Tanzania Zanzibar Weather in January — Climate Guide
January in Zanzibar is high
Zanzibar Weather in January — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 33° / 24°
- Rainfall
- 60mm · 7 days
- Crowds
- Busy
As of 2026, Zanzibar in January averages a high of 33°C and low of 24°C with 60mm of rain over about 7 days. Hot, humid dry-season weather around 33°C/24°C with warm sea (28-29°C). Light breathable clothing, reef-safe SPF 50+, a hat, and modest cover for Stone Town. Strong equatorial UV — midday shade matters.
January is high for Zanzibar.
January is hot, sunny, and largely dry — one of the better months for a Zanzibar beach trip, sitting in the late-December-to-February dry spell. Highs near 33°C with warm 28-29°C water and only scattered short showers.
This is good snorkeling and dhow weather, with calm seas and clear water at Mnemba Atoll. The north beaches (Nungwi, Kendwa) stay swimmable through the tides; the east coast (Paje, Jambiani) is tidal but great for kitesurfing and walks.
Travel score
Zanzibar January Weather Stats
Avg High
33°C
Avg Low
24°C
Rainy Days
7
60mm total
Sunshine
8h
Daily avg
Humidity
80%
muggy
UV Index
12
Extreme
Wind
11 km/h
Gusts 22
Crowds
Busy
At attractions
January Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
10 μg/m³
PM10
22 μg/m³
Status
good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
37°C
Nighttime
26°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
11 km/h
Max gust 22 km/h
Activities Recommended for January
January Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Hot, sunny, largely dry beach weather
- Warm calm seas — good snorkeling and dhow trips
- Whale shark season (off Mafia Island)
- North beaches swimmable through the tides
Cons
- High humidity and strong midday heat
- Still high-season pricing after New Year
- Extreme UV (index 12) — burn risk
- Malaria precautions still needed
January Events & Festivals
- Peak dry-season beach weather
- New Year high season tailing off
- Whale shark season off Mafia Island (Oct-Feb)
- Warm, calm seas — good for snorkeling and dhow trips
Zanzibar in January — Full Picture
January is hot, sunny, and largely dry — one of the better months for a Zanzibar beach trip, sitting in the late-December-to-February dry spell. Highs near 33°C with warm 28-29°C water and only scattered short showers.
This is good snorkeling and dhow weather, with calm seas and clear water at Mnemba Atoll. The north beaches (Nungwi, Kendwa) stay swimmable through the tides; the east coast (Paje, Jambiani) is tidal but great for kitesurfing and walks.
Prices ease from the Christmas-New Year peak but stay high, so book Stone Town and north-coast hotels ahead. The heat and humidity are real — plan Stone Town walking for the cooler morning and evening, and keep up sun protection and hydration.
Note: this is still within the malaria-risk window, so keep up repellent and any prophylaxis. The equatorial UV is extreme — reapply high-SPF sunscreen and avoid midday sun exposure.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Hot, humid dry-season weather around 33°C/24°C with warm sea (28-29°C). Light breathable clothing, reef-safe SPF 50+, a hat, and modest cover for Stone Town. Strong equatorial UV — midday shade matters.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
31.3°C
23.7°C
13.7/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
29.3°C
22°C
4.3/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
30.7°C
22.7°C
7.3/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current32.7°C
24°C
7/mo
Zanzibar Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33° | 24° | 7d·60mm | 8h | 80% | 12 | Busy | Peak | |
| February (Best) | 33° | 24° | 6d·55mm | 8.5h | 80% | 12 | Busy | Peak |
| 32° | 24° | 11d·130mm | 7h | 83% | 12 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 31° | 24° | 16d·290mm | 5.5h | 85% | 11 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 31° | 23° | 14d·200mm | 6h | 84% | 11 | Quiet | Low season | |
| June (Best) | 30° | 22° | 5d·50mm | 8h | 78% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder |
| July (Best) | 29° | 22° | 4d·45mm | 8h | 77% | 11 | Very busy | Peak |
| August (Best) | 29° | 22° | 4d·45mm | 8.5h | 77% | 12 | Very busy | Peak |
| September (Best) | 30° | 22° | 4d·45mm | 8.5h | 78% | 12 | Busy | Shoulder |
| 31° | 23° | 7d·75mm | 8h | 79% | 12 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 31° | 23° | 11d·130mm | 6.5h | 81% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 32° | 24° | 8d·90mm | 7.5h | 81% | 12 | Very busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Zanzibar January Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is January a good time to visit Zanzibar?
Zanzibar in January is high. Tourist crowds are busy and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in Zanzibar in January?
Zanzibar January averages a high of 33°C and a low of 24°C.
Does it rain much in Zanzibar in January?
Zanzibar January averages 60mm of rainfall over about 7 rainy days.
What should I wear in Zanzibar in January?
Hot, humid dry-season weather around 33°C/24°C with warm sea (28-29°C). Light breathable clothing, reef-safe SPF 50+, a hat, and modest cover for Stone Town. Strong equatorial UV — midday shade matters.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Zanzibar in January?
Zanzibar January sunrise is 06:30 and sunset is 18:45, with 12h 15min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Zanzibar in January?
Zanzibar January air quality (AQI) averages 30, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 10μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Zanzibar in January?
In January, Zanzibar is great for Mnemba Atoll snorkeling, North-coast beach (Nungwi, Kendwa), Stone Town walking (cooler morning/evening).
Is January peak season in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar January crowds are busy and prices are peak. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Months to Visit Zanzibar
View Other Months
Planning a January trip to Zanzibar?
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Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.