Weather in Zanzibar in July

How July compares

July is the 12th warmest month of the year in Zanzibar and ranks 92nd of 134 destinations we compare for July - see where else is hot in July. Against London's average high of 21.8°C in July, Zanzibar is 5.5°C warmer by day and 9.2°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in July

The typical July day in Zanzibar peaks at 27.3°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 28.3°C or more. About 99% of days top 25°C. Nights average 22.7°C; one night in ten drops to 22.0°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest July day here reached 29.6°C (2002-07-12) and the coldest night 20.8°C (2017-07-09).

Rain in July

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 8 days with 1 mm or more, 25 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest July was 2018 with 54 mm, the driest 2016 with 10 mm. Humidity averages 76%.

Sea temperature in July

The sea averages 25.9°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 25.5°C to 26.4°C. For the warmest sea here, come in March (29.0°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 6.4 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 11.7 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:35 and sets about 18:23 local time in mid-July. Average cloud cover is 45%.

Is July a good time to visit Zanzibar?

Yes - it is one of the better months: hot days, manageable rain. The best months for Zanzibar on our scoring are September, August, July; months averaging 25°C or more: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.

Warm days, with humidity the main catch

July is Zanzibar's coolest month by average daytime temperature, but that is a relative judgement: it still feels like summer weather to a UK visitor. Days reach 25°C almost without exception, so pack light clothing rather than planning around cool spells. Humidity averages 76%, which can make walking around feel sticky even when the thermometer looks moderate. Breathable fabrics and some shade at midday are sensible choices. Average nights remain around 23°C, so evenings are warm rather than a pronounced break from the daytime conditions. This is a good fit if you enjoy steady warmth but do not need very hot afternoons to make a holiday feel worthwhile.

Plan for swimming, but leave room for rain

The sea averages 25.9°C, making swimming a realistic focus for the trip rather than something reserved for the warmest afternoons. Sunshine averages about 6.4 hours a day, so there is scope for time outdoors, but do not expect uninterrupted blue sky. There are about 8 rainy days in July; keeping outdoor plans flexible is more sensible than assuming every day will stay dry. A light waterproof is useful alongside swimwear and sun protection. The monthly figures do not tell you when showers will arrive or how long they will last, so avoid building plans around an assumed pattern of rain followed by guaranteed sunshine.