When to go to Zanzibar
Zanzibar's seasons are close enough to the mainland's that the two usually agree. That's exactly why a bush-and-beach trip works so well.
June to October
Dry, cooler and breezy. This overlaps with the peak safari months, so it's the easiest combination to plan, and the busiest one to book.
December to February
Hot, still and clear. Wonderful for the water, though the humidity is very real. It's also calving season on the southern Serengeti plains, which makes it a really good pairing.
March to May
The long rains. April and May are the wettest, and a number of hotels close. It's the cheapest time, and between the downpours it can be beautiful. But a beach holiday is a poor thing to gamble on the weather, and we'll tell you that instead of selling it to you.
November
The short rains. Usually that means an afternoon shower, not a washout, and it's often good value.
See what each month is like on the mainland. For most people, the safari dates come first and Zanzibar fits in around them.