January · Tanzania
Best time to visit Stone Town in January Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Stone Town in January
Average temperature 28°C, 156 mm of rain, about 25 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 80% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
January score
4.0/10
Ranked #10 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 28°C
- Rainfall
- 156 mm
- Humidity
- 80%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 25
- Crowd Density
- Quiet / Uncrowded
- Average Expenses
- $$ · Moderate Cost ($$)
January in Stone Town scores 4.0/10 for sightseeing and cultural travel - ranked #10 of 12. Expect around 28°C, 156 mm of rain, and roughly 25 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Stone Town is Zanzibar's historic quarter, a maze of alleys, carved doors, spice shops and the Forodhani waterfront.
January in Stone Town — off-season conditions
Days in January average 28°C (83°F) and humidity near 80% — front-load outdoor plans before the heat builds and treat the middle of the day as indoor time.
156 mm of rain makes this a wet month here, though with about 25 days with 6+ hours of sunshine there is still bright weather between the fronts.
That is 4/10 on the same scale — 10th of 12 months, versus 8.1/10 for the best month here.
Pack the lightest breathable clothing you own, a hat, and more water than feels necessary, a proper rain shell rather than an umbrella.
Budget for mid-season pricing, and crowds are light for this destination.
If your dates are flexible, August is materially better in Stone Town — 4.1 points higher on the same scale.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Stone Town in January?
- In January, Stone Town averages 28°C, 156 mm of rain, and about 25 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 4.0/10.
- Is January a good time to visit Stone Town?
- January earns a 4.0/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Stone Town in January?
- Expect about 156 mm of rain in January. Average humidity is 80% and there are about 25 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Stone Town
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Stone Town
Stone Town, Tanzania. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.