Pemba Island in February
Great time to visit
Another excellent month with dry weather and cultural celebrations. The Shirazi New Year festivities add cultural depth to your visit, though prices remain high.
Weather
February continues the dry season with steady northeast winds keeping temperatures comfortable. Humidity remains low at 70%, though it starts creeping up toward month's end. Rain is rare, usually just brief tropical showers.
33°C high25°C low4 rain days
Crowds & Cost
high crowds
~$115/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Mwaka Kogwa (Shirazi New Year) celebrations
- •Traditional dhow racing in Mkoani
February Tips
- •Still peak season pricing so book early
- •Perfect conditions for snorkeling at Misali Island
- •Evening breezes make sunset dhow trips particularly pleasant
All Months
June through September delivers the best diving conditions. The northeast monsoon calms down, visibility hits 30+ meters, and the water temperature sits at a perfect 26°C. This is also manta ray season at the northern dive sites.
December through February works well for beach lovers. The kaskazi winds keep temperatures comfortable, and you'll get those dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that clear quickly. The spice harvest happens during this period, filling the air with clove and cardamom scents.
Avoid April and May completely. The long rains turn dirt roads into mud rivers and diving becomes impossible. Many lodges close during this period.
March and October can go either way. You might catch perfect weather or get stuck in unexpected downpours. But prices drop significantly, and you'll have beaches to yourself.
The water stays warm year-round, never dropping below 24°C. But visibility varies dramatically with the seasons — from crystal clear in July to murky green during the rains.
Pemba Island Scores
Solo
7/10
Couples
9/10
Families
6/10
Adventure
8/10
Budget
6/10
Luxury
7/10
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