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Weather in Zanzibar North
Nungwi's pristine beaches and dhow workshops
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About Zanzibar North
Zanzibar's northern beaches at Nungwi gleam pristine-white, where traditional dhow boats rock at anchor and turtles nest on sand. The spice island's northern gateway offers both beach bliss and cultural authenticity.
Best months to visit
January, February, July, September
Language
Swahili, English
Things to do in Zanzibar North
Relax on pristine Nungwi beach
Visit turtle sanctuary
Watch traditional dhow construction
Snorkel reef gardens
Tour spice farms
Dine on fresh seafood
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
Recommended
January
29C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
Recommended
February
29C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
March
29C
Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.
April
28C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
May
27C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
June
27C
Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.
Recommended
July
27C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
August
27C
Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.
Recommended
September
27C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
October
28C
Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.
November
28C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
December
28C
Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.
Northern Zanzibar, centred on the beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa, offers some of the island's most reliably swimmable white-sand coastline, largely unaffected by the dramatic tidal swings that expose wide flats elsewhere on Zanzibar. It's also the island's traditional dhow-building centre, where craftsmen still construct wooden boats by hand on the beach, and a launch point for sunset cruises and snorkelling trips to nearby reefs.
Best areas to stay in Zanzibar North
Nungwi
A lively beach village at the island's northern tip, with dhow building, restaurants and a busy beach scene.
Kendwa
A quieter beach just south of Nungwi, known for full moon parties and a long, calm stretch of sand.
Mnarani
Home to a sea turtle conservation pond and quieter accommodation near Nungwi.
Matemwe (further south)
A more laid-back stretch of the northeast coast with smaller lodges and good reef access.
Getting to Zanzibar North
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Flights
Fly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar/Stone Town), then transfer by road to the north (around 1-1.5 hours).
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From London
~9-11 hours from London including a connection, often via the Middle East or mainland Tanzania.
🚕
Getting around
Taxis and hotel transfers cover the road from Stone Town; within Nungwi and Kendwa most things are walkable along the beach.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit northern Zanzibar?
June to October and December to February offer the driest, sunniest weather; March-May is the long rainy season with heavier downpours.
Why is the north better for swimming than other parts of Zanzibar?
Nungwi and Kendwa are largely unaffected by the extreme low tides that leave other Zanzibar beaches with exposed sand and seaweed flats, so swimming is possible most of the day.
What is dhow building?
Traditional wooden sailing boats (dhows) are still hand-built on Nungwi's beaches using techniques passed down through generations — visitors can watch craftsmen at work.
Is Stone Town easy to reach from the north?
Yes — it's around 1-1.5 hours by road, commonly visited as a day trip combining the UNESCO-listed old town with spice farm tours.
What activities are popular besides the beach?
Sunset dhow cruises, snorkelling and diving trips to nearby reefs, and visits to the Mnarani sea turtle conservation pond near Nungwi.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Nungwi was exactly the beach holiday we wanted after a Tanzania safari — swimmable at all tides and the sunset dhow cruise was magical.
Megan T. · September 2023
★★★★★
Kendwa's beach felt endless and the water was so clear. Took a day trip into Stone Town which was a great cultural contrast.
Olu A. · January 2024
★★★★☆
Watched the dhow builders at work on Nungwi beach one morning — fascinating craftsmanship still done entirely by hand.
Friedrich W. · July 2023
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