Zanzibar or Mauritius in August?
On climate data, Zanzibar comes out ahead overall in August. See the per-criterion details below.
ZanzibarPhoto: Morten Idriss Nygaar… · CC BY-SA 3.0
MauritiusPhoto: "dronepicr" · CC BY 2.0Key figures in August
| Criterion | Zanzibar | Mauritius |
|---|---|---|
| Average daily high | 27 °C | 23 °C |
| Average daily low | 24 °C | 22 °C |
| Sea | 26 °C ★ | 24 °C |
| Rainy days | 4 rainy days (est.) ★ | 8 rainy days (est.) |
| Sun | 7 h/day ★ | 6 h/day |
| Humidity | 74 % | 73 % |
Winner by travel type
Trade-offs
- Zanzibar is about 4 °C warmer by day.
- Zanzibar is drier, with about 4 fewer rainy days.
- The sea at Zanzibar is about 2 °C warmer.
Zanzibar or Mauritius in August: the short answer
In August, Zanzibar comes out ahead on the overall climate score (Zanzibar 92/100 vs Mauritius 88/100). 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 Zanzibar averages a climate score of 73/100, Mauritius 80/100. 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 Zanzibar and 23 °C in Mauritius — warmer in Zanzibar. Average daily lows are around 24 °C versus 22 °C.
On rain, Zanzibar sees about 4 rainy days in August and Mauritius about 8 — drier in Zanzibar. Zanzibar gets more sunshine (7 vs 6 hours a day).
Sea temperature and swimming
In August the water is about 26 °C at Zanzibar and 24 °C at Mauritius — warmer for swimming at Zanzibar. Over the year, Zanzibar is comfortable for swimming (from ~21 °C) in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December, Mauritius in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December. Peak sea warmth is March for Zanzibar and February for Mauritius.
Rain and sun across the year
Over a full year Zanzibar records roughly 152 rainy days and Mauritius about 132 — the drier of the two overall is Mauritius. At their sunniest, Zanzibar reaches about 8 hours of sun a day (February) and Mauritius about 9 (November). If dependable dry, sunny weather is your top priority, weigh these annual totals alongside the single month above.
Best time to visit each
Climatically, Zanzibar is at its best in June, July, August and September, while Mauritius peaks in August, September, October and November. 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: Zanzibar scores higher in August (Zanzibar 98 vs Mauritius 87).
City breaks: Mauritius scores higher in August (Zanzibar 90 vs Mauritius 95).
Active & hiking: Mauritius scores higher in August (Zanzibar 75 vs Mauritius 83).
Family: Zanzibar scores higher in August (Zanzibar 97 vs Mauritius 89).
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, Mauritius carries the slightly higher overall climate score. Choose Zanzibar if its strong months and profile match your plan, Mauritius if its do. The month-by-month pages for each destination give you the full picture before you book.