Zanzibar Weather in March

March: warm and wet

March feels hot, sticky and often cloudy, with highs around 30°C. Rain falls on 21 days, but showers don't always last all day, so you may get a few dry hours to work with. When the sea and sky cooperate, a swim or a boat trip is still on the table. Stone Town's shaded lanes and indoor sights suit a rainy spell better than a long day on an exposed beach.

The humidity can make walking through Stone Town tiring, and muddy paths can spoil a spice-farm visit. March is much wetter than February, and April brings even more rain. So save longer outdoor plans for a clear stretch, and be ready to change course when the weather does.

Holidays and local life

Ramadan sometimes overlaps with March, though its dates shift with the lunar calendar. If it does, some local businesses may keep shorter hours during the day, and evenings can feel livelier once the fast ends. Eid al-Fitr may also fall in March in some years.

Stone Town is a good place to notice this change in pace. Be considerate around people who are fasting, and ask before eating in a small local café during daylight.

Crowds and practical tips

March is usually quieter and often cheaper than the busy, dry months from June to September. You'll find fewer people on the beaches. But rain can disrupt boat trips, and a lower price matters less if you're hoping for reliable sunshine.

If you're on a budget, the quieter feel may be worth the weather gamble. In Stone Town, keep your route flexible through the narrow lanes. Duck into the Old Fort when a shower hits, then carry on once it eases. Skip the exposed walk along Forodhani Gardens during heavy rain. The seafront is much nicer when it's dry.