Pemba is known as a prime destination for water sport and diving enthusiasts due to the bay and coral reef that surrounds the city.

There is no record of the town's existence or settlement before the 20th century, mainly serving as fishing ground for visiting Malagasy and Swahili fishermen.

After the end of the Niassa Company in 1929, Pemba was transferred to direct Portuguese control and became the capital of the newly created district of Cabo Delgado.

Pemba is taking refugees in the aftermath of the Battle of Palma, but has not yet been directly involved in the ongoing Insurgency in Cabo Delgado.

Conversely, the dry season stretches from May to November and brings marginally cooler temperatures, sunny skies, and very little rain, the driest month typically being September with an average rainfall of 2.2 mm (0.09 in).