Mombasa or Zanzibar in February?
On climate data, Zanzibar comes out ahead overall in February. See the per-criterion details below.
MombasaPhoto: Letherian3 · CC BY-SA 4.0
ZanzibarPhoto: Morten Idriss Nygaar… · CC BY-SA 3.0Key figures in February
| Criterion | Mombasa | Zanzibar |
|---|---|---|
| Average daily high | 36 °C | 30 °C |
| Average daily low | 24 °C | 27 °C |
| Sea | 28 °C | 29 °C ★ |
| Rainy days | 3 rainy days (est.) ★ | 9 rainy days (est.) |
| Sun | 8 h/day | 8 h/day |
| Humidity | 67 % | 76 % |
Winner by travel type
Trade-offs
- Mombasa is about 6 °C warmer by day.
- Mombasa is drier, with about 6 fewer rainy days.
Mombasa or Zanzibar in February: the short answer
In February, Zanzibar comes out ahead on the overall climate score (Mombasa 66/100 vs Zanzibar 73/100). That is a snapshot of one month, though — which one truly fits depends on what you want from the trip, so the breakdown below goes criterion by criterion.
This comparison focuses on February as a representative month for the pair; for any other month, use each destination's month-by-month pages. Across the whole year Mombasa averages a climate score of 64/100, Zanzibar 73/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.
Weather in February, side by side
The average daily high is about 36 °C in Mombasa and 30 °C in Zanzibar — warmer in Mombasa. Average daily lows are around 24 °C versus 27 °C.
On rain, Mombasa sees about 3 rainy days in February and Zanzibar about 9 — drier in Mombasa. Sunshine is comparable (8 vs 8 hours a day).
Sea temperature and swimming
In February the water is about 28 °C at Mombasa and 29 °C at Zanzibar — warmer for swimming at Zanzibar. Over the year, Mombasa is comfortable for swimming (from ~21 °C) in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December, Zanzibar in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December. Peak sea warmth is April for Mombasa and March for Zanzibar.
Rain and sun across the year
Over a full year Mombasa records roughly 155 rainy days and Zanzibar about 152 — the drier of the two overall is Zanzibar. At their sunniest, Mombasa reaches about 8 hours of sun a day (February) and Zanzibar about 8 (February). If dependable dry, sunny weather is your top priority, weigh these annual totals alongside the single month above.
Best time to visit each
Climatically, Mombasa is at its best in June, July, August and September, while Zanzibar peaks in June, July, August and September. If your dates are fixed, pick the destination whose strong season overlaps them; if you are flexible, plan around these windows.
Which suits which kind of trip
Based on the February scores for each travel style:
Beach & swimming: Zanzibar scores higher in February (Mombasa 72 vs Zanzibar 83).
City breaks: Zanzibar scores higher in February (Mombasa 62 vs Zanzibar 71).
Active & hiking: Mombasa scores higher in February (Mombasa 59 vs Zanzibar 56).
Family: Zanzibar scores higher in February (Mombasa 66 vs Zanzibar 76).
Verdict: which should you pick?
There is no single winner — it depends on your month and your priority. For February specifically, use the head-to-head above; over the year, Zanzibar carries the slightly higher overall climate score. Choose Mombasa if its strong months and profile match your plan, Zanzibar if its do. The month-by-month pages for each destination give you the full picture before you book.