Verdict: Good month
Zanzibar Weather in May
May runs warm in Zanzibar, with daily highs around 28°C (82°F) and nights near 24°C (75°F). It's also the wet side of the calendar: rain falls on about 18 days, so build flexibility into plans. Overall, May is a solid month to visit Zanzibar.
Average high
28°C / 82°F
Average low
24°C / 75°F
Rain days
~18
Precipitation
112 mm
What to pack for Zanzibar in May
- Summer clothes, plus one light layer for air-con and evenings
- High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle
- Rain gear is non-negotiable — expect rain on roughly 18 days
- Comfortable walking shoes — every guide on this site assumes you'll use them
May against the rest of the year
Warmest in Zanzibar: Feb (33°C / 91°F) · Coolest: May (28°C / 82°F) · Wettest: Apr (~27 rain days)
32°
25°
Jan
33°
26°
Feb
32°
25°
Mar
29°
25°
Apr
28°
24°
May
28°
23°
Jun
28°
22°
Jul
29°
22°
Aug
30°
22°
Sep
31°
23°
Oct
30°
24°
Nov
31°
25°
Dec
Daily highs / lows in °C · bars show rain days per month · ERA5 climate normals (2020–2024)