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 » [Resources]