Zanzibar Weather in February

February heat

February is a good time to visit Zanzibar, with a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Highs sit around 30°C and the nights stay warm and sticky. Rain falls on about 10 days, but there's still plenty of sun for wandering Stone Town's alleys, visiting the Old Fort or taking a swim off the east coast. Showers can cut into beach time, so keep your plans loose rather than setting aside a full day for one outing.

If you're travelling with children, a shaded walk through Stone Town can be easier going than a long afternoon on the sand.

Music and local life

Sauti za Busara, a music festival held in Stone Town, often takes place in February, bringing live performances and extra energy to the Old Fort area. The exact dates shift from year to year. Ramadan may also fall in February, depending on the lunar calendar, and opening hours and daytime routines can change during the holy month.

In the evening, head to Forodhani Gardens to try Zanzibar pizza while the food stalls line the waterfront. If Ramadan is underway during your trip, keep in mind that eating and drinking in public during daylight hours is best avoided out of respect.

Crowds and practical tips

February is a popular, fairly busy month, and prices are usually higher than in the wetter months. It isn't as reliably comfortable as June to September, which remain Zanzibar's best months for weather, but it suits you well if you want warmth and lively evenings. March brings much more rain, so February is the safer pick for beach plans.

Tides matter on the east coast. At low tide the sea can pull far back from the shore, so ask your guesthouse about tide times before you head to Paje or Jambiani for a swim. When the water is out, a beach walk may be the better choice.