Weather in Zanzibar in November

How November compares

November is the 5th warmest month of the year in Zanzibar and ranks 9th of 134 destinations we compare for November - see where else is hot in November. Against London's average high of 10.4°C in November, Zanzibar is 19.0°C warmer by day and 19.7°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in November

The typical November day in Zanzibar peaks at 29.4°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 30.7°C or more. About 100% of days top 25°C and 1 in 3 pass 30°C. Nights average 24.6°C; one night in ten drops to 23.7°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest November day here reached 32.1°C (2003-11-23) and the coldest night 21.9°C (2018-11-01).

Rain in November

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 18 days with 1 mm or more, 87 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest November was 2006 with 184 mm, the driest 2003 with 18 mm. Humidity averages 79%, which makes the heat feel heavier than the thermometer suggests.

Sea temperature in November

The sea averages 27.6°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 27.1°C to 28.2°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), 12.3 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 05:56 and sets about 18:20 local time in mid-November. Average cloud cover is 48%.

Is November a good time to visit Zanzibar?

It is a reasonable choice: hot days but expect showers. 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.

Hot days, humid air and warm evenings

November feels hot rather than gently warm, with humidity at 79% making the air feel sticky. Daytime temperatures reach 30°C on 29% of days, so plan more active outings for the cooler parts of the day and leave room for shade around midday. Nights average 25°C, which means evenings offer limited relief from the heat. Pack loose, breathable clothing and check that your accommodation has cooling you will be comfortable with overnight. Compared with London's November daytime high of 10.4°C, Zanzibar is markedly warmer. It suits travellers who enjoy sustained warmth, but may feel tiring if you prefer cool sleeping conditions or spending the whole day on the move.

Expect sunshine, but keep plans flexible

Rain is a meaningful part of a November trip, not something to dismiss when planning. About 18 days have measurable rain, although that does not mean each is a washout. There is still around 6.4 hours of sunshine a day, so the picture is mixed rather than relentlessly grey. Keep outdoor plans movable, carry a light waterproof and have somewhere sheltered to spend wet periods. The sea stays warm enough for comfortable swimming, making time in the water a clear draw when conditions allow. This month suits someone happy to work around wet weather; if reliable dryness matters more than warmth, the rain is a substantial reason to reconsider.