Dar es Salaam vs Zanzibar

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Zanzibar edges ahead as the better destination in January. Zanzibar offers 12 hours of daily sunshine with only 10 rain days, while Dar es Salaam sees 11 sunshine hours and 11 rain days.

Dar es Salaam can feel quite hot at 31°C, so plan for heat. Zanzibar runs hot at 30°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Zanzibar is the stronger choice in January. Zanzibar receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Dar es Salaam reaches an average high of 31°C (88°F) and drops to 25°C (77°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 6°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Zanzibar averages 30°C (86°F) for the high and 26°C (79°F) for the low, with a daily range of 4°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 January.

Dar es Salaam receives approximately 57 mm of rainfall across 11 rain days during January. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Zanzibar sees 44 mm over 10 rain days. That makes Zanzibar the drier option by 1 rain day and 13 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 82%.