Tanzania Zanzibar Weather in March — Climate Guide
March in Zanzibar is moderate
Zanzibar Weather in March — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 32° / 24°
- Rainfall
- 130mm · 11 days
- Crowds
- Moderate
As of 2026, Zanzibar in March averages a high of 32°C and low of 24°C with 130mm of rain over about 11 days. Long rains begin — around 32°C/24°C with rising humidity and heavier showers. Light quick-dry clothing, a rain layer, SPF 50+, and DEET repellent (mosquitoes increase). Modest cover for Stone Town.
March is moderate for Zanzibar.
March marks the start of the long rains, the season most visitors avoid for a beach trip. Early March can still be fine, but showers grow heavier and more frequent through the month, with humidity climbing.
Prices drop into shoulder territory and crowds thin, which suits a culture-focused Stone Town stay where there's more to do under cover. Some east-coast beach hotels and restaurants begin reducing hours toward the rains.
Travel score
Zanzibar March Weather Stats
Avg High
32°C
Avg Low
24°C
Rainy Days
11
130mm total
Sunshine
7h
Daily avg
Humidity
83%
muggy
UV Index
12
Extreme
Wind
9 km/h
Gusts 20
Crowds
Moderate
At attractions
March Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
9 μg/m³
PM10
20 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
9 km/h
Max gust 20 km/h
Activities Recommended for March
March Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lower shoulder-season prices
- Thinner crowds
- Warm sea and sunny spells between showers
- Good for a culture-focused Stone Town stay
Cons
- Long rains begin — heavier, frequent showers
- Higher humidity
- Rising mosquito numbers — malaria risk up
- Some east-coast hotels/restaurants reduce hours
March Events & Festivals
- Long rains begin (Mar-May)
- Humidity rises
- Mosquito numbers climb — malaria risk up
- Shoulder pricing as high season ends
Zanzibar in March — Full Picture
March marks the start of the long rains, the season most visitors avoid for a beach trip. Early March can still be fine, but showers grow heavier and more frequent through the month, with humidity climbing.
Prices drop into shoulder territory and crowds thin, which suits a culture-focused Stone Town stay where there's more to do under cover. Some east-coast beach hotels and restaurants begin reducing hours toward the rains.
The sea is still warm, and there are sunny spells, but plans get less reliable. If you travel now, base in Stone Town, keep beach time flexible, and treat the rain as part of the deal.
Note: rising rain means more mosquitoes and higher malaria risk — be strict with repellent, covering up at dusk, and any prophylaxis. Pack a rain layer and quick-dry clothing.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Long rains begin — around 32°C/24°C with rising humidity and heavier showers. Light quick-dry clothing, a rain layer, SPF 50+, and DEET repellent (mosquitoes increase). Modest cover for Stone Town.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
Current31.3°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)
32.7°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 March Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is March a good time to visit Zanzibar?
Zanzibar in March is moderate. Tourist crowds are moderate and flight/hotel prices are shoulder.
What's the average temperature in Zanzibar in March?
Zanzibar March averages a high of 32°C and a low of 24°C.
Does it rain much in Zanzibar in March?
Zanzibar March averages 130mm of rainfall over about 11 rainy days.
What should I wear in Zanzibar in March?
Long rains begin — around 32°C/24°C with rising humidity and heavier showers. Light quick-dry clothing, a rain layer, SPF 50+, and DEET repellent (mosquitoes increase). Modest cover for Stone Town.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Zanzibar in March?
Zanzibar March sunrise is 06:35 and sunset is 18:40, with 12h 05min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Zanzibar in March?
Zanzibar March air quality (AQI) averages 28, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 9μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Zanzibar in March?
In March, Zanzibar is great for Stone Town museums and walking tour, Spice tour (covered if showers), Flexible beach time between showers.
Is March peak season in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar March crowds are moderate and prices are shoulder. You can travel relatively comfortably without long queues.
Best Months to Visit Zanzibar
View Other Months
Planning a March 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.