Tanzania Zanzibar Weather in November — Climate Guide
November in Zanzibar is moderate
Zanzibar Weather in November — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 31° / 23°
- Rainfall
- 130mm · 11 days
- Crowds
- Moderate
As of 2026, Zanzibar in November averages a high of 31°C and low of 23°C with 130mm of rain over about 11 days. Short rains — around 31°C/23°C, humid, with scattered showers (lighter than the long rains). Light quick-dry clothing, a rain layer, SPF 50+, DEET repellent. Modest cover for Stone Town.
November is moderate for Zanzibar.
November brings the short rains — lighter and more scattered than the March-May long rains, often falling as afternoon showers between sunny spells rather than all-day downpours.
It's a workable, lower-key month: many hotels stay open, prices sit in shoulder territory before the December peak, and there's still plenty of sun for the beach between showers. Snorkeling and boat trips run on the better days, and whale shark season continues off Mafia.
Travel score
Zanzibar November Weather Stats
Avg High
31°C
Avg Low
23°C
Rainy Days
11
130mm total
Sunshine
6.5h
Daily avg
Humidity
81%
muggy
UV Index
11
Extreme
Wind
9 km/h
Gusts 18
Crowds
Moderate
At attractions
November Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
9 μg/m³
PM10
20 μg/m³
Status
good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
35°C
Nighttime
24°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
9 km/h
Max gust 18 km/h
Activities Recommended for November
November Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Short rains lighter than the long rains
- Shoulder pricing before December
- Sun between scattered showers
- Whale shark season (off Mafia)
Cons
- Scattered showers — plans need flexibility
- Higher humidity
- Mosquito numbers and malaria risk rising
- Less reliable than the dry months
November Events & Festivals
- Short rains (lighter, scattered)
- Whale shark season off Mafia Island
- Mosquito numbers rising — malaria risk up
- Shoulder pricing before the December peak
Zanzibar in November — Full Picture
November brings the short rains — lighter and more scattered than the March-May long rains, often falling as afternoon showers between sunny spells rather than all-day downpours.
It's a workable, lower-key month: many hotels stay open, prices sit in shoulder territory before the December peak, and there's still plenty of sun for the beach between showers. Snorkeling and boat trips run on the better days, and whale shark season continues off Mafia.
Plans need some flexibility — keep beach and boat days adaptable and have Stone Town's covered options (museums, spice tour, food) as a backup. Late November can start drying out ahead of the December dry spell.
Note: the short rains lift mosquito numbers and malaria risk again — be strict with repellent, dusk cover, and prophylaxis. Pack a rain layer.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Short rains — around 31°C/23°C, humid, with scattered showers (lighter than the long rains). Light quick-dry clothing, a rain layer, SPF 50+, DEET repellent. Modest cover for Stone Town.
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)
Current30.7°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 November Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is November a good time to visit Zanzibar?
Zanzibar in November is moderate. Tourist crowds are moderate and flight/hotel prices are shoulder.
What's the average temperature in Zanzibar in November?
Zanzibar November averages a high of 31°C and a low of 23°C.
Does it rain much in Zanzibar in November?
Zanzibar November averages 130mm of rainfall over about 11 rainy days.
What should I wear in Zanzibar in November?
Short rains — around 31°C/23°C, humid, with scattered showers (lighter than the long rains). Light quick-dry clothing, a rain layer, SPF 50+, DEET repellent. Modest cover for Stone Town.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Zanzibar in November?
Zanzibar November sunrise is 06:05 and sunset is 18:15, with 12h 10min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Zanzibar in November?
Zanzibar November air quality (AQI) averages 28, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 9μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Zanzibar in November?
In November, Zanzibar is great for Beach days between showers, Stone Town museums and walking tour, Spice tour (covered if showers).
Is November peak season in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar November 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 November 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.