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Weather in Mafia Island
Whale shark sanctuary in Tanzania's forgotten paradise
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About Mafia Island
Mafia Island glows as one of Tanzania's most pristine marine refuges, where whale sharks glide through waters and sea turtles nest. The island's forgotten status has preserved its beaches and reefs from mass tourism's touch.
Best months to visit
June, July, August, September
Language
Swahili, English
Things to do in Mafia Island
Swim with whale sharks seasonally
Snorkel pristine coral gardens
Dive pristine reefs
Visit turtle nesting sites
Fish for dogtooth tuna
Camp on isolated beaches
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
30C
Hot and humid, with some rainy days.
February
30C
Hot and humid, with some rainy days.
March
30C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
April
28C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
May
27C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
Recommended
June
27C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
Recommended
July
26C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
Recommended
August
27C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
Recommended
September
27C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
October
28C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
November
29C
Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.
December
30C
Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.
Mafia Island, south of Zanzibar, is one of East Africa's best places to swim alongside whale sharks, which gather seasonally in the plankton-rich waters around Kilindoni. Much of the surrounding sea is protected as Mafia Island Marine Park, a haven for coral reefs, dugongs and turtle nesting beaches, while the island itself retains a sleepy, palm-fringed pace far removed from Zanzibar's tourist crowds.
Best areas to stay in Mafia Island
Kilindoni
The island's main town near the airstrip, with the ferry port and local markets.
Utende
The lodge area closest to the marine park headquarters, popular for diving and whale shark trips.
Chole Island
A small island reachable by boat, with ruins, baobabs and a slow, traditional pace of life.
Marine Park beaches
Protected stretches of coastline with coral reefs just offshore and turtle nesting sites.
Getting to Mafia Island
✈
Flights
Fly into Dar es Salaam, then take a short connecting flight to Mafia Island's airstrip.
⏱
From London
~12-14 hours from London including the connection via Dar es Salaam.
🚕
Getting around
Lodges arrange airstrip transfers; getting around the island is mostly by boat or short drives along sandy tracks.
Frequently asked questions
When can you see whale sharks at Mafia Island?
October to March is the main season, with peak sightings typically between November and February when plankton blooms attract the sharks close to shore.
How do you get to Mafia Island?
Small propeller planes fly from Dar es Salaam (around 30-45 minutes); there's also a slower ferry option from the mainland.
Is Mafia Island good for diving and snorkelling?
Yes — the Mafia Island Marine Park protects extensive coral reefs with good visibility, alongside whale shark and occasional dugong encounters.
What is there to do besides marine life?
Visiting the ruins on Chole Island, exploring mangrove channels by boat, and relaxing on quiet beaches with little development.
Is Mafia Island busy with tourists?
No — it remains far quieter than Zanzibar, with a handful of small lodges and a relaxed, low-key atmosphere.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Snorkelling next to whale sharks here was unreal — so much quieter and more personal than the crowded trips we'd read about elsewhere.
Naomi R. · December 2023
★★★★★
Chole Island felt like stepping back in time, with old ruins overtaken by giant baobab roots. A real highlight after the beach days.
Tom B. · November 2022
★★★★☆
Very few other tourists around, which was lovely, though it does mean facilities are basic — pack accordingly.
Priya K. · February 2024
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