Climate and monthly weather forecast
Pemba Island, Tanzania

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Rocks and shrubs on the stunning white sandy beach in Pemba Island, Tanzania
Rocks and shrubs on the stunning white sandy beach in Pemba Island, Tanzania

The climate of Pemba Island

Located in the warm Indian Ocean off the east coast of Tanzania, Pemba Island experiences a tropical monsoon climate according to the Köppen climate classification. Throughout the year, the island experiences high humidity and temperatures seldom falling below 20°C (68°F) with the sea temperature also remaining high all year round.

Notable weather parameters include the significant rainfall, particularly in April and May, when rainfall crosses 250mm (9.84"), making these the wettest months of the year. The dry season extends from June to September, with rainfall amounts decreasing dramatically to nearly 70mm (2.76") per month, alongside a decrease in the frequency of rain, dropping to about 13 days of rainfall per month. The island boasts a substantial amount of daylight all year, with a modest range between 11.8 hours per day in June to 12.4 hours in December. Exquisite sunny weather prevails across Pemba as the sunshine hours stay consistent at around 9 hours a day throughout the year, well-facilitated by a high UV index of 10 to 12.

The highest temperatures can be expected between January to March and November to December, ranging from 31°C (87.8°F) to 32°C (89.6°F). However, the lowest temperatures do not fall significantly less, staying between 20°C (68°F) to 24°C (75.2°F) during the year, indicating the general warmth of this tropical island.

The best time to visit Pemba Island

The prime time to visit Pemba Island is from June to September during the dry season. During this period, rainfall reduces to a minimum of 72mm (2.83") in August, accompanied by 13 days of rain, offering the best conditions for outdoor activities and exploration. The temperatures sustaining between 28°C (82.4°F) to 29°C (84.2°F) provide a comparatively cooler yet balmy atmosphere, ideal for beach visits. Tourists can also enjoy an ample amount of daylight and sunshine hours, around 11.8 to 12 hours and 8 hours respectively, offering suitable conditions for photography and nature trips.

The worst time to visit Pemba Island

The months of April and May stand as the least favorable time to visit Pemba Island due to the heavy rainfalls. In these months, the island receives an overwhelming 258mm (10.16") and 283mm (11.14") of rain respectively, over 17 to 19 days, likely to disrupt outdoor activities and travel plans. Despite the sea temperature remaining steady at approximately 29°C (84.2°F) and the air temperature ranging from 29°C (84.2°F) to 31°C (87.8°F), the weather conditions may not be favorable due to the rain.

Spring weather in Pemba Island

Spring arrives in Pemba Island between March and May, showcasing wet weather conditions with the heaviest rainfall of the year experienced in April and May peaking at 258mm (10.16") to 283mm (11.14") respectively. Despite the substantial rainfall, the temperatures remain high ranging from 29°C (84.2°F) to 32°C (89.6°F), with nighttime temperatures between 23°C (73.4°F) to 24°C (75.2°F) present comfortable nights. The sea temperature also contributes to the warm ambiance with a high 29.2°C (84.6°F) to 29.3°C (84.7°F). Although, the daylight hours slightly decrease to about 12 hours a day, matched with reduced sunshine hours of 6 to 8 hours during the period.

Summer weather in Pemba Island

Summers on Pemba Island, from June to August, present a shift in weather conditions with reduced rainfall months. Rainfall dips to its lowest at 72mm (2.83") in August along with a total of 13 rainy days. The island experiences slightly cooler temperatures during this period, with highs dipping down to 28°C (82.4°F). Sea temperatures decrease to around 25.6°C (78.1°F) to 26°C (78.8°F), yet it still remains pleasantly warm for swimming. The daylight and sunshine hours also increase slightly to around 12 and 8 hours a day respectively, providing more opportunity for outdoor exploration.

Autumn weather in Pemba Island

As autumn sets in from September to November, Pemba Island experiences a gradual rise in rainfall from 71mm (2.8") in September up to 145mm (5.71") in November. Likewise, the temperature scales up to 31°C (87.8°F) with the lowest temperatures remaining a warm 20°C (68°F) to 22°C (71.6°F). Sea temperatures subtly rise to an enjoyable range from 25.9°C (78.6°F) in September to 28°C (82.4°F) in November. Despite the increased rainfalls, daylight and sunshine hours in this period stay relatively consistent at around 12.1 to 12.3 hours and 9 hours respectively.

Winter weather in Pemba Island

The winter months of December to February on Pemba Island are quite warm with high temperatures ranging from 31°C (87.8°F) to 32°C (89.6°F) and lows only slightly dipping to between 23°C (73.4°F). Rainfall increases somewhat from 98mm (3.86") in December to 45mm (1.77") in February with around 12 days of rain in each month. The sea temperature remains steady around 28.3°C (82.9°F) to 28.4°C (83.1°F), providing excellent conditions for water activities. The daylight stays constant at 12.4 hours while sunshine maintains a steady 9 hours a day, maximizing opportunities for activities and sightseeing.

