Zanzibar Travel Guide
Zanzibar in January: Weather, Sea & Tips (2027)
By Haji, your local · updated on 09.10.2026 · 5 min read
Part of our complete Zanzibar travel guideZanzibar in January is a very good time to travel: hot and sunny at around 32 °C during the day, the sea is 28 °C, and after the New Year rush things get noticeably quieter. Short showers happen, but usually pass quickly. If you want to escape the winter back home, you will find pure summer here – with clear water for boat trips and long, golden evenings.
January weather in numbers
| Value | January |
|---|---|
| Daytime high | approx. 32 °C |
| At night | approx. 23 °C |
| Sunshine hours per day | approx. 8 |
| Rainfall | approx. 85 mm on around 10 days |
| Sea temperature | approx. 28 °C |
Long-term averages, rounded. The weather in individual years may differ.
How Zanzibar feels in January
January is high summer in Zanzibar. The air is warm and humid, the light hard and clear, the sea glows in every shade of turquoise. Mornings are the most beautiful: the beach belongs to you, and the fishermen return in their dhows. At midday you look for a spot in the shade, and in the evening you sit barefoot in the sand while the sun sinks glowing red into the sea.
What works especially well in January
- Boat trips on calm, clear water: Blue Safari with sandbank and seafood.
- Snorkelling and dolphins off Kizimkazi: Snorkelling & Dolphins.
- Kitesurfing in Paje: from December the northeast monsoon (Kaskazi) brings reliable wind.
- Sunsets in the west and north: Turtles & Sunset.
What to watch out for in January
- The first days of January still belong to the holiday high season. From around 6 January, prices and crowds drop significantly.
- 12 January is Revolution Day, a public holiday in Zanzibar. Government offices and some shops are closed.
- UV radiation is extremely high. Plan excursions for the morning or late afternoon and bring reef-safe sunscreen.
- On the east coast the tides decide your beach day: Tides in Zanzibar.
Which region suits January?
In the north (Nungwi, Kendwa) you can swim all day, regardless of the tides. If you are looking for wind and lagoon, Paje is the right place. For couples who want peace and quiet, Matemwe with its view of Mnemba Atoll is a beautiful retreat.
Prices in January
After New Year it gets noticeably cheaper, and accommodation has availability again. Our tour prices are the same all year round – you will find them in the price overview. A realistic total budget is worked out in How Much Does a Zanzibar Trip Cost?.
Still torn between two months? Here are Zanzibar in December and Zanzibar in February; you will find the overview of all months under Best Time to Visit Zanzibar.
Travelling in January? Tell me your dates and I will plan you a free route that fits the weather and the tides.
Frequently asked questions
Is January a good time to visit Zanzibar?+
Yes. January is hot, sunny and dry enough for all tours. After New Year it is also quieter and cheaper than over the holidays.
How warm is Zanzibar in January?+
Around 32 °C during the day and about 23 °C at night. The sea is a pleasant 28 °C.
Does it rain in Zanzibar in January?+
Occasionally, on around 10 days on average, mostly as a short shower. The sun soon comes out again afterwards.
Can you kitesurf in Zanzibar in January?+
Yes. From December to around February the northeast monsoon blows, and Paje is then a popular kite spot.