Zanzibar Travel Guide
Zanzibar in May: Weather, Prices & Is It Worth It?
By Haji, your local · updated on 09.10.2026 · 5 min read
Part of our complete Zanzibar travel guideIn May the long rainy season in Zanzibar fades out: it still rains often, on around 16 days on average, but towards the end of the month the days become noticeably drier and more pleasant. If you take showers in your stride, you get a green, quiet island and the lowest prices of the year. A month for laid-back travellers and bargain hunters.
May weather in numbers
| Value | May |
|---|---|
| Daytime high | approx. 29 °C |
| At night | approx. 22 °C |
| Sunshine hours per day | approx. 6 |
| Rainfall | approx. 255 mm on around 16 days |
| Sea temperature | approx. 28 °C |
Long-term averages, rounded. The weather in individual years may differ.
How Zanzibar feels in May
The heat eases, and a first fresher breeze picks up. The palms glisten after the rain, and the rice fields inland stand full of water. The resorts are quiet, and people have time for a chat. Many guests who come in May later say that this is exactly how they liked Zanzibar best: quiet, green, real.
What works especially well in May
- Culture and history in Stone Town, without crowds in the alleys.
- Spice plantations after the rain, when everything blossoms and smells wonderful: Stone Town & Spice Farm.
- Turtles in the Mnarani lagoon: Turtles & Sunset.
- Boat trips towards the end of the month, planned flexibly around the weather.
What to watch out for in May
- Some places to stay and beach bars take a break in the off-season. Ask before you book.
- Plan buffer days for boat trips, especially in the first half of the month.
- The Feast of Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) is expected to fall in mid-May in 2027. That means family celebrations and public holidays.
- Mosquito protection remains important: Malaria in Zanzibar.
What does Zanzibar cost in May?
May is one of the cheapest months for accommodation and flights. Our tour prices stay the same all year round, see prices. You will find a complete cost calculation in How Much Does a Zanzibar Trip Cost?.
Compare with Zanzibar in April and Zanzibar in June or read the month-by-month overview.
A quiet island at a small price: I will plan you a free May route with a buffer for the weather.
Frequently asked questions
Is May a good time to visit Zanzibar?+
For laid-back travellers and bargain hunters, yes. The rainy season fades out, and the island is green and empty. If you want guaranteed sunshine, better wait until June.
How much does it rain in Zanzibar in May?+
On average around 255 mm on about 16 days – much less towards the end of the month than at the beginning.
Is Zanzibar cheap in May?+
May is one of the cheapest months. Many places to stay have off-season prices, and flights are often cheaper too.
Can you swim in Zanzibar in May?+
Yes. The sea is around 28 °C, and the sun keeps coming out between the showers.