Stone Town, Tanzania: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to Stone Town, Tanzania? If you're planning to go to Stone Town, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Stone Town
- Important essentials for Stone Town
- Activities for Stone Town
- Stone Town in January: weather and what to pack
- Stone Town in February: weather and what to pack
- Stone Town in March: weather and what to pack
- Stone Town in April: weather and what to pack
- Stone Town in May: weather and what to pack
- Stone Town in June: weather and what to pack
- Stone Town in July: weather and what to pack
- Stone Town in August: weather and what to pack
- Stone Town in September: weather and what to pack
- Stone Town in October: weather and what to pack
- Stone Town in November: weather and what to pack
- Stone Town in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Stone Town, Tanzania
Based on the climate and weather in Stone Town, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important essentials for Stone Town, Tanzania
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Stone Town, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently wear out. An unreadable vaccination card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly product.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection you can have.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb choice.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. This one is sufficent for most areas, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
For families with young children
-
Emergency phone
For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Stone Town may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
What to wear/what to pack for Stone Town, Tanzania by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January is extremely hot. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
If you want to see the majestic Anglican Cathedral, it's important to wear modest clothing:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Trousers
If you go to Forodhani Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
February
If you vacation in Stone Town during February, you are likely to find that it is constantly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
If you want to see the majestic Anglican Cathedral, it's important to wear modest clothing:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Trousers
If you go to Forodhani Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
March
March in Stone Town is extremely hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
If you want to see the majestic Anglican Cathedral, it's important to wear modest clothing:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Trousers
If you go to Forodhani Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
April
April in Stone Town can be sweltering. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also removes contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
If you're going to the beach
If you want to see the majestic Anglican Cathedral, it's important to wear modest clothing:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Trousers
If you go to Forodhani Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
May
If you are traveling to Stone Town in May, you will notice that it is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
If you want to see the majestic Anglican Cathedral, it's important to wear modest clothing:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Trousers
If you go to Forodhani Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
June
If you vacation in Stone Town during June, you may see that it is hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
If you want to see the majestic Anglican Cathedral, it's important to wear modest clothing:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Trousers
If you go to Forodhani Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
July
Traveling to Stone Town in July, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
If you want to see the majestic Anglican Cathedral, it's important to wear modest clothing:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Trousers
If you go to Forodhani Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
August
August here is hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also cleans contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
If you want to see the majestic Anglican Cathedral, it's important to wear modest clothing:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Trousers
If you go to Forodhani Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
September
Traveling to Stone Town in September, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also cleans contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
If you want to see the majestic Anglican Cathedral, it's important to wear modest clothing:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Trousers
If you go to Forodhani Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
October
Traveling to Stone Town in October, you will notice that it is really hot. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
If you want to see the majestic Anglican Cathedral, it's important to wear modest clothing:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Trousers
If you go to Forodhani Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
November
If you visit Stone Town during November, you are likely to notice that it is constantly hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
If you want to see the majestic Anglican Cathedral, it's important to wear modest clothing:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Trousers
If you go to Forodhani Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
December
Traveling to Stone Town in December, you will notice that it is constantly hot and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
If you want to see the majestic Anglican Cathedral, it's important to wear modest clothing:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Trousers
If you go to Forodhani Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Activities for Stone Town, Tanzania
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Stone Town.
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