Temperature November
The weather in Zanzibar in November is dry→rainy season transition with warm temperatures 27-32°C day, 24-26°C night, water temperature 26-28°C perfect for swimming/water sports, moderate rains (10-15 days month, short afternoon/evening showers 1-2 hours), humidity 75-85%, abundant sunshine mornings. Advantagesless tourists vs Jun-Oct, low accommodation prices (-30% hotels), warm water ideal for snorkeling/diving, lush green scenery after first rains. DisadvantagesActivities: unpredictable rains (may cancel tours occasionally), high humidity, occasional algae on east coast after rains. Activities: diving/snorkeling (good visibility 15-20 meters), kitesurfing Paje (winds still good), dolphin tours Kizimkazi, Stone Town culture, spice tours. Best time to avoid: April-May (heavy rains). This guide explains weather, water temperature, what to do and practical tips.
Characteristics of the weather in Zanzibar in November
Day temperatureTemperature: 27-32°C (27-32°C) (warm, occasionally very hot).
Night temperature: 24-26°C (24-26°C) (pleasant, refreshing).
Water temperature: 26-28°C (perfect for swimming/water sports year-round).
Rains10-15 days month, short afternoon/evening showers (1-2 hours), NO constant rainfall as April-May.
Humidity75-85% (high, may feel hot).
Sol: Abundant mornings, afternoon clouds increasing before showers.
WindsModerate 10-18 knots, good kitesurfing/windsurfing east coast.
SeasonTransition "short rainy season" (Nov-Dec) less intense than "long rainy season" (Mar-May).
Updated weather: Weather.com accurate November forecasts prior to travel.
Historical data: Climate-Data.org Zanzibar weather statistics November previous years.
Water temperature Zanzibar November
26-28°CPerfect for swimming/water sports without the need for a wetsuit.
Constant full yearIndian Ocean maintains warm temperature 26-29°C all months being Zanzibar advantage vs. seasonal tropical destinations.
Ideal activitiesSnorkeling, diving, kitesurfing, windsurfing, paddle boarding, kayaking - comfortable water for hours without getting cold.
VisibilityGood 15-20 meters (improves after rains clean surface but may temporarily reduce if heavy).
Sea temperature: Sea Temperature updated data on Zanzibar water temperature.
Weather activities in Zanzibar in November
Snorkel diving
ConditionsGood visibility 15-20 meters, warm water 26-28°C, healthy coral reefs.
Best sitesMnemba Atoll (tours 80-150 USD), Nungwi/Kendwa reefs, Kizimkazi south.
Advantage NovemberLess divers vs. high season Jun-Oct, less crowded reefs.
Information: PADI recognized diving certifications.
Kitesurfing windsurfing
East coast pageboy: Good winds still 12-20 knots (consult Windguru specific conditions), less intense than Jul-Oct but sufficient.
SchoolsCourses 3 days 300-400 USD, equipment rental 50-80 USD/day.
AdvantageLess crowded beaches vs. high season.
Kizimkazi Dolphin Tours
Best schedule: 6:00-9:00 a.m. (probability 80-90% sighting), price 50-80 USD person.
Active dolphinsNovember good feeding/breeding season.
Ethics: Whale and Dolphin Conservation responsible tourism.
Stone Town culture
VisitUNESCO world heritage historic city, guided tours 30,000-50,000 TZS (12-20 USD).
MarketsDarajani Market, Forodhani Gardens night street food.
Museums: House of Wonders, Old Fort, Palace Museum.
Information: UNESCO Stone Town heritage.
Spice tours
PlantationsCloves, cinnamon, cardamom, vanilla, ginger - Zanzibar "spice island".
Tours: Half day 40,000-60,000 TZS (16-24 USD), includes tasting/local lunch.
BestNovember: lush green landscapes after the first rains.
Jozani Forest
Colobus monkeysZanzibar endemic reds, park entrance fee 10 USD.
Tours30,000-40,000 TZS (12-16 USD) guided, lush green nature.
Best beaches weather in Zanzibar in November
Kendwa/Nungwi NorthNo significant tide, swimming all day, spectacular sunsets, less algae than this one.
East coast pageboyKitesurfing/windsurfing good winds, dramatic low tide, occasional seaweed after rain.
Jambiani east coast: Quiet authentic, less tourists, genuine fishing village.
Matemwe northeast coast: Quiet family, access Mnemba Atoll tours.
Kizimkazi southFamous dolphin tours, less crowded, small quiet beach.
Note: East Coast (Paje/Jambiani/Matemwe) may have algae temporarily after heavy rains being washed away beach - north (Nungwi/Kendwa) generally less affected.
What to bring weather in Zanzibar in November
Lightweight clothingCotton/breathable, short sleeve T-shirts, shorts, cool dresses.
Modest clothing: Shoulders/knees covered outside beaches respecting Muslim culture (sarongs, light pants, thin long-sleeved shirts).
WaterproofLightweight raincoat/compact umbrella for late afternoon showers.
FootwearBeach sandals, water shoes (sea urchins), comfortable slippers tours.
Protección solarSPF 50+ (intense sun even if cloudy), wide-brimmed hat, UV sunglasses.
Mosquito repellentDEET 30%+ (mosquitoes active after rains), long sleeves at dusk.
