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Weather Comparison

Zanzibar vs Dar es Salaam

Side-by-side weather comparison for May

Zanzibar: 28°CDar es Salaam: 28°C70 km apart

May Weather: Zanzibar vs Dar es Salaam

MetricZanzibarDar es SalaamBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer28°C (82°F)28°C (82°F)Tie
Average LowHigher is milder24°C (75°F)23°C (73°F)Zanzibar
Rain DaysFewer is drier20 days20 daysTie
PrecipitationLess is drier150 mm130 mmDar es Salaam
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier10h/day10h/dayTie
HumidityLower is more comfortable82%82%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer44Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better18 km/h17 km/hDar es Salaam

Which City is Better in May?

Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam are closely matched in May. Neither city has a clear advantage across all metrics. Your decision should come down to personal preference, cultural interests, and travel logistics rather than weather alone.

Zanzibar sits in the comfortable travel range at 28°C. Dar es Salaam is also comfortable at 28°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, both cities are equally dry in May.

Temperature Comparison in May

Zanzibar reaches an average high of 28°C (82°F) and drops to 24°C (75°F) at night during May. The daily temperature range is 4°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Dar es Salaam averages 28°C (82°F) for the high and 23°C (73°F) for the low, with a daily range of 5°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 May.

Rainfall Comparison in May

Zanzibar receives approximately 150 mm of rainfall across 20 rain days during May. Rain is frequent, so waterproof gear is essential.

Dar es Salaam sees 130 mm over 20 rain days. Both cities are equally rainy this month.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 82%.

What to Pack: Zanzibar vs Dar es Salaam

Packing for Zanzibar in May

Highs of 28°C, lows of 24°C, 20 rain days

  • lightweight breathable clothing
  • sunscreen SPF 50+
  • sunglasses
  • a wide-brimmed hat
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes
  • moisture-wicking fabrics

Packing for Dar es Salaam in May

Highs of 28°C, lows of 23°C, 20 rain days

  • lightweight breathable clothing
  • sunscreen SPF 50+
  • sunglasses
  • a wide-brimmed hat
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes
  • moisture-wicking fabrics

Pack for both: lightweight breathable clothing, sunscreen SPF 50+, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes, moisture-wicking fabrics. These items are useful in either destination during May.

Year-Round Comparison: Zanzibar vs Dar es Salaam

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.May is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthZanzibarDar es Salaam
HighRainHighRain
Jan30°C10d31°C11d
Feb31°C8d31°C10d
Mar30°C22d30°C23d
Apr29°C25d29°C26d
May28°C20d28°C20d
Jun27°C11d28°C9d
Jul27°C8d27°C6d
Aug28°C7d28°C7d
Sep29°C7d29°C7d
Oct29°C11d29°C12d
Nov29°C18d30°C18d
Dec30°C20d30°C18d
28°

Zanzibar Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

28°

Dar es Salaam Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zanzibar warmer than Dar es Salaam in May?
Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam have the same average high temperature of 28°C (82°F) in May. The average lows are 24°C and 23°C respectively.
Which city gets more rain in May, Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam?
Both cities average 20 rain days in May with similar precipitation levels.
Is it better to visit Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam in May?
It depends on your preferences. Zanzibar averages 28°C and 10 hours of daily sunshine with 20 rain days. Dar es Salaam averages 28°C with 10 sunshine hours and 20 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose Dar es Salaam. For fewer rain days, both are equal.
How far apart are Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam?
Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam are approximately 70 km (43 miles) apart. Zanzibar is located in Tanzania (Africa) while Dar es Salaam is in Tanzania (Africa).
What is the best month to visit Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam?
For Zanzibar, January tends to be the best month with 12 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 30°C. For Dar es Salaam, July is typically ideal with 11 sunshine hours and 27°C highs.

Compare Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Zanzibar coordinates: -6.17°N, 39.20°E | Dar es Salaam coordinates: -6.79°N, 39.21°E