Tanzania, Africa
Zanzibar in May
Still very wet and many resorts closed or under renovation. The rains taper toward month's end.
The straight answer
May is a month to think twice about visiting Zanzibar. Still very wet and many resorts closed or under renovation. The rains taper toward month's end.
- Weather
- Long rains continuing, highs near 84F (29C)
- Crowds
- 1 of 5
- Prices
- 1 of 5
What May is like in Zanzibar
May is still very wet. The long rains continue with highs near 84F (29C), and many resorts are closed or under renovation. Seas can be rough and boat trips unreliable. The rain does start to taper toward the end of the month, and the island is green and very quiet. Prices stay at their lowest.
May is a poor choice for a beach holiday, especially for families. Travelers on a tight budget who are flexible might find a few good days late in the month. For a safer bet, wait until June, when the dry season starts and resorts reopen, or go in September and October for dry weather at better prices than July.
Make the most of May
What is especially good about Zanzibar this month.
Rock-bottom rates
Hotels still open offer some of the lowest prices of the year.
Green and quiet island
Weeks of rain leave the island lush, and you will have village walks and viewpoints almost to yourself.
Late-month improvement
The rains usually ease toward the end of May, so the last days can bring more sunshine.
What to pack for May
- A rain jacket and umbrella
- Quick-dry clothing
- Insect repellent
- A good book for rainy afternoons
Our timing tip
If May is your only option, book the last week and check that your hotel is open, since many close or renovate for part of the month.
Book Zanzibar for May.
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- Hotels for May
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in ZanzibarOpens a hotel search for Zanzibar in May, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in ZanzibarWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in ZanzibarTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Zanzibar for May. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in Zanzibar
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.
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.
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.
A spice farm tour
Taste cloves, vanilla, cardamom, and nutmeg straight from the plant, usually combined with a local lunch. Good for all ages.
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.
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.
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.
Zanzibar in May, quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Zanzibar?
May is a month to think twice about visiting Zanzibar. Still very wet and many resorts closed or under renovation. The rains taper toward month's end.
What is the weather like in Zanzibar in May?
Long rains continuing, highs near 84F (29C).
Is Zanzibar crowded in May?
May is one of the quieter months in Zanzibar; most sights can be done without long waits.
Keep planning Zanzibar.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in May
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