May weather forecast
Zanzibar, Tanzania

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A wooden footbridge across the water of the Indian Ocean, overlooking a beautiful palmy shore in Zanzibar, Tanzania
A wooden footbridge across the water of the Indian Ocean, overlooking a beautiful palmy shore in Zanzibar, Tanzania

Weather in May

May marks the retreat of the long rainy season with a gradual decrease in rainfall levels and rainy days from the excessive showers seen in April. The temperatures display a modest decline, making the weather slightly more relaxed. Although the daylight hours continue to diminish, the amount of sunlight remains constant. The sea temperatures, though somewhat lower, still promote fascinating water activities. Increased sunshine hours coupled with decreased rainfall ensures that the island's vibrant fauna flourishes, providing a spectacular vista for visitors.

Temperature

As Zanzibar steps into May, the average high-temperature holds at a moderately hot 29°C (84.2°F), hinting at a minor fluctuation from the prior month. May registers an average low temperature of 24°C (75.2°F), subtly lower than the daytime maximum.

Rainfall

In May, in Zanzibar, the rain falls for 16 days. Throughout May, 290mm (11.42") of precipitation is accumulated. Throughout the year, there are 125 rainfall days, and 1409mm (55.47") of precipitation is accumulated.

Sea temperature

In Zanzibar, the average seawater temperature in May is 28.3°C (82.9°F).
Note: Temperatures between 25°C (77°F) and 29°C (84.2°F) in water are ideal for swimming, diving, and other activities, providing enjoyment and comfort for extended durations.

Daylight

The average length of the day in May in Zanzibar is 11h and 50min.
On the first day of May, sunrise is at 06:23 and sunset at 18:17. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 06:27 and sunset at 18:14 EAT.

Sunshine

April and May, with an average of 6h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine.

UV index

In May, the average daily maximum UV index is 10. A UV Index reading of 8 to 10 represents a very high threat to health from unprotected exposure to Sun's UV rays for ordinary individuals.
Note: A maximum high UV index of 10 in May translates into the following recommendations:
Be sure to take precautions. Without protection, skin might suffer damage quickly. Limit direct sun exposure especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV radiation is at its peak. However, keep in mind that shade structures may not provide full sun protection. For holistic sun protection encompassing the eyes, ears, face, and neck, a wide-brim hat is key. Frequent reapplication of a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen is vital every two hours or directly after a swim or an outdoor workout. Be mindful! Sand and water reflections can up the Sun's UV exposure.
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Frequently asked questions

How hot is May in Zanzibar?

The high-temperature, in May, in Zanzibar, is 29°C (84.2°F), while the low-temperature averages to 24°C (75.2°F).

How many days does it rain in May in Zanzibar?

In Zanzibar, Tanzania, in May, it is raining for 16 days, with typically 290mm (11.42") of accumulated precipitation.

How warm is the water in May in Zanzibar?

In Zanzibar, the average seawater temperature in May is 28.3°C (82.9°F). For swimming, diving, and other water activities, temperatures between 25°C (77°F) and 29°C (84.2°F) are perceived as very enjoyable and pleasurable for prolonged periods without feeling uncomfortable.

How many hours of daylight does Zanzibar have in May?

The average day length in May in Zanzibar is 11h and 50min.

When is the sunrise / sunset in May in Zanzibar?

On the first day of May, sunrise is at 06:23 and sunset at 18:17. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 06:27 and sunset at 18:14 EAT.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Zanzibar?

April and May, with an average of 6h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine in Zanzibar.

How long on average sun shines in May in Zanzibar?

The average sunshine duration in May in Zanzibar, Tanzania, is 6h.

What is the UV index reading in May in Zanzibar?

In May, the average daily maximum UV index in Zanzibar is 10. A UV Index of 8 to 10 symbolizes a very high health threat from unsafe exposure to Sun's UV rays.
Average rainfall days
Average daylight
Average sunshine
Average UV index

Average temperature in May
Zanzibar, Tanzania

Average temperature in May - Zanzibar, Tanzania
  • Average high temperature in May: 29°C

The warmest months (with the highest average high temperature) are February and March (33°C).
The months with the lowest average high temperature are June, July and August (28°C).

  • Average low temperature in May: 24°C

The months with the highest average low temperature are March and April (25°C).
The coldest months (with the lowest average low temperature) are July, August and September (22°C).

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Average rainfall in May
Zanzibar, Tanzania

Average rainfall in May - Zanzibar, Tanzania
  • Average rainfall in May: 290mm

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is April (320mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is July (28mm).

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Average rainfall days in May
Zanzibar, Tanzania

Average rainfall days in May - Zanzibar, Tanzania
  • Average rainfall days in May: 16 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is April (17 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (5 days).

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Average sea temperature in May
Zanzibar, Tanzania

Average sea temperature in May - Zanzibar, Tanzania
  • Average sea temperature in May: 28.3°C

The best months for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) are March and April (29.2°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is August (25.6°C).

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Average daylight in May /
Average sunshine in May
Zanzibar, Tanzania

Average daylight in May / Average sunshine in May - Zanzibar, Tanzania
  • Average daylight in May: 11h and 5min

The month with the longest days is December (Average daylight: 12h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is June (Average daylight: 11h and 48min).

  • Average sunshine in May: 6h

The months with the most sunshine are January, February, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (Average sunshine: 8h).
The months with the least sunshine are April and May (Average sunshine: 6h).

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Average UV index in May
Zanzibar, Tanzania

Average UV index in May - Zanzibar, Tanzania
  • Average UV index in May: 10

The months with the highest UV index are January, February, March, April, September, October, November and December (UV index 12).
The month with the lowest UV index is June (UV index 9).

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Zanzibar, Tanzania

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