Last updated: August 28, 2025
Experience the enchanting January weather of Zanzibar, Tanzania, where the tropical climate beckons with a warm embrace. Daytime temperatures soar to a maximum of 33°C (91°F), averaging a comfortable 28°C (83°F), while nights cool down to a pleasant 25°C (77°F). Expect a touch of tropical rain, with an average precipitation of 52 mm (2.0 in) spread over 13 days, making lush landscapes come alive. The humidity hovers around 82%, adding a soft, tropical allure to this paradise. Embrace the beauty of Zanzibar as it promises a vibrant mix of sun and gentle showers, perfect for exploration and relaxation.
In January, Zanzibar experiences delightful tropical warmth, with minimum temperatures hovering around 25°C (77°F) and averages peaking at a cozy 28°C (83°F). The max temperatures can soar to a balmy 33°C (91°F), setting the stage for sun-soaked days. This pattern of mild nights and hot days continues into February, where temperatures remain consistently high, reflecting Zanzibar's warm climate throughout the early months of the year. As March approaches, you'll notice slight fluctuations, but the overall trend of steady warmth persists, ensuring that visitors can enjoy paradise-like beach days and vibrant sunsets. The gradual cooling begins in April, yet even then, the temperatures rarely dip below 24°C (75°F), illustrating the island's gently shifting, but still pleasantly warm, climate.
In January, Zanzibar experiences a noticeable shift towards the rainy season, marked by an average precipitation of 52 mm (2.0 in) over 13 days. This sets the stage for a gradual increase in rainfall that peaks in April, with an impressive 276 mm (10.8 in) accumulated over 28 days. Following January's gentle showers, February sees a slight uptick to 59 mm (2.3 in), while March becomes significantly wetter with 133 mm (5.2 in) over 20 days, foreshadowing the heavy rains to come. As the month progresses, the frequency and intensity of rain intensify, perfectly illustrating the transition from the drier early months of the year to the lush, verdant environment that defines the region during the peak rainy season.
In Zanzibar, Tanzania, January kicks off the year with a notable humidity level of 82%, setting the stage for a typically warm and tropical climate. As the month transitions into February and March, humidity gently decreases to 78% and 76% respectively, offering slight relief during the peak of summer. However, the trend reverses in April with a rise to 79%, followed by a more pronounced increase in May as it soars to 86%. This upward trend continues into June and July, with humidity levels hovering around 84% and 80%. The subsequent months see a gradual decrease, with a low of 73% in September, providing a more comfortable atmosphere. As the year comes full circle, humidity levels climb again, settling at 84% in November and 85% in December. Overall, January serves as a precursor to a dynamic humidity pattern that fluctuates slightly but generally trends upwards during the rainy season, contributing to Zanzibar's lush landscape.
January in Zanzibar, Tanzania, presents an intense UV Index of 14, marking it as extreme with a burn time of just 10 minutes. This trend extends through the following months, with February and March mirroring January's extreme conditions. As the months progress into April and May, the UV Index remains notably high, gradually dipping to 12 in May while still categorized as extreme. By June and July, the Index drops slightly to 10, categorized as very high, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. However, the intensity returns in August, reaching back up to 12, with September through December holding steady at 13, reinforcing that visitors must consistently protect themselves from the sun's rays. Given the sustained levels of UV radiation, it's essential to stay informed about the UV Index throughout the year. For more details, check out the comprehensive information at Zanzibar UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In January, Zanzibar basks in a warm embrace of 288 hours of sunshine, setting the tone for a bright start to the year. As the weeks roll into February, the sun shines even longer, offering 316 hours, and this radiant trend continues through March, reaching a peak with 330 hours of daylight. However, as April arrives, a slight dip to 285 hours hints at the shifting seasons, though the sun quickly rebounds, shining for 304 hours in May. The island thrives in June and July, basking in 325 and 338 hours, respectively, and reaching a glorious zenith in August with 347 hours. As the year progresses, the pattern reveals a wonderful consistency in sunshine, hitting a remarkable 354 hours in December. Overall, Zanzibar’s sun-drenched months create an enticing invitation to travelers seeking warmth and vibrant tropical scenery year-round.
