Zanzibar vs Dar es Salaam

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Zanzibar edges ahead as the better destination in January. Zanzibar offers 12 hours of daily sunshine with only 10 rain days, while Dar es Salaam sees 11 sunshine hours and 11 rain days.

Zanzibar can feel quite hot at 30°C, so plan for heat. Dar es Salaam runs hot at 31°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Zanzibar is the stronger choice in January. Zanzibar receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Zanzibar reaches an average high of 30°C (86°F) and drops to 26°C (79°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 4°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Dar es Salaam averages 31°C (88°F) for the high and 25°C (77°F) for the low, with a daily range of 6°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.

Zanzibar receives approximately 44 mm of rainfall across 10 rain days during January. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Dar es Salaam sees 57 mm over 11 rain days. That makes Zanzibar the drier option by 1 rain day and 13 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 82%.