Nosy Be or Zanzibar in August?
On climate data, Zanzibar comes out ahead overall in August. See the per-criterion details below.
Nosy BePhoto: Thomas Fuhrmann · CC BY-SA 4.0
ZanzibarPhoto: Morten Idriss Nygaar… · CC BY-SA 3.0Key figures in August
| Criterion | Nosy Be | Zanzibar |
|---|---|---|
| Average daily high | 27 °C | 27 °C |
| Average daily low | 23 °C | 24 °C |
| Sea | 27 °C ★ | 26 °C |
| Rainy days | 2 rainy days (est.) ★ | 4 rainy days (est.) |
| Sun | 7 h/day | 7 h/day |
| Humidity | 69 % | 74 % |
Winner by travel type
Nosy Be or Zanzibar in August: the short answer
In August, Zanzibar comes out ahead on the overall climate score (Nosy Be 91/100 vs Zanzibar 92/100). 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 August as a representative month for the pair; for any other month, use each destination's month-by-month pages. Across the whole year Nosy Be averages a climate score of 72/100, Zanzibar 73/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.
Weather in August, side by side
The average daily high is about 27 °C in Nosy Be and 27 °C in Zanzibar — about the same. Average daily lows are around 23 °C versus 24 °C.
On rain, Nosy Be sees about 2 rainy days in August and Zanzibar about 4 — drier in Nosy Be. Sunshine is comparable (7 vs 7 hours a day).
Sea temperature and swimming
In August the water is about 27 °C at Nosy Be and 26 °C at Zanzibar — warmer for swimming at Nosy Be. Over the year, Nosy Be 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 Nosy Be and March for Zanzibar.
Rain and sun across the year
Over a full year Nosy Be records roughly 165 rainy days and Zanzibar about 152 — the drier of the two overall is Zanzibar. At their sunniest, Nosy Be reaches about 9 hours of sun a day (October) 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, Nosy Be 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 August scores for each travel style:
Beach & swimming: both are close (Nosy Be 98 vs Zanzibar 98).
City breaks: Zanzibar scores higher in August (Nosy Be 88 vs Zanzibar 90).
Active & hiking: Nosy Be scores higher in August (Nosy Be 76 vs Zanzibar 75).
Family: both are close (Nosy Be 97 vs Zanzibar 97).
Verdict: which should you pick?
There is no single winner — it depends on your month and your priority. For August specifically, use the head-to-head above; over the year, Zanzibar carries the slightly higher overall climate score. Choose Nosy Be 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.