In Zanzibar, Tanzania, January offers a 47% likelihood of sunny weather, providing a pleasant start to the year. While this percentage is relatively moderate, it sets the tone for the following months, as the likelihood of sunshine gradually increases, peaking in October and November at 66%. Interestingly, the sun tends to shine more consistently as the year progresses, particularly from August onward, where the chances climb to 58%. Following a brief dip in sunshine during April at just 24%, travelers can expect a steady improvement, making January a delightful, albeit slightly unpredictable, time for sun-seekers.
In Zanzibar, Tanzania, January marks the beginning of a consistent pattern of daylight that spans throughout the year. With 12 hours of daylight, both January and February invite sun-seekers to bask in the warm rays. This balanced duration continues seamlessly into March before gradually tapering off in April, where daylight reduces to 11 hours. The trend of 11 hours persists through the cooler months from May to August, creating a tranquil, sunlit ambiance perfect for relaxation and exploration. As September rolls around, the island enjoys a resurgence of daylight, returning to 12 hours, a rhythm maintained until December. This harmonious cycle not only underscores the beauty of Zanzibar's climate but also offers a reliable backdrop for enjoying its stunning landscapes year-round.
In January, Zanzibar welcomes a gentle embrace of the ocean breeze with an average wind speed of 4.6 m/s (10 mph). This invigorating wind sets the tone for a month filled with warmth and vibrant beach scenes. As the year unfolds, February sees a slight dip to 4.0 m/s (9 mph), but the winds remain pleasant throughout. By March, the air calms further to 3.3 m/s (7 mph), providing a serene atmosphere ideal for leisurely exploration. Interestingly, April and May bring a resurgence, with speeds returning to around 4.2 m/s and 4.3 m/s respectively. The winds peak in July, reaching 5.1 m/s (12 mph), heralding the start of the cooler season. As the months progress, the winds gradually ease, culminating in a tranquil December, where they settle at a mere 2.7 m/s (6 mph). This gentle wind trend reflects the island’s seasonal rhythm, inviting both adventure seekers and relaxation enthusiasts to savor its beauty year-round.
Weather in Zanzibar varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Zanzibar, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In comparison to January, February maintains a similar temperature range, with minimum temperatures around 25°C (77°F) and maximum temperatures peaking at 33°C (91°F). Both months average at 28°C (83°F); however, February experiences slightly higher precipitation, totaling 59 mm (2.3 in) compared to January's 52 mm (2.0 in), with rain occurring on the same number of days—13. Humidity levels are also a bit lower in February at 78%, down from January's 82%. For more detailed insights, you can check out Zanzibar weather in February.
In January, the weather in Zanzibar is marked by warm temperatures, with a minimum of 25°C (77°F), an average of 28°C (83°F), and a maximum reaching 33°C (91°F). The month experiences relatively moderate precipitation of 52 mm (2.0 in) over 13 days, coupled with a high humidity level of 82%. In contrast, March sees similar temperature patterns, with a minimum of 25°C (77°F), an average of 28°C (83°F), and a slightly higher maximum of 33°C (92°F). However, March is notably wetter, with precipitation soaring to 133 mm (5.2 in) spread over 20 days, and humidity dropping to 76%. Overall, while both months maintain consistent warmth, March brings significantly more rain and slightly lower humidity. For more detailed information, check out Zanzibar weather in March.
January and April in Zanzibar showcase notable differences in weather. January typically experiences warm temperatures, with a minimum of 25°C (77°F) and an average of 28°C (83°F), while April sees slightly cooler temperatures, starting at a minimum of 24°C (75°F) and averaging 27°C (81°F). Although both months can reach a maximum of 33°C (91°F in January and 92°F in April), April is significantly wetter, receiving 276 mm (10.8 in) of rainfall over 28 days, compared to January's 52 mm (2.0 in) over just 13 days. Additionally, humidity levels remain high in both months, with January at 82% and April at 79%. For more detailed information on April weather, you can check Zanzibar weather in April.
In January, the weather is typically warm and ranges from a minimum of 25°C (77°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F), with an average temperature of 28°C (83°F). While the month sees about 52 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation distributed over 13 days, the humidity remains relatively high at 82%. In contrast, May experiences slightly cooler temperatures with a minimum of 23°C (74°F), an average of 26°C (79°F), and a maximum of 30°C (87°F). However, May is significantly wetter, receiving 225 mm (8.8 in) of rain over 22 days and boasting a higher humidity level of 86%. For more detailed insights on May weather, you can check Zanzibar weather in May.