MedicationsMandatory malaria prophylaxis (Malarone/Doxycycline), Imodium diarrhea.
Electronics: Waterproof phone/camera case for humidity/rain protection.
Weather in Zanzibar in November
RainsShort afternoon/evening showers (1-2 hours) do NOT ruin day - plan activities morning, afternoon relax hotel.
FlexibilityTours may occasionally be cancelled due to weather (choose operators flexible cancellation policies).
Lodging: Booking hotels pool/spa indoor activities on rainy days.
Low pricesNovember low season (-30% hotels vs Jun-Oct), better value for money.
Fewer tourists: Less crowded beaches/attractions being advantageous to explore at leisure.
HumidityDrinking water constantly, breathable clothing, hotel air conditioning/ventilation.
MalariaActive mosquitoes after rains - mandatory prophylaxis, constant repellent, mosquito netting at night.
Forecasts: World Weather Online November long-term forecasts.
Frequently asked questions weather in Zanzibar in November
What is the weather like in Zanzibar in November?
The weather in Zanzibar in November it is dry→rainy season transition with warm temperatures. 27-32°C day, 24-26°C night, water temperature 26-28°C perfect for swimming/water sports, moderate rains (10-15 day month short afternoon/evening 1-2 hour showers NOT constant as April-May long season rains), high humidity 75-85% (can feel muggy), abundant sunshine mornings (afternoon clouds increase before showers), moderate winds 10-18 knots good kitesurfing/windsurfing. AdvantagesLess tourists vs. high season Jun-Oct (quiet beaches/attractions), low prices accommodation (-30% hotels best deals), warm water ideal snorkeling/diving (visibility 15-20 meters), lush green landscapes after first rains making spice tours/Jozani Forest especially beautiful. DisadvantagesUnpredictable rains may cancel tours occasionally (flexibility required), high humidity uncomfortable, occasional algae east coast (Paje/Jambiani/Matemwe) washed out beach after heavy rains vs north (Nungwi/Kendwa) less affected. Consult forecasts Weather.comhistorical data Climate-Data.orgsea conditions Windy. According to Lonely PlanetNovember is "excellent shoulder season" being "perfect balance less crowds, affordable prices, mostly sunny weather tolerating occasional short rains".
Is it a good time to visit Zanzibar in November?
YES, November is a good time to visit Zanzibar. being shoulder season excellent value for money balancing advantages/disadvantages: ADVANTAGES – (1) Fewer tourists less crowded beaches/attractions vs. jun-oct peak being authentic quiet experience; (2) Low prices accommodation (-30% hotels), tours, flights best deals with significant budget savings; (3) Perfect water temperature 26-28°C ideal snorkeling/diving/water sports without wetsuit; (4) Green landscapes lush after first rains making spice tours/Jozani Forest especially beautiful; (5) Good winds still kitesurfing/windsurfing Paje 12-20 knots (consult Windguru); (6) Active dolphins Kizimkazi successful tours 80-90% sighting; (7) Abundant sunshine mornings planning activities early avoiding late showers. DISADVANTAGES – (1) Moderate rainfall 10-15 day month short afternoon/evening 1-2 hour showers (does NOT ruin vacations but requires flexibility); (2) High humidity 75-85% may feel stuffy (hotel air conditioner recommended); (3) Occasional algae east coast after heavy rains (north less affected); (4) Tours cancellations occasional bad weather days (choose flexible policy operators). IDEAL FOR: Flexible budget conscious travelers tolerating occasional short rains in exchange for low prices/less crowds. AVOID IFYou prefer warranty 100% dry sun (then jun-oct better although more expensive/expensive). According to TripAdvisorNovember offers "best value for money" being "smart season to visit balancing acceptable weather, authentic experience, significant savings".
What is the water temperature in Zanzibar in November?
The water temperature Zanzibar November is 26-28°C (79-82°F) being perfect swimming/water sports no need for comfortable wetsuit hours without getting cold. Indian Ocean maintains constant warm temperature 26-29°C full year being Zanzibar's main advantage vs. seasonal tropical destinations where water cools off-season. Ideal activities: (1) Snorkeling/diving - comfortable water allows long dives (1-2 hours) without cooling off, good visibility 15-20 meters November, coral reefs Mnemba Atoll/Nungwi/Kendwa/Kizimkazi, tours 80-150 USD certification PADI available; (2) Kitesurfing/windsurfing - warm water allows long sessions Paje east coast winds 12-20 knots (consult us) Windguru), courses 300-400 USD, rent 50-80 USD/day; (3) Swimming - Nungwi/Kendwa beaches no significant tide swimming all day 26-28°C, east coast (Paje/Jambiani/Matemwe) high tide morning/evening; (4) Dolphin Tours - Kizimkazi comfortable water swimming near dolphins (50-80 USD person morning 6:00-9:00); (5) Paddle board/kayak - warm water, relaxed activities exploring the coastline. Advantage NovemberWater same temperature high season June-Oct but fewer tourists/lower prices being a smart time to enjoy water sports while avoiding crowds. Check updated temperature Sea Temperaturesea conditions Windy. According to World Weather OnlineZanzibar November water temperature is "ideal tropical conditions" being "perfect year round with no significant seasonal variation".