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Weather Comparison

Zanzibar vs Dar es Salaam

Side-by-side weather comparison for September

Zanzibar: 29°CDar es Salaam: 29°C70 km apart

September Weather: Zanzibar vs Dar es Salaam

MetricZanzibarDar es SalaamBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer29°C (84°F)29°C (84°F)Tie
Average LowHigher is milder23°C (73°F)22°C (72°F)Zanzibar
Rain DaysFewer is drier7 days7 daysTie
PrecipitationLess is drier23 mm22 mmDar es Salaam
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier11h/day11h/dayTie
HumidityLower is more comfortable82%82%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer66Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better18 km/h17 km/hDar es Salaam

Which City is Better in September?

Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam are closely matched in September. 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 29°C, so plan for heat. Dar es Salaam runs hot at 29°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, both cities are equally dry in September.

Temperature Comparison in September

Zanzibar reaches an average high of 29°C (84°F) and drops to 23°C (73°F) at night during September. The daily temperature range is 6°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Dar es Salaam averages 29°C (84°F) for the high and 22°C (72°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 September.

Rainfall Comparison in September

Zanzibar receives approximately 23 mm of rainfall across 7 rain days during September. Rain is occasional, so a light rain jacket should suffice.

Dar es Salaam sees 22 mm over 7 rain days. Both cities are equally rainy this month.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 82%.

What to Pack: Zanzibar vs Dar es Salaam

Packing for Zanzibar in September

Highs of 29°C, lows of 23°C, 7 rain days

  • lightweight breathable clothing
  • sunscreen SPF 50+
  • sunglasses
  • a wide-brimmed hat
  • a packable rain jacket
  • an umbrella
  • moisture-wicking fabrics

Packing for Dar es Salaam in September

Highs of 29°C, lows of 22°C, 7 rain days

  • lightweight breathable clothing
  • sunscreen SPF 50+
  • sunglasses
  • a wide-brimmed hat
  • a packable rain jacket
  • an umbrella
  • moisture-wicking fabrics

Pack for both: lightweight breathable clothing, sunscreen SPF 50+, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, a packable rain jacket, an umbrella, moisture-wicking fabrics. These items are useful in either destination during September.

Year-Round Comparison: Zanzibar vs Dar es Salaam

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.September is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthZanzibarDar es Salaam
HighRainHighRain
Jan30°C10d31°C11d
Feb31°C8d31°C10d
Mar30°C22d30°C23d
Apr29°C25d29°C26d
May28°C20d28°C20d
Jun27°C11d28°C9d
Jul27°C8d27°C6d
Aug28°C7d28°C7d
Sep29°C7d29°C7d
Oct29°C11d29°C12d
Nov29°C18d30°C18d
Dec30°C20d30°C18d
29°

Zanzibar Weather in September

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

29°

Dar es Salaam Weather in September

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zanzibar warmer than Dar es Salaam in September?
Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam have the same average high temperature of 29°C (84°F) in September. The average lows are 23°C and 22°C respectively.
Which city gets more rain in September, Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam?
Both cities average 7 rain days in September with similar precipitation levels.
Is it better to visit Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam in September?
It depends on your preferences. Zanzibar averages 29°C and 11 hours of daily sunshine with 7 rain days. Dar es Salaam averages 29°C with 11 sunshine hours and 7 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose Dar es Salaam. For fewer rain days, both are equal.
How far apart are Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam?
Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam are approximately 70 km (43 miles) apart. Zanzibar is located in Tanzania (Africa) while Dar es Salaam is in Tanzania (Africa).
What is the best month to visit Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam?
For Zanzibar, January tends to be the best month with 12 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 30°C. For Dar es Salaam, July is typically ideal with 11 sunshine hours and 27°C highs.

Compare Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Zanzibar coordinates: -6.17°N, 39.20°E | Dar es Salaam coordinates: -6.79°N, 39.21°E