Temperature Zanzibar January
The climate in Zanzibar in January is excellent high season: 27-30°C day hot and sunny, 24-26°C night pleasant warmth, water temperature 27-29°C perfect swimming/water sports (warmer year together feb), minimal rainfall 3-5 days month very short showers, abundant sun 95% days Clear skies. AdvantagesBest weather year round Dec/Feb (intense tropical heat ideal for sun lovers), calm sea for families, excellent snorkeling/diving visibility 20-25 meters, less mosquitoes, moderate kitesurfing/windsurfing winds. DisadvantagesHigh season prices (+50-70% accommodation vs May-Jun), MORE tourists year (peak visitors), advance bookings mandatory 4-6 months, intense heat 30°C+ midday humidity 75-85% muggy. Activities: beaches (Nungwi/Kendwa/Paje), snorkeling/diving Mnemba, kitesurfing Paje, dolphin tours Kizimkazi, Stone Town. Accommodation: guesthouses 50-90 USD, mid-range 120-250 USD, resorts 350-1,000+ USD. Daily budget: budget 100-180 USD, mid-range 250-500 USD, luxury 600-1,500+ USD.
Zanzibar weather in January
Day temperature(hot very hot midday 30-32°C).
Night temperaturetemperature: 24-26°C (pleasantly warm).
Water temperatureTemperature: 27-29°C (warmer perfect swimming year).
RainsMinimum 3-5 days very short showers (practically dry).
Humidity75-85% (high may feel hot).
Sol: Abundant 95% days with clear skies (sunniest year).
WindsSmooth 8-12 knots, calm sea.
Season: High peak visitors (together Dec-Feb).
Weather: Weather.com updated forecasts.
Data: Climate-Data.org January statistics.
Zanzibar weather activities in January
Beaches: Nungwi/Kendwa north (no tide swimming all day heat 27-30°C), Paje east (kitesurfing winds 10-18 moderate knots Windguru), Jambiani/Matemwe quiet.
Snorkeling/diving: Mnemba Atoll tours 80-150 USD (excellent visibility 20-25 meters best year crystal clear water), certification PADI available.
Kitesurfing/windsurfing: Paje moderate winds 10-18 knots (less intense vs Jul-Aug but sufficient), courses 300-400 USD, rental 50-80 USD/day.
Dolphin Tours: Kizimkazi 50-80 USD morning 6:00-9:00 (80-90% sighting water 27-29°C warm), ethics Whale and Dolphin Conservation.
Stone TownUNESCO heritage UNESCOtours 30,000-50,000 TZS (12-20 USD), vibrant markets.
Spice tours: 40,000-60,000 TZS (16-24 USD) half day.
Jozani ForestColobus monkeys entrance fee 10 USD, lush green landscapes.
Best beaches climate Zanzibar in January
NungwiNorth: North no tide swimming all day, spectacular sunsets, lively nightlife, very busy January peak tourists.
KendwaNorth next to Nungwi, less crowded, occasional beach parties, perfect white sand.
PageboyKitesurfing: Moderate winds, dramatic low tide, backpacker atmosphere, popular in January.
Jambiani: Quiet authentic east, fishing village, less tourists vs. north, crystal clear water.
MatemweNortheast : Northeast quiet family friendly, access Mnemba tours, less crowded vs Nungwi.
KizimkaziFamous dolphin tours, small beach, less touristic.
Frequently asked questions climate Zanzibar in January
What is the weather like in Zanzibar in January?
The Zanzibar weather in January is high peak season excellent: 27-30°C day hot (midday 30-32°C intense), 24-26°C night warm, water 27-29°C warmer year, minimal rainfall 3-5 days (95% sun), humidity 75-85% sultry. Advantages: Sun guaranteed, visibility snorkel 20-25 meters best year (PADI), calm sea families, less mosquitoes. DisadvantagesPrices +50-70%, MORE tourists year, intense midday heat requires air conditioning. According to Lonely PlanetJanuary is "perfect for tropical heat lovers". Consult Weather.com, Climate-Data.org.
What is the water temperature in Zanzibar in January?
Water temperature Zanzibar January: 27-29°C warmer year (1-2°C higher vs ago 25-27°C) perfect swimming without wetsuit. Activities: Nungwi/Kendwa all day swimming, snorkeling/dive Mnemba visibility 20-25 meters best year (PADI), kitesurfing Paje winds 10-18 knots (Windguru), Kizimkazi dolphin tours 50-80 USD (Whale and Dolphin Conservation). According to National Geographic TravelJanuary water is "perfect tropical maximum". See Sea Temperature.
Is January a good month to visit Zanzibar?
YES, January EXCELLENT weather BUT EXTREME high season. AdvantagesPerfect weather 27-30°C, water 27-29°C warmer, visibility snorkeling 20-25 meters (PADI), 95% sunny days, less mosquitoes. Disadvantages: MAXIMUM prices +50-70% (guesthouses 50-90 USD, mid-range 120-250 USD, resorts 350-1,000+ USD), MORE tourists year, reservations 4-6 months MANDATORY, heat 30°C+ muggy. BudgetBudget 100-180 USD, mid-range 250-500 USD, luxury 600-1,500+ USD. Alternative: Jun-Aug (25-28°C, -40% prices, less tourists). According to TripAdvisorJanuary "it's worth it if you prioritize guaranteed sunshine". Compare Booking.com, Skyscanner.