ERA5 · Stone Town
Short-rains period through the year.
Daytime highNighttime low°C
ERA5 via Open-Meteo Historical Weather API · ERA5 grid near Stone Town · 2015–2024.
Unguja Island · Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar in July
A drier-season coast and Stone Town, with wind and tides shaping beach time.
July is usually a drier, breezier period in Zanzibar. The southeast trade wind can make some east-coast beaches rougher, and tides affect swimming access; choose the coast for the kind of beach day you want.
- Daytime high
- 28°ERA5 grid · Stone Town
- Nighttime
- 23°ERA5 grid · Stone Town
- Wet days
- 7days with ≥1 mm/day
- Relative budget
- Moderate
- July timing
- Drier, breezy seasonCheck tide tables and local sea conditions before choosing a swimming beach.
Weather: ERA5 via Open-Meteo Historical Weather API · ERA5 grid near Stone Town · 2015–2024. Not a forecast. See the annual view
July in context
The weather & the season
See where July sits, then plan for your exact week.
28°July high
Travel seasons
July in the year
Seasonal travel guidance, not measured visitor counts.
JanShort dry season
FebShort dry season
MarLong rains
AprLong rains
MayLong rains
JunDry season
JulDry season
AugDry season
SepDry season
OctShort rains
NovShort rains
DecShort rains
Tanzania Meteorological Authority · seasonal rainfall patterns
TMA describes Zanzibar’s short rains in October–December, long rains in March–May, and relatively dry January–February and June–September periods. Timing and weather vary by year. These are seasonal labels, not crowd counts or a forecast.
Choose a beach with tides in mind
Tides change access and swimming conditions around Zanzibar. Check local tide times and follow beach and boat-operator advice.
Tanzania Meteorological Authority · forecastsMonthly figures & what they measure
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30° | 27° | 13 |
| Feb | 31° | 27° | 8.9 |
| Mar | 31° | 27° | 17.6 |
| Apr | 29° | 25° | 26.6 |
| May | 28° | 25° | 17 |
| Jun | 28° | 24° | 8.8 |
| Jul | 28° | 23° | 6.6 |
| Aug | 28° | 23° | 8.9 |
| Sep | 28° | 23° | 6.6 |
| Oct | 29° | 24° | 10.3 |
| Nov | 30° | 25° | 19.3 |
| Dec | 30° | 26° | 20.9 |
Monthly means calculated from daily ERA5 reanalysis at the cited grid point for 2015–2024. Highs and lows are monthly means of daily maximum and minimum temperature. Wet days count daily precipitation totals of at least 1 mm; monthly counts were averaged across ten complete years. These are planning averages, not a forecast. TMA describes Zanzibar’s short rains in October–December, long rains in March–May, and relatively dry January–February and June–September periods. Timing and weather vary by year. These are seasonal labels, not crowd counts or a forecast.
Towns, neighbourhoods & resort areas
Zanzibar area guide
Choose an area first, then compare its hotels.
Stone Town is a cultural base; Nungwi offers more all-day swimming potential; Paje’s reef flat exposes at low tide and changes the beach routine.
Zanzibar at a glanceChoose a numbered place
Representative area centres, not hotel entrances. Coastlines are generalized and do not show streets or routes.
Natural Earth · public-domain coastline
Culture, food and one or two nights before a beach stay.
Narrow lanes, markets and historic buildings form a compact centre.- Beach & water
- Harbour views and boat trips; not the island’s main swimming beach.
- Day to day
- Walk the old town; arrange taxis for airport and beach transfers.
- July trade-off
- Historic lanes, markets and ferries are close; it is a cultural stop rather than a classic resort beach base.
Beach days with boat and snorkeling trips.
A beach settlement with hotels, restaurants and boat operators.- Beach & water
- Swimming is less tide-restricted than on the east coast, but verify local conditions.
- Day to day
- Choose a property close to the beach; allow for island road travel.
- July trade-off
- The northern coast is less affected by tidal exposure than many east-coast stretches; check local swimming conditions.
Kitesurfing and beach stays with an active village strip.
A long strand with kite schools and beach lodging.- Beach & water
- At low tide the water retreats across the reef flat; swimming access changes.
- Day to day
- Walk the village; arrange taxis for longer island journeys.