In January, the weather in Zanzibar is typically warmer, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 25°C (77°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F), while June sees a slightly cooler range, with temperatures averaging from 22°C (72°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F). Both months experience high humidity levels, with January at 82% and June slightly higher at 84%. Precipitation is fairly consistent, with January receiving 52 mm (2.0 in) over 13 days compared to June's 45 mm (1.8 in) over 12 days. For more information on June's weather, you can check this link: Zanzibar weather in June.
In January, the weather is generally warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 25°C (77°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F) and an average of 28°C (83°F). The month sees about 52 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over 13 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 82%. In contrast, July experiences slightly cooler weather, with temperatures ranging from 22°C (72°F) to a maximum of 29°C (85°F) and an average of 25°C (78°F). Precipitation is lower in July, with around 31 mm (1.2 in) spread over 10 days and a slightly decreased humidity of 80%. For more details on the weather in July, you can visit Zanzibar weather in July.
In January, the weather in Zanzibar is notably warmer, with average temperatures reaching 28°C (83°F) and a maximum of 33°C (91°F), compared to August's cooler average of 25°C (78°F) and a maximum of 30°C (86°F). Additionally, January experiences higher humidity levels at 82%, whereas August's humidity is more comfortable at 74%. Precipitation is also greater in January, with 52 mm (2.0 in) over 13 days, while August has less rain, totaling 33 mm (1.3 in) over 11 days. For more details on the conditions in August, check out Zanzibar weather in August.
In January, the weather is typically warmer with minimum temperatures around 25°C (77°F) and average highs reaching up to 33°C (91°F), accompanied by a high humidity of 82%. The month also sees about 52 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over 13 days. In contrast, September offers a slightly cooler climate, where minimum temperatures drop to 22°C (72°F) and average highs peak at 30°C (86°F). The humidity is lower at 73%, and the month experiences less precipitation, totaling 35 mm (1.4 in) over 14 days. For more details on September weather, you can visit Zanzibar weather in September.
January weather in Zanzibar is characterized by warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 25°C and an average of 28°C, peaking at 33°C. The month experiences moderate precipitation of 52 mm over about 13 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 82%. In contrast, October sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 23°C and an average of 26°C, while the maximum reaches 31°C. Precipitation increases to 92 mm and occurs over 16 days, but humidity drops to 75%. For a more detailed overview, you can explore Zanzibar weather in October.
In January, the weather is characterized by warm temperatures, with a minimum of 25°C (77°F), an average of 28°C (83°F), and a maximum of 33°C (91°F). Despite the warmth, rainfall is moderate with 52 mm (2.0 in) spread over about 13 days, contributing to a humidity level of 82%. In contrast, November sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 24°C (75°F), an average of 27°C (81°F), and a maximum of 32°C (90°F). However, November typically experiences significantly higher precipitation, totaling 112 mm (4.4 in) over 22 days, resulting in a slight increase in humidity to 84%. This increase in rainfall can impact outdoor activities, making January a more favorable month for enjoying the sun. For more details, check out Zanzibar weather in November.
In January, the weather is marked by slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 25°C (77°F) and a maximum of 33°C (91°F), while December sees a similar average of 28°C (83°F) but a cooler maximum of 31°C (89°F). Precipitation in January is significantly lower at 52 mm (2.0 in) across 13 days, compared to December’s 137 mm (5.4 in) over 26 days, indicating a drier month. Additionally, humidity levels are a bit higher in December at 85%, compared to 82% in January, making December feel slightly more humid. For those interested in a more detailed look at December's weather, you can visit Zanzibar weather in December.
In January, Zanzibar experiences a warm and humid climate, making it distinct from the cooler and drier months that precede and follow it. With temperatures averaging around 28°C (83°F) and highs reaching up to 33°C (91°F), visitors can expect a balmy tropical atmosphere, although it is also a time when the island sees increased rainfall, with precipitation occurring on about 13 days. The moisture in the air, coupled with the vibrant scenery, creates a lush environment, but planning for occasional showers is essential. For a deeper understanding of what to expect throughout the year, check out the detailed guide on Zanzibar Climate.