Zanzibar Travel Guide
Zanzibar in September: Weather, Calm & Whale Season
By Haji, your local · updated on 09.10.2026 · 5 min read
Part of our complete Zanzibar travel guideFor many, Zanzibar in September is the best time to travel of all: still deep in the dry season with lots of sun and around 30 °C, but noticeably quieter once the summer holidays are over. The humpback whales are still here, and safari conditions on the mainland are excellent. Ideal for couples, honeymooners and anyone not tied to school holidays.
September weather in numbers
| Value | September |
|---|---|
| Daytime high | approx. 30 °C |
| At night | approx. 19 °C |
| Sunshine hours per day | approx. 8 |
| Rainfall | approx. 50 mm on around 8 days |
| Sea temperature | approx. 26 °C |
Long-term averages, rounded. The weather in individual years may differ.
How Zanzibar feels in September
In September the island breathes a sigh of relief. The families are back home, the beaches feel wider, the waiting times shorter. The weather is stable, and the days grow a little warmer again. It is the time when you stand on the sandbank and think: this is exactly how I imagined it.
What works especially well in September
- Humpback whales: the season runs until around October.
- Romantic evenings: The Rock & Kuza Cave or a Sunset Dhow Cruise.
- Quiet days on the water: Blue Safari with sandbank and seafood.
- Safari at the end of the dry season: Safari from Zanzibar.
Who September is ideal for
For couples and honeymooners (Honeymoon in Zanzibar), for everyone who can travel outside the school holidays, and for combined trips with a safari. Prices drop slightly compared with July and August, but it is still the season. You should still book good accommodation a few weeks in advance.
Which region suits September?
The southeast trade wind is slowly easing. In the north you can swim all day, and on the east coast you can enjoy the wide lagoon at high tide. Which region suits you is shown in Where to Stay in Zanzibar?.
Compare with Zanzibar in August and Zanzibar in October or read the month-by-month overview.
September calm with guaranteed sunshine? I will plan your route for free.
Frequently asked questions
Is September a good time to visit Zanzibar?+
Yes, one of the best months: dry, sunny and much quieter after the summer holidays.
What is the weather like in Zanzibar in September?+
Sunny and dry, with around 30 °C during the day and 19 °C at night. Rain is rare – on average on around eight days, as a short shower.
Are there still whales off Zanzibar in September?+
Yes, the humpback whale season runs until around October. Sightings are possible but never guaranteed.
Is September good for a honeymoon in Zanzibar?+
Very good: stable weather, fewer families on holiday and romantic sunsets.