- July trade-off
- A breezy southeast-coast base suits kite activity and long beach walks, but tides can pull the water far from shore.
Stay options for the season
Hotels for a July stay
Compare the pools, setting and seasonal details that matter.
Area view · Stone TownWaterfront hotel in Stone Town.1 Stone Town · Historic town
Park Hyatt Zanzibar
A Stone Town waterfront base suits a short heritage stay before or after the beach.
- Outdoor pool listed; ask about operating hours and access.
- Travellers choosing this area for its setting and facilities
Heritage district setting; festive rates and dinner rules may apply.
July details & sources
Stone Town's lanes are narrow; arrange airport transfers and luggage handling ahead.
The checked official page does not state a December water temperature. Confirm access and temperature with the hotel if swimming is central to the trip.
Park Hyatt ZanzibarArea view · NungwiBoutique hotel on Nungwi’s beach.2 Nungwi · North coast
The Z Hotel
A northern Nungwi location suits a beach-focused stay with restaurants nearby.
- Pool listed; verify which room and facilities are included.
- Travellers choosing this area for its setting and facilities
North-coast location; confirm airport transfers and boat plans.
July details & sources
Ask about the exact beach access and room position if a quieter stay matters.
The checked official page does not state a December water temperature. Confirm access and temperature with the hotel if swimming is central to the trip.
The Z HotelArea view · PajeBoutique resort on Paje’s east-coast beach.3 Paje · East-coast village
Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa
A Paje resort base works for a breezy east-coast trip and water sports.
- Pool facilities listed; tide still shapes ocean swimming.
- Travellers choosing this area for its setting and facilities
Resort-led setting and higher budget band; confirm meal plan and transfers.
July details & sources
Check tide conditions and whether your planned swimming or kite activity suits the day.
The checked official page does not state a December water temperature. Confirm access and temperature with the hotel if swimming is central to the trip.
Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & SpaEditorial hotel positioning, not live rates. Compare dates, room category, taxes, meal plans, transfers and holiday supplements. Facilities checked 2026-10-30. Research from official hotel pages, not personal reviews.
Before you travel
A few checks before Zanzibar
Entry rules, health advice and cover depend on your passport, route and planned activities. Check primary sources close to departure.
Passport & visa
Depends on nationality
Tanzania visa eligibility depends on nationality and travel purpose. Apply or verify through the official immigration portal before departure.
Health preparation
Route and personal health matter
Yellow-fever rules depend on recent travel and transit. Check current entry and health guidance with a travel-health clinic.
Travel advice & insurance
Check your itinerary
Review current Tanzania travel advice and insure medical care, evacuation, boat trips and watersports.
Check your passport, route and entry permission
Rules can differ by nationality, travel purpose and transit history. Confirm the requirements for your passport before booking and again before departure.
Checked 29 October 2026. Recheck the linked authorities before departure. Health guidance is general; individual advice comes from a qualified health professional.
Before you book
A few July questions
Tide and wind can matter as much as the seasonal rainfall pattern.
Is July a good time to visit Zanzibar?
July is usually part of the drier season, with cooler breezes. Conditions vary by coast, and wind or tides can affect swimming.
Which coast is best for swimming in July?
Nungwi in the north is less exposed to tidal changes than many east-coast beaches. Always check local sea conditions and beach advice.
Is Paje good in July?
Paje suits a breezy east-coast stay and kitesurfing, but tides can leave the water far from the shore. Plan activities around the day's tide.
How many nights should I spend in Stone Town?
One or two nights works for many visitors who want time for the old town before a beach stay. Choose more if museums, food and local history are central to your trip.
Sources & checks
Weather, areas & hotels
- Zanzibar · official destination information
- Tanzania Meteorological Authority · forecasts
- ERA5 climate data · Open-Meteo Historical Weather API
- Park Hyatt Zanzibar · official hotel
- The Z Hotel · official hotel
- Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa · official hotel
- Tanzania Immigration · eVisa
- CDC · Tanzania health
- UK FCDO · Tanzania advice
- Tanzania Meteorological Authority · climate statement
- Zanzibar Commission for Tourism · official
- Park Hyatt Zanzibar · official
- Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa · official
Keep exploring
Similar places to visit in July
Compare the weather, budget and type of trip.
