhere quieter? Try Prison Island. You’ll find giant tortoises and calm waters, and honestly, boat rides feel smoother in fall than during the rainy months.
What to Pack and Wear
Go for light, breathable clothes—cotton or linen works best. Most days, the temperature sits in the high 20s °C, so shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses are perfect. Nights can get a little cooler, so tossing in a light sweater isn’t a bad idea.
You might get the occasional rain shower, especially later in November. Toss a small umbrella or a lightweight rain jacket in your bag just in case. If you’re wandering around Stone Town after rain, waterproof sandals or quick-dry shoes will save you some hassle.
For the beach, don’t forget swimwear, a wide-brimmed hat, and reef-safe sunscreen. The sun really doesn’t mess around, even if it’s cloudy.
If you’re heading into markets or mosques, bring something modest to wear. A scarf or shawl makes it easy to cover your shoulders when you need to.
Local Foods to Eat
Zanzibar City really shines when it comes to spice-driven cuisine. In the fall, you’ll find fresh seafood everywhere—grilled octopus, prawns, and fish with coconut rice. Local markets show off the day’s catch, and vendors cook it up right in front of you.
You have to check out the Forodhani Gardens night market. There’s Zanzibar pizza, sugarcane juice, and all sorts of skewered seafood, all in a lively spot by the water.
Spice tours just outside the city let you see cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg as they’re harvested. Most of the time, these tours end with a meal flavored by those same spices, which is honestly pretty cool.
Definitely try urojo soup. This tangy street food mixes mango, potatoes, and fritters, and it’s perfect on a cooler evening. If you want a real taste of daily life in Zanzibar City, that’s the dish to go for.