Water temperature zanzibar
The water temperature in Zanzibar is 26-29°C constant full year no significant seasonal variation (main advantage vs. winter cold water destinations). Seasonal: Jun-Oct 26-27°C perfect refreshing, Nov-May 27-29°C warmer. No wetsuit requiredSwimming/snorkeling/comfortable diving 365 days. Variation beaches: South/east (Paje/Jambiani) slightly warmer vs north (Nungwi/Kendwa), minimum difference 1°C. Snorkel visibility: Best jun-oct dry season 20-25 meters crystal clear water. Tides: East coast dramatic tide (water recedes 500+ meters), north no significant tide all day swimming. This guide explains monthly temperature, best beaches, tides and water activities.
Seasonal Zanzibar sea surface temperature now
Jun-Oct (dry season): 26-27°C perfect refreshing, visibility snorkeling 20-25 meters best year.
Nov-DecTemperature: 27-28°C warm, pleasant, transition short rains.
Jan-Mar: 27-29°C warmer year, perfect for hot water lovers.
Apr-May (rains)Temperature: 26-28°C pleasant, visibility reduced to 10-15 meters.
Constant advantageIndian Ocean maintains warm temperature vs. Mediterranean 15-20°C winter.
Updated temperature: Sea Temperature real time data.
Zanzibar sea surface temperature by month
January: 27-29°C (warmer year).
February: 27-29°C (peak water heat).
March: 27-28°C (warm).
April: 26-28°C (rains begin).
May: 26-27°C (rains end).
June: 26-27°C (BEST visibility).
July: 26-27°C (BEST perfect).
August: 26-27°C (BEST ideal).
September: 26-27°C (BEST comfortable).
October: 27-28°C (excellent).
November: 27-28°C (warm).
December: 27-28°C (high season).
Best beaches water temperature Zanzibar
Nungwi/Kendwa (north)Water 26-28°C, tideless swim all day (main advantage), constant depth, ideal for families/children.
Paje/Jambiani (east)Slightly warmer water 27-29°C, dramatic tide (see Tide Times), swim high tide morning/afternoon.
Matemwe (northeast)Water 26-28°C, access Mnemba Atoll snorkeling, quiet family.
Kizimkazi (south)Water 27-29°C warmer, dolphin tours, less touristic.
Factors affecting Zanzibar water temperature
Tides
East Coast: Dramatic tide water recedes 500+ meters at low tide, swim only at high tide.
North coastNo significant tide swimming all day 6:00-18:00.
Consultation: Tide Times daily schedules.
Water visibility
Jun-Oct (dry season)20-25 meters crystal clear BEST snorkeling/diving.
Nov-Dec: 15-20 meters good.
Apr-May (rains)10-15 meters reduced turbidity rainfall.
Currents
Generally mildSea calm most of the year especially Jun-Oct.
CautionSome local running beaches, consult locals/hotels.
Frequently asked questions Zanzibar water temperature
What is the water temperature in Zanzibar?
The water temperature in Zanzibar is 26-29°C constant full year without significant seasonal variation (advantage vs. Mediterranean 15-20°C winter). Seasonal: Jun-Oct 26-27°C perfect refreshing visibility 20-25 meters, Nov-Mar 27-29°C warmer, Apr-May 26-28°C pleasant. No wetsuit required swimming/snorkeling/diving 365 days. Slightly warmer south/east beaches vs. north (difference 1°C). According to National Geographic TravelZanzibar water is "perfect 26-29°C constant with no seasonality". See Sea Temperature.
Does the water temperature in Zanzibar vary during the year?
Minimum variation 26-29°C (3°C maximum difference): Jun-Oct 26-27°C slightly cooler (dry season BEST visibility snorkeling 20-25 meters), Nov-Mar 27-29°C warmer (peak heat Jan-Feb), Apr-May 26-28°C pleasant (rains reduce visibility 10-15 meters). Variation beaches: South/east (Paje/Jambiani) 1°C warmer vs north (Nungwi/Kendwa), negligible difference. Zanzibar AdvantageTemperature stable vs. seasonal cold water winter destinations. Consult Climate-Data.org, Weather.com.
What is the best time to swim in Zanzibar?
Jun-Oct BEST time to swimWater 26-27°C perfect refreshing, visibility 20-25 meters crystal clear (best snorkeling/dive year PADI), calm sea, no rainfall. Jan-Mar also excellent water 27-29°C warmer warmth lovers (visibility 15-20 meters good). Evita Apr-May heavy rains reduced visibility 10-15 meters. Tides: North (Nungwi/Kendwa) swim all day without tide, East (Paje/Jambiani) only high tide (Tide Times). According to Lonely PlanetJun-Oct is "best time for water activities".