Zanzibar in January at a glance
| Factor | January in Zanzibar |
|---|---|
| Air | About 26 to 32 °C depending on the source, up to 35 °C some days; high humidity |
| Sea | About 28 to 30 °C |
| Rain | Little: one guide counts about 22 mm over 4 rainy days; brief storms possible |
| Wind | Steady north-east wind, about 20 to 30 km/h according to one guide; one of the most consistent months |
| Diving | Warm, calm water, good visibility according to guides |
| Prices | High until about 10 January, a little lower afterwards |
Weather: hot, mostly dry, very sunny
January is one of the hot months, in a so-called dry season from December to February, between the short rains of November and the long rains of March to May. Figures vary from site to site (26-30 °C for some, 25-32 °C for others): pack light clothes, a hat and sunscreen, and go out early in the morning. For the whole-year picture, see when to visit Zanzibar. The previous month is covered in Zanzibar in December.
Kitesurfing: Paje and the east coast
The wind blows from mid-June to mid-September, then from December to mid-March; according to one guide, the most consistent conditions are in July-August and January-February. Paje is the reference spot, see Kitesurfing at Paje and Paje beach. Because the tide goes far out on the east coast, schools adapt their sessions to tide times: book lessons by asking for the week's schedule, and confirm the forecast wind before buying a package.
Diving and snorkelling
Guides rank January among the best months for diving, with warm, calm sea and good visibility, notably at Mnemba and around Chumbe. For clubs and levels, see diving in Zanzibar. If you do not dive, the Mnemba boat trip with dolphins and snorkelling is a good dry-season choice. Check the day's visibility with the club: it changes with tides and wind.
Prices and crowds in January
Festive rates run at many hotels from about 15 December to 10 January, often with a minimum stay (operator examples from 2026). After 10 January prices ease a little without reaching low-season levels. January stays in high demand: book north- and east-coast hotels several months ahead, see where to stay in Zanzibar and budget for Zanzibar.
Sauti za Busara: March, not February
The Sauti za Busara music festival is announced for 19 to 21 March 2027 in Stone Town, moved from the original plan because of Ramadan and Eid; see the Sauti za Busara page. Do not book flights thinking of February. Ramadan 2027 should begin around 8 February (the date depends on the moon): if you come at the end of January or in February, expect quieter restaurants during the day in Stone Town.
What else to do in January
- Beaches: Kendwa for swimming at any hour, Nungwi for excursions; east-coast beaches depend on the tide, see Zanzibar's beaches.
- Stone Town: visit early in the morning, see Stone Town.
- Nature: Jozani and the colobus monkeys, more pleasant early in the day.
FAQ
Is January a good month for Zanzibar?
Yes for heat, sea, kitesurfing and diving. Expect high prices early in the month.
Does it rain in January?
Little: brief storms are possible, but whole rainy days are rare according to guides.
When is Sauti za Busara in 2027?
19 to 21 March 2027 according to the latest announcement, not February. Check the festival's website.
Can you kitesurf in January?
Yes, it is one of the good periods; book with a Paje school.
Going further
Plan your stay with Zanzibar in 7 days, compare beaches in Zanzibar's beaches and prepare your arrival with from the airport to your hotel.
