Zanzibar Travel Guide
Zanzibar in March: Weather, Sauti za Busara & Tips
By Haji, your local · updated on 09.10.2026 · 5 min read
Part of our complete Zanzibar travel guideZanzibar in March is a transitional month: the first half is often still sunny and hot, and towards the end of the month heavier showers announce the long rainy season. At 29 °C the sea is as warm as it ever gets. In 2027 the Sauti za Busara music festival also draws people to Stone Town from 19 to 21 March – and prices are already falling.
March weather in numbers
| Value | March |
|---|---|
| Daytime high | approx. 32 °C |
| At night | approx. 22 °C |
| Sunshine hours per day | approx. 7 |
| Rainfall | approx. 150 mm on around 12 days |
| Sea temperature | approx. 29 °C |
Long-term averages, rounded. The weather in individual years may differ.
How Zanzibar feels in March
In March the air grows heavier, clouds pile up in the afternoon, and when a shower comes, it is warm and short. Afterwards the island smells of wet earth and spices. The beaches empty out, and your hosts have more time for you. If you are flexible, you will experience a more relaxed, more authentic Zanzibar.
Sauti za Busara 2027: festival in Stone Town
The Sauti za Busara music festival brings bands from all over Africa to Stone Town. In 2027 it was moved to 19–21 March out of consideration for Ramadan and the festival marking the end of the fast. If you want to experience the festival, secure accommodation in Stone Town early. Ramadan is expected to end around 8 March 2027; after that, the festival of breaking the fast is celebrated.
What works especially well in March
- Culture and the city, which are beautiful even in the rain: Stone Town & Spice Farm.
- Rainforest and red colobus monkeys: Jozani Forest & Salam Cave.
- Boat trips in the first half of the month, planned flexibly around the weather and the tides.
- Swimming in the warmest water of the year.
What to watch out for in March
- Do not plan boat trips for your last day. In heavy rain or wind we would rather postpone than run a bad tour.
- Mosquito protection becomes more important as soon as it rains. What you need to know about malaria is in Malaria in Zanzibar.
- Easter falls on 28 March in 2027: during the German Easter school holidays, demand rises for a short time.
Compare with Zanzibar in February and Zanzibar in April or read the overview Best Time to Visit Zanzibar.
A March trip with the festival or completely quiet? I will plan you a free route with a buffer for the weather.
Frequently asked questions
Is March a good time to visit Zanzibar?+
Yes, for anyone who does not mind a little rain. The first half of the month is often still sunny, and towards the end the long rainy season begins. In return it is quieter and cheaper.
When is Sauti za Busara 2027?+
From 19 to 21 March 2027 in Stone Town. The festival was moved from its originally planned date because of Ramadan and Eid.
How warm is the sea in March?+
Around 29 °C – warmer than in any other month.
Are tours cancelled in March?+
Rarely. In heavy rain or wind we postpone boat trips by a day. Land tours such as Stone Town and Jozani almost always go ahead.