Zanzibar in May
Wet, gradually improving
The short answer
May is one of the weakest months in Zanzibar.
May is still part of the long rainy season, although conditions generally improve toward the end of the month. Prices and visitor numbers remain relatively low.
5.5/10 overall24–29°CLow crowdsLow
Weather4/10
Crowds9/10
Prices10/10
Events4/10
May in detail
What May actually feels like
- Weather
- 24–29°C
- Wet, gradually improving.
- Crowds
- Low
- Low
- Prices
- Low
- Low
+Budget-conscious travelers and quieter trips
–Rain and less reliable beach conditions
My tip for May
Watch out for: Rain and less reliable beach conditions.
- Budget-conscious travelers
- quieter trips
How May compares
Against the other eleven months
11th of 12 overall in Zanzibar, 11th for weather, 1st for space, 1st for value. The emptiest month is April; the best value is April.
See all twelve months for ZanzibarPlan around
What’s on in Zanzibar in May
- Zanzibar's long rains
- The main long rainy season runs roughly from March/April through May, with April and May typically being the wettest period. If your trip is mainly about beaches, sunshine and outdoor activities, these are the months where weather is least reliable.
April – May
Not set on May?
Months I'd choose over May
Still going to Zanzibar in May?
Book early and plan around the busiest hours — rain and less reliable beach conditions
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