Zanzibar Travel Guide
Zanzibar in April: The Rainy Season, Honestly Explained
By Haji, your local · updated on 09.10.2026 · 5 min read
Part of our complete Zanzibar travel guideApril is the wettest month in Zanzibar: on average around 385 mm of rain falls on about 17 days. If you want nothing but sunshine, you should avoid it. But if you are looking for peace, lush green nature and low prices and can live with showers, you will experience an island almost without other holidaymakers. Here is the honest assessment.
April weather in numbers
| Value | April |
|---|---|
| Daytime high | approx. 30 °C |
| At night | approx. 23 °C |
| Sunshine hours per day | approx. 6 |
| Rainfall | approx. 385 mm on around 17 days |
| Sea temperature | approx. 29 °C |
Long-term averages, rounded. The weather in individual years may differ.
What does a rainy day in Zanzibar look like?
In Zanzibar, rainy season does not mean constant drizzle like a German November. Typical are heavy downpours, often in the afternoon or at night, with the sun breaking through in between. But there are also grey days when it pours several times. It stays warm, and the humidity is very high. Honest experiences about expectations and reality can be found in Zanzibar: Expectation vs. Reality.
Who April is worth it for
- For anyone on a small budget: many places to stay have off-season prices, and some even close for a few weeks.
- For those seeking peace who want the beaches almost to themselves.
- For nature lovers: the island is at its greenest now, and Jozani Forest especially lush.
- Less so for a beach week with guaranteed sunshine or a honeymoon with a fixed programme.
What works in April and what does not
Land tours such as Stone Town & Spice Farm work even in the rain. We deliberately plan boat trips such as the Blue Safari flexibly in April: we check the weather and wind at short notice and would rather postpone by a day. A mainland safari is possible, but the tracks can be muddy.
What to watch out for in April
- Plan at least two or three buffer days for boat trips.
- Check whether your accommodation is open during this period.
- Consistent mosquito protection is a must: Malaria in Zanzibar.
- Public holidays in Zanzibar: Karume Day (7 April) and Union Day (26 April).
Prefer a bit more sunshine? Then take a look at Zanzibar in March or Zanzibar in May, or the overview Best Time to Visit Zanzibar.
Still want to go in April? A good choice if you are looking for peace. I will plan you a free route with buffer days.
Frequently asked questions
Is April a good time to visit Zanzibar?+
Only to a limited extent. April is the wettest month. If you are looking for peace, greenery and low prices and accept showers, you can still have a lovely trip.
Does it rain all day in April?+
Usually not. Typical are heavy showers, often in the afternoon or at night, with sunny spells in between. Some days, however, can be wet throughout.
Do boat trips run in April?+
Yes, but flexibly. In heavy rain or strong wind we would rather postpone the tour by a day. So plan in buffer days.
Is Zanzibar cheaper in April?+
Yes. April is off-season, and many places to stay lower their prices significantly.