Zanzibar vs Dar es Salaam

Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam are closely matched in March. Neither city has a clear advantage across all metrics. Your decision should come down to personal preference, cultural interests, and travel logistics rather than weather alone.

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

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Dar es Salaam is the stronger choice in March. Zanzibar receives 6 more hours of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Zanzibar reaches an average high of 30°C (86°F) and drops to 26°C (79°F) at night during March. The daily temperature range is 4°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Dar es Salaam averages 30°C (86°F) for the high and 23°C (73°F) for the low, with a daily range of 7°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 March.

Zanzibar receives approximately 121 mm of rainfall across 22 rain days during March. Rain is frequent, so waterproof gear is essential.

Dar es Salaam sees 140 mm over 12 rain days. That makes Dar es Salaam the drier option by 10 rain days and 19 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 82%.