Can You Swim Year Round in Zanzibar

Best Months for Swimming in Zanzibar

While you can swim year round, some months are better than others:

June to October (cooler dry season): Less humidity, calm seas, and clear skies , ideal for swimming and beach days.

December to February (hotter dry season): Hot and sunny, great for swimming, though it can feel more humid.

March, April, and May: These months are part of the long rainy season. You can still swim, but heavy rain, wind, and rougher seas may limit beach time.

How Tides Affect Swimming

Zanzibar has strong tides, especially on the east coast. In some places like Paje or Jambiani, the water can go out very far during low tide, leaving shallow pools or even dry seabed. This can affect your ability to swim at certain times of day.

On the other hand, Nungwi and Kendwa (in the north) have minimal tidal changes, so you can swim at any time of day , which makes these areas very popular with swimmers and families.

Is the Water Safe for Swimming?

Yes, the water is generally safe for swimming:

Warm and clear most of the year

No dangerous currents in most beach areas

No sharks near the shore

Occasional sea urchins or jellyfish, so water shoes are helpful in some spots

Stick to popular beaches and ask locals or your hotel staff if there are any areas to avoid on certain days.

What About Rainy Season Swimming?

During the rainy seasons (mainly April–May and sometimes November), you can still swim, but:

Rain may make the water murky

Some beaches may have seaweed washed ashore

Waves and wind can be stronger

Some days may be too stormy for swimming or boat trips

That said, many travelers still enjoy swimming on clear mornings or between showers.

Best Beaches for All-Year Swimming

Some beaches are better than others if you want to swim no matter the season or tides:

Nungwi : Calm water, little tidal effect, great for swimming all day

Kendwa : Same as Nungwi, very swimmable year round

Paje & Jambiani : Beautiful but affected by tides; great during high tide

Matemwe : Quieter, but tides can be a factor

So, can you swim year round in Zanzibar? Yes, absolutely. Thanks to warm sea temperatures and sunny weather, Zanzibar is a great place to swim any time of year. Just keep in mind the tides and rainy seasons when planning your trip. If you want the best swimming experience, aim for dry months and stay in northern beaches like Nungwi or Kendwa, where the ocean is always ready for a dip.