Zanzibar Weather in May
Tanzania · May climate averages and travel tips
Avg high28°C (83°F)
Avg low26°C (79°F)
Rainfall197 mm (7.8 in)
RatingFair 4.6/10
Expect hot days in Zanzibar in May: the average high is 28°C (83°F) and the average low is 26°C (79°F). The month is wet, with about 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain spread over 20 days, making it the second wettest month of the year. Humidity averages 80%, so it feels sticky and hotter than the thermometer suggests. You get roughly 11.7 hours of daylight and a mix of sun and cloud.
Is May a good time to visit Zanzibar?
May is a fair time to visit Zanzibar (4.6/10) mainly because of the rain. For better weather, go in June to September.
May weather at a glance
| Average high | 28°C (83°F) |
|---|---|
| Average low | 26°C (79°F) |
| Daily mean | 27°C (81°F) |
| Rainfall | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Rainy days (1 mm+) | 20 |
| Humidity | 80% |
| Cloud cover | 53% |
| Daylight | 11.7 hours |
| Est. sunshine | 6 hours/day |
| Wind | 20.3 km/h |
| vs April | 1°C cooler than April, with 84 mm less rain. |
What to pack for Zanzibar in May
- light, breathable clothing
- sunscreen and a hat
- an umbrella or rain jacket
Zanzibar weather in other months
Jan30°C / 27°C76 mmGoodFeb30°C / 27°C46 mmGoodMar30°C / 28°C125 mmPoorApr29°C / 27°C281 mmPoorMay28°C / 26°C197 mmFairJun28°C / 25°C33 mmExcellentJul27°C / 24°C14 mmExcellentAug27°C / 24°C14 mmExcellentSep28°C / 25°C22 mmExcellentOct29°C / 26°C62 mmExcellentNov29°C / 27°C121 mmFairDec30°C / 27°C106 mmPoor
← AprilBest time to visit ZanzibarJune →
Better weather in May nearby
- Durban23°C · 57 mm · Excellent
- Tangier21°C · 25 mm · Excellent
- Windhoek24°C · 7 mm · Excellent
- Essaouira21°C · 12 mm · Excellent
- Johannesburg20°C · 16 mm · Excellent
- Dakar23°C · 3 mm · Excellent
Nearby in May
- Dar es Salaam28°C · 164 mm
- Mombasa30°C · 243 mm
- Dodoma29°C · 17 mm
- Arusha25°C · 99 mm
- Nairobi26°C · 62 mm
- Moroni28°C · 87 mm
Where else is good in May? See where to go in May.