May · Tanzania
Best time to visit Zanzibar in May Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Zanzibar in May
Average temperature 26°C, 139 mm of rain, about 29 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 81% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
May score
7.4/10
Ranked #10 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 26°C
- Rainfall
- 139 mm
- Humidity
- 81%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 29
- Crowd Density
- Quiet / Uncrowded
- Average Expenses
- $ · Budget Friendly ($)
May in Zanzibar scores 7.4/10 for beach and coastal travel - ranked #10 of 12. Expect around 26°C, 139 mm of rain, and roughly 29 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Zanzibar's Stone Town is a maze of coral-stone houses, carved doors, and spice warehouses, with beaches strung along the island's north and east coasts.
May in Zanzibar: strong conditions, 10th of 12
Days in May average 26°C (79°F) and humidity near 81% — front-load outdoor plans before the heat builds and treat the middle of the day as indoor time.
139 mm of rain makes this a wet month here, though with about 29 days with 6+ hours of sunshine there is still bright weather between the fronts.
That is 7.4/10 on the same scale — 10th of 12 months, versus 9.6/10 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.
Expect low-season pricing, and crowds are light for this destination.
If your dates are flexible, February is materially better in Zanzibar — 2.2 points higher on the same scale.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Zanzibar in May?
- In May, Zanzibar averages 26°C, 139 mm of rain, and about 29 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 7.4/10.
- Is May a good time to visit Zanzibar?
- May earns a 7.4/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Zanzibar in May?
- Expect about 139 mm of rain in May. Average humidity is 81% and there are about 29 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Zanzibar
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Zanzibar
Zanzibar, Tanzania. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.