Dar es Salaam vs Zanzibar

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Dar es Salaam edges ahead as the better destination in January. Dar es Salaam offers 11 hours of daily sunshine with only 11 rain days, while Zanzibar sees 7 sunshine hours and 17 rain days.

Dar es Salaam can feel quite hot at 31°C, so plan for heat. Zanzibar runs hot at 32°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Dar es Salaam is the stronger choice in January. Dar es Salaam receives 4 more hours of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Dar es Salaam reaches an average high of 31°C (88°F) and drops to 25°C (77°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 6°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Zanzibar averages 32°C (90°F) for the high and 25°C (77°F) for the low, with a daily range of 7°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.

Both cities are in the Southern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in January.

Dar es Salaam receives approximately 57 mm of rainfall across 11 rain days during January. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Zanzibar sees 201 mm over 17 rain days. That makes Dar es Salaam the drier option by 6 rain days and 144 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 82%.