Tanzania Zanzibar Weather in May — Climate Guide
May in Zanzibar is moderate
Zanzibar Weather in May — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 31° / 23°
- Rainfall
- 200mm · 14 days
- Crowds
- Quiet
As of 2026, Zanzibar in May averages a high of 31°C and low of 23°C with 200mm of rain over about 14 days. Long rains easing late in the month — around 31°C/23°C, humid, with frequent but lessening showers. Rain layer, quick-dry clothing, DEET repellent, SPF 50+. Modest cover for Stone Town.
May is moderate for Zanzibar.
May is the tail of the long rains — still wet and humid early in the month, but easing toward the end as the dry season approaches. It's a transitional, low-season month.
Early May resembles April: frequent showers, some hotels and restaurants still closed or reduced, and unreliable beach weather. By late May the rains taper, sunny spells return, and the island starts reopening ahead of June.
Travel score
Zanzibar May Weather Stats
Avg High
31°C
Avg Low
23°C
Rainy Days
14
200mm total
Sunshine
6h
Daily avg
Humidity
84%
muggy
UV Index
11
Extreme
Wind
9 km/h
Gusts 18
Crowds
Quiet
At attractions
May Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
9 μg/m³
PM10
19 μg/m³
Status
good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
36°C
Nighttime
25°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
9 km/h
Max gust 18 km/h
Activities Recommended for May
May Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Low off-season prices
- Quiet sights and beaches
- Improving weather late in the month
- Lush green scenery
Cons
- Frequent showers, especially early May
- Some hotels/restaurants still reduced
- Malaria risk still elevated
- Beach and boat plans unreliable early on
May Events & Festivals
- Long rains easing toward month-end
- Many hotels still reduced early May
- Malaria risk still elevated
- Low prices continue
Zanzibar in May — Full Picture
May is the tail of the long rains — still wet and humid early in the month, but easing toward the end as the dry season approaches. It's a transitional, low-season month.
Early May resembles April: frequent showers, some hotels and restaurants still closed or reduced, and unreliable beach weather. By late May the rains taper, sunny spells return, and the island starts reopening ahead of June.
Prices stay low and crowds thin, so a late-May trip can catch improving weather at off-season rates — a calculated gamble. Base in Stone Town for reliability, and keep beach and boat plans flexible.
Note: malaria risk is still elevated after the wet months — keep up repellent and prophylaxis. Snorkeling and dhow trips become more dependable late in the month as seas settle.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Long rains easing late in the month — around 31°C/23°C, humid, with frequent but lessening showers. Rain layer, quick-dry clothing, DEET repellent, SPF 50+. 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 May Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is May a good time to visit Zanzibar?
Zanzibar in May is moderate. Tourist crowds are quiet and flight/hotel prices are low season.
What's the average temperature in Zanzibar in May?
Zanzibar May averages a high of 31°C and a low of 23°C.
Does it rain much in Zanzibar in May?
Zanzibar May averages 200mm of rainfall over about 14 rainy days.
What should I wear in Zanzibar in May?
Long rains easing late in the month — around 31°C/23°C, humid, with frequent but lessening showers. Rain layer, quick-dry clothing, DEET repellent, SPF 50+. Modest cover for Stone Town.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Zanzibar in May?
Zanzibar May sunrise is 06:30 and sunset is 18:25, with 11h 55min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Zanzibar in May?
Zanzibar May air quality (AQI) averages 27, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 9μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Zanzibar in May?
In May, Zanzibar is great for Stone Town walking tour and museums, Spice tour, Late-May beach days as rains ease.
Is May peak season in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar May crowds are quiet and prices are low season. You can travel relatively comfortably without long queues.
Best Months to Visit Zanzibar
View Other Months
Planning a May 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.