Zanzibar Travel Guide
Zanzibar in August: Weather, Whales & Summer Holiday Tips
By Haji, your local · updated on 09.10.2026 · 5 min read
Part of our complete Zanzibar travel guideZanzibar in August is a top time to travel: it is one of the driest periods of the year, with lots of sunshine, around 29 °C during the day and crystal-clear water. Humpback whales pass by off the coast, and on the mainland it is peak safari season. Because all of Europe is on summer holiday, it is also busy – but with good planning that is no problem.
August weather in numbers
| Value | August |
|---|---|
| Daytime high | approx. 29 °C |
| At night | approx. 19 °C |
| Sunshine hours per day | approx. 8 |
| Rainfall | approx. 50 mm on around 8 days |
| Sea temperature | approx. 25 °C |
Long-term averages, rounded. The weather in individual years may differ.
How Zanzibar feels in August
In August the light is soft and golden, the air dry, the nights pleasantly cool. It is the month of long days on the water: a sandbank in the morning, seafood under the mangrove roof, sunset from the deck of a dhow. At 25 °C the sea is at its coolest of the year, but for most people still wonderfully refreshing.
What works especially well in August
- Whale watching: the peak of the humpback migration off Zanzibar.
- Snorkelling with the best visibility: Snorkelling & Dolphins.
- Sunset on the sea: Turtles & Sunset Dhow Cruise.
- Safari at the best time for wildlife viewing: Mikumi Safari – 2 Days.
Summer holidays: how to escape the crowds
- Book accommodation, transfer and boat trips several months in advance.
- Private tours instead of group excursions: with us you are only out with your own people. Why that makes the difference is explained in Booking Zanzibar Excursions.
- Stay in quieter places such as Matemwe or Jambiani.
- In the evening, the Forodhani night market, once the day visitors have left.
Zanzibar in August with kids
August is ideal for families: dry, not too hot and during the holidays. Child-friendly ideas, from turtles to starfish, can be found in Zanzibar with Kids. For swimming all day without planning around the tides, the north is best.
Compare with Zanzibar in July and Zanzibar in September or read the month-by-month overview.
Summer holidays in Zanzibar? I will plan you a free route with private tours away from the crowds.
Frequently asked questions
Is August a good time to visit Zanzibar?+
Yes, one of the best: dry, sunny, not too hot. Because of the summer holidays, however, it is high season.
How warm is the sea in Zanzibar in August?+
Around 25 °C. That is the coolest value of the year, but still pleasant for swimming and snorkelling.
Is Zanzibar crowded in August?+
In the well-known places and on big group tours, yes. With private tours and quieter accommodation you can still experience the island in a relaxed way.
Can you combine a safari with Zanzibar in August?+
Yes, in the dry season August is a very good time for safari. The Mikumi safari is possible from Zanzibar as a day trip or over two days.