A lot of tourists reach Zanzibar city to the Stone Town for its historical and cultural importance. However, the area of Ng’ambo is quickly becoming a hot destination for many traveling to the city. There are many major airlines that go directly to Zanzibar, offering multiple flight schedules that can also be customized. However, Ethiopian Airlines offers the most convenient and comprehensive options from the United States, Europe, Asia, and mainland Africa. The flight goes via Addis Ababa to Zanzibar. Airline choices are however expanding and taking into their fold many major US and international carriers like KLM, Lufthansa, Oman Airways etc.

Best Time To Visit Zanzibar City 

Tourists flock the Zanzibar city for varied reasons. Ideally, the best time to visit Zanzibar City will depend on what is it that you are looking for. However, there are still certain considerations that can be kept in mind while visiting Zanzibar city. Weather, for example, plays a vital role in forming such a decision.

Zanzibar basically witnesses three spells of different climatic conditions.

1. Wet Season

The Wet season is witnessed generally during the months of March, April, May, and then later in November when the city sees an average rainfall ranging from 150-400 mm throughout. Though the wet season brings several spells of the torrential downpour, each spell lasts from anywhere between thirty minutes to as much as two hours. These spells leave plenty of room for sunshine afterward which makes sightseeing easier and worth the wait. You can also find a considerable number of opportunities to go scuba diving off the coast and swim with the marine beauty deep down and get closer to the vast expanse of the coral reefs. However, a major setback of the wet season, apart from the heavy rainfall is that the city organizes fewer events during its wet season leaving travelers with the only option of sightseeing which again depends on the when the rains would stop.

2. Dry Season- First Spell – Best time to visit Zanzibar

The dry season of Zanzibar City comes in two different spells. The first dry spell which also happens to be the most favored by the tourists, is from July to September, with temperature is around 26 degrees for the most part and rainfall reduces to as low as fifty millimeters. The days are perfect for strolling around the city, enjoying the historically significant Stone Town and dipping feet in the turquoise waters of the ocean. The city celebrates many important festivals during the months like Mwaka Kogwa, to mark the beginning of the Shirazi New Year in July, Eid-ul-Fitr marking the end of Ramadaan during the month of August, and Jahazi Literary and Jazz Festival, highlighting the sounds of Tanzanian poets and musicians. The time is best suited for couples on a romantic getaway, solo travelers, and group of friends.

3. Dry Season – Second Spell

The second dry spell runs from December to February. It is also the holiday season and a good time to visit Zanzibar. The rainfall is minimum and the sun bright. This time is favored mostly by the families that throng almost all the tourist spots. Many hotels, during the season, cater to activities especially for children and family groups. Zanzibar revolution day is celebrated on the 12th of January every year to mark the end of 200 years of Arab dominance. One of Africa’s most-famous music festivals of Sauti Za Busara dominates the February air and brings with itself a sprightly carnival. The city also celebrates Christmas during this season and witnesses gifts-exchanging, sumptuous feasting with other festivities rocking the Zanzibar air.

That being said, each season brings with itself, its own charm and a few setbacks here and there. But all this can help you decide when to visit Zanzibar City!