"The larger of the two main islands that comprise the Zanzibar Archipelago, Pemba lacks the historical pedigree of its more celebrated neighbour, but its beach resorts are no less rewarding, and attract far lower tourist volumes. ”

- Philip Briggs

Pemba Island

An excellent off-the-beaten-track alternative to Zanzibar for those seeking an uncomplicated beach retreat, the more northerly island of Pemba is also known for its excellent diving and snorkelling.

None of Pemba’s Swahili historic sites quite compares to Zanzibar Stone Town when it comes to full-on cultural impact, but it is an important site for birdwatchers thanks to the presence of four endemic species – Pemba scops owl, Pemba green pigeon, Pemba white-eye and Pemba sunbird – most easily seen in Ngezi Forest Reserve, along with the striking Kirk’s red colobus monkey.

When to go

Find out when is best to visit

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DRY SEASON

A brief interlude of dry and sunny weather before the more intense long rains arrive in late March.

This is a great time of year to scuba-dive or snorkel, with water visibility usually over 20 meters.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Pemba Island has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania; Pemba Island is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’ takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

DRY SEASON

A brief interlude of dry and sunny weather before the more intense long rains arrive in late March.

This is a great time of year to scuba-dive or snorkel, with water visibility usually over 20 meters.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Pemba Island has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania; Pemba Island is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’ takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

DRY SEASON

A brief interlude of dry and sunny weather before the more intense long rains arrive in late March.

This is a great time of year to scuba-dive or snorkel, with water visibility usually over 20 meters.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Pemba Island has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania; Pemba Island is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’ takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'

The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies, consecutive days of rain, and relatively strong winds. Water clarity can also be quite poor due to weather conditions. Overall this is a poor time of year visit, though bargains can be found with the relatively cheap low-season rates.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Pemba Island has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania; Pemba Island is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’ takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'

The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies, consecutive days of rain, and relatively strong winds. Water clarity can also be quite poor due to weather conditions. Overall this is a poor time of year visit, though bargains can be found with the relatively cheap low-season rates.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Pemba Island has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania; Pemba Island is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’ takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

DRY SEASON

This period marks the main dry season, when clear skies and stable weather conditions dominate. Water clarity also tends to be very good and allows for excellent scuba-diving and snorkelling conditions. This is one of the best times of the year to visit Pemba Island.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Pemba Island has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania; Pemba Island is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’ takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

DRY SEASON

This period marks the main dry season, when clear skies and stable weather conditions dominate. Water clarity also tends to be very good and allows for excellent scuba-diving and snorkelling conditions. This is one of the best times of the year to visit Pemba Island.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Pemba Island has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania; Pemba Island is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’ takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

DRY SEASON

This period marks the main dry season, when clear skies and stable weather conditions dominate. Water clarity also tends to be very good and allows for excellent scuba-diving and snorkelling conditions. This is one of the best times of the year to visit Pemba Island.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Pemba Island has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania; Pemba Island is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’ takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

DRY SEASON

This period marks the main dry season, when clear skies and stable weather conditions dominate. Water clarity also tends to be very good and allows for excellent scuba-diving and snorkelling conditions. This is one of the best times of the year to visit Pemba Island.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Pemba Island has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania; Pemba Island is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’ takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

DRY SEASON

This period marks the main dry season, when clear skies and stable weather conditions dominate. Water clarity also tends to be very good and allows for excellent scuba-diving and snorkelling conditions. This is one of the best times of the year to visit Pemba Island.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Pemba Island has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania; Pemba Island is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’ takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'

Weather in this season can be rather unpredictable, with sunshine interspersed with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms. Though still considered the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. Water clarity can be good (if unpredictable), making for potentially great scuba-diving and snorkelling conditions.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Pemba Island has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania; Pemba Island is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’ takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'

Weather in this season can be rather unpredictable, with sunshine interspersed with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms. Though still considered the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. Water clarity can be good (if unpredictable), making for potentially great scuba-diving and snorkelling conditions.

Its proximity to the equator and position on the Indian Coastline means that Pemba Island has a tropical climate with consistent warm-to-hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 32°C/90°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 22°C/72°F on average.

There are two wet seasons in the majority of Tanzania; Pemba Island is no exception. The first, known as the ‘long rains’ takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between October and December. Between these are two drier spells, January – February and June – October.

Explore Pemba Island Properties

Fundu Lagoon

Fundu Lagoon

This beautifully remote island location in the popular Zanzibar Archipelago is surrounded by deep waters teeming with wildlife, appealing to experienced divers and nature-seekers alike

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