Zanzibar City Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Zanzibar City, Zanzibar, Tanzania. The numbers reflect climate data gathered over a 30-year period, from 1990 to 2020. Now, let’s break down all the details for a clearer picture.
Zanzibar City experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, averaging 1079 mm of precipitation annually.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm)
Zanzibar City can be quite wet during April, receiving approximately 230 mm of precipitation over 16 rainy days.
In contrast September, experiences much drier conditions, with 35 mm of rainfall, spread across 7 rainy days.April, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 30°C. During the driest month September you can expect a temperature of 29°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Zanzibar City Temperature page.
Annual Precipitation in Tanzania
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Tanzania. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.





Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide
Zanzibar City’s average annual precipitation is 1079 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
In Toronto, Canada, annual precipitation averages [964 mm], with snowy winters and rainy summers.
In Seoul, South Korea, the average annual precipitation is 1237 mm, with most rain falling during the summer monsoon season.
Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.
Singapore, situated near the equator, gets 2581 mm of rainfall annually, with no distinct dry season and consistent monthly precipitation.
How is Precipitation Measured?
Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.
Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.
Sea vs. Land Precipitation
The proximity of a location to a large body of water can significantly affect its rainfall patterns:
- Ocean Influence: Coastal regions typically receive more rainfall due to the presence of moisture-laden winds from the ocean. These regions tend to have more humid climates and experience more frequent precipitation, especially in winter.
- Continental Climates: Areas further from the sea, such as inland or continental regions, experience less frequent rainfall and more extreme seasonal variations in precipitation.
For more detailed information about Zanzibar City’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Zanzibar City Climate page.