Tanzania, Africa

Zanzibar in June

The dry season begins and resorts reopen. Fresh and green, with prices still below the July peak.

GoodDrying out, highs near 84F (29C), breezy

A dhow on the beach, Zanzibar — ZanzibarPhoto: This photo was taken by Anton Zelenov. Please credit this with : Photo : Anton Z, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

June is a good month to visit Zanzibar. The dry season begins and resorts reopen. Fresh and green, with prices still below the July peak.

Weather: Drying out, highs near 84F (29C), breezy
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What June is like in Zanzibar

June is when the island dries out and wakes up. Highs sit near 84F (29C), the southeast trade winds keep things breezy, and humidity drops. Resorts reopen after the long rains, and the island is fresh and green. Crowds are building but prices are still below the July peak. The Zanzibar International Film Festival typically starts in late June in Stone Town.

June suits families, couples and safari travelers who want dry weather without peak-season prices. Early June can still bring a few leftover showers, so late June is the safer bet. It is one of the best value months to visit, and a good choice if July and August are already booked up.

Make the most of June

What is especially good about Zanzibar this month.

Dry season begins

Breezy, dry days return and the island looks its greenest after the rains.

Zanzibar International Film Festival

The festival typically starts in late June, with films, music and arts events across Stone Town.

Better prices than July

You get most of the dry-season weather for noticeably less than the midsummer peak.

What to pack for June

A light sweater for breezy evenings
Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
Snorkel mask if you prefer your own
Modest clothing for Stone Town

Our timing tip

Late June gives you the driest weather of the month and overlaps with the film festival, while rates are still lower than in July.

Book Zanzibar for June.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Zanzibar
Opens a hotel search for Zanzibar in June, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
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Vacation rentals in Zanzibar
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
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Tours and tickets in Zanzibar
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Zanzibar for June. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in June

Zanzibar International Film Festival

Typically late June into July

Films, music, and arts events across Stone Town, focused on Africa and the Indian Ocean world.

Things to do in Zanzibar

Full guide

Stone Town

Walk it early before the heat and tour groups. The Old Fort, the former slave market site at Christ Church, and the Forodhani Gardens night food market at sunset are the essentials.

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Mnemba Atoll snorkeling

Clear water, reef fish, turtles, and dolphin sightings off the northeast coast. Seas are calmest outside the long rains; morning trips beat the afternoon wind.

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Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

The best place to see the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey, plus a mangrove boardwalk. An easy half-day from anywhere on the island.

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A spice farm tour

Taste cloves, vanilla, cardamom, and nutmeg straight from the plant, usually combined with a local lunch. Good for all ages.

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Nungwi and Kendwa beaches

On the northern tip, with swimmable water at nearly all tides and the island's best sunsets. Busy in peak season.

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Paje and Jambiani

East coast lagoons with low-key guesthouses, seaweed farms, and some of Africa's best kitesurfing. Tides retreat far out; plan swims around high tide.

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Beat the crowds

Aim for September, October, or early June: dry-season weather with noticeably lower rates and fewer groups than July and August.
Do Stone Town at dawn and after sunset. Midday brings the heat and the day-tripping cruise and tour groups.
Book Mnemba snorkeling for the first boat of the morning, before the calmest water turns choppy and the boats multiply.
Stay on the quieter southeast or southwest coasts rather than Nungwi if you want space; the north is the island's busiest strip.

Know before you go

Several beach hotels and guesthouses close for part of April and May, during the long rains. Check before booking in those months.
During Ramadan, many Stone Town restaurants close by day, and some bars and nightlife close entirely. Resorts continue normal service.
The east coast's huge tidal range means swimming is only practical around high tide at Paje, Jambiani, and similar beaches; the north coast is much less affected.
Zanzibar has required visitors to buy a mandatory local inbound travel insurance policy since late 2024; check the current rule before travel, in addition to Tanzania's visa requirements.