Weather in January

A new year begins on Pemba Island, Tanzania, with warm tropical environment. January marks the start of the year with the highest levels of UV radiation, rated at 12. This coupled with an average of 9 hours of sunshine makes it a great time for beach activities and exploring the lush surroundings, despite the occasional rainfall. Weather in January »

Weather in February

As Pemba Island proceeds into the second month of the year, February maintains the tropical climatic conditions characteristic of January. The weather in February appears quite similar to January, including 12 UV radiation index and temperatures around 32°C (89.6°F), promoting continuity of outdoor activities. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March shows a feint signal of approaching changes in weather patterns on Pemba Island. Holding onto the 12 UV radiation index from January and February, March ushers in slightly higher night-time temperatures, standing at 24°C (75.2°F). Weather in March »

Weather in April

April brings about the prominent shift in weather, heralding the onset of the wet season. Most notable is the substantial increase in rainfall, soaring to 258mm (10.16") along with 17 rainfall days. While the temperatures and UV index still favor outdoor activities, the increased rainfall creates an entirely different environment. Weather in April »

Weather in May

From April, Pemba Island seamlessly transitions into May, keeping up with the wet season trends. With the rainfall escalating further to a peak of 283mm (11.14"), the highest in the year, May becomes the wettest month on the Island. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June offers a significant break from the wet spell. With decreased rainfall and a drop in night-time temperatures to 21°C (69.8°F), the Island begins to dry. Despite the reduced rainfall, days continue to be bright with up to 8 hours of sunshine. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July carries on the fresh atmosphere and relative dryness from June, keeping with the seasonal shift on Pemba Island. This month marks the coolest sea temperatures, averaging 25.6°C (78.1°F), a distinct variation compared to past months. Weather in July »

Weather in August

As Pemba Island moves into the latter part of the year, August's weather conditions show a continuation of July's patterns. Sea temperatures remain relatively low compared to other months, recorded at 25.9°C (78.6°F), stimulating a unique waterfront experience. Weather in August »

Weather in September

Following the trend of August, September maintains the milder and drier climatic conditions. This time sees the Island still hold onto the 9 hours of daily sunlight, thus retaining the reputation of Pemba Island as an all-year-round sunny destination. Weather in September »

Weather in October

Taking a step forward from September, October brings minimal change in weather conditions on Pemba Island. As the dry season slowly draws to a close, visitors and locals can continue to enjoy outdoor activities due to pleasant temperatures. Weather in October »

Weather in November

As November rolls in, a visible shift from the dry to the wet season begins to take shape in Pemba Island. This month experiences multiple rainfall days, calculated at 13 days and more volumes of rain, registering at 145mm (5.71"). Weather in November »

Weather in December

Rounding off the year, December carries on with the short rainy season, though with slightly less rainfall compared to November. Known as a month of celebration, the Island's weather doesn't prevent the festivities with a significant amount of sunshine per day. Weather in December »
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Frequently asked questions

What month is the hottest in Pemba Island?

Warmest months in Pemba Island are January through March, with an average high-temperature of 32°C (89.6°F).

How much does it rain in Pemba Island?

Throughout the year, there are 145 rainfall days, and 1373mm (54.06") of precipitation is accumulated.

What are the months with the most sunshine in Pemba Island?

The months with the most sunshine are January, February, September through December, with an average of 9h of sunshine.

What are the months with the highest UV index in Pemba Island?

January through April, September through December, with an average maximum UV index of 12, are months with the highest UV index in Pemba Island.

What is the driest month in Pemba Island?

February is the month with the least rainfall in Pemba Island. Rain falls for 5 days and accumulates 26mm (1.02") of precipitation.

What month is the sea warmest in Pemba Island?

March is the month with the warmest seawater, with an average sea temperature of 29.3°C (84.7°F).

What is the wettest month in Pemba Island?

The month with the most rainfall in Pemba Island, Tanzania, is May, when the rain falls for 19 days and typically aggregates up to 283mm (11.14") of precipitation.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Pemba Island?

May has the least sunshine of the year in Pemba Island, Tanzania, with an average of 6h of sunshine.

What is the month with the shortest days in Pemba Island?

With an average of 11h and 48min of daylight, June has the shortest days of the year in Pemba Island, Tanzania.

What are the months with the lowest UV index in Pemba Island?

June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 10, are months with the lowest UV index in Pemba Island.

What part of the year is the coldest in Pemba Island?

July and August are the coldest months in Pemba Island, Tanzania, with an average high-temperature of 28°C (82.4°F).

What is the month with the coldest sea water in Pemba Island?

With an average sea temperature of 25.6°C (78.1°F), August is the month with the coldest seawater in Pemba Island.

When are the longest days in Pemba Island?

December has the longest days of the year in Pemba Island, Tanzania, with an average of 12h and 24min of daylight.

Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Pemba Island?

Pemba Island, Tanzania, does not utilize Daylight Saving Time (DST). EAT timezone is used throughout the entire year.

Average temperature
Pemba Island, Tanzania

Average temperature - Pemba Island, Tanzania

The warmest months (with the highest average high temperature) are January, February and March (32°C).
The months with the lowest average high temperature are July and August (28°C).

The months with the highest average low temperature are March and April (24°C).
The coldest months (with the lowest average low temperature) are July, August and September (20°C).

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Average rainfall
Pemba Island, Tanzania

Average rainfall - Pemba Island, Tanzania

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (283mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is February (26mm).

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Average rainfall days
Pemba Island, Tanzania

Average rainfall days - Pemba Island, Tanzania

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (19 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (5 days).

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Average sea temperature
Pemba Island, Tanzania

Average sea temperature - Pemba Island, Tanzania

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is March (29.3°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is August (25.6°C).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
Pemba Island, Tanzania

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Pemba Island, Tanzania

The month with the longest days is December (Average daylight: 12h and 24min).
The month with the shortest days is June (Average daylight: 11h and 48min).

The months with the most sunshine are January, February, September, October, November and December (Average sunshine: 9h).
The month with the least sunshine is May (Average sunshine: 6h).

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Average UV index
Pemba Island, Tanzania

Average UV index - Pemba Island, Tanzania

The months with the highest UV index are January, February, March, April, September, October, November and December (UV index 12).
The months with the lowest UV index are June and July (UV index 10).

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Pemba Island, Tanzania

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