Tanzania Zanzibar Weather in December — Climate Guide
December in Zanzibar is high
Zanzibar Weather in December — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 32° / 24°
- Rainfall
- 90mm · 8 days
- Crowds
- Very busy
As of 2026, Zanzibar in December averages a high of 32°C and low of 24°C with 90mm of rain over about 8 days. Dry spell returning — around 32°C/24°C, hot and humid, mostly sunny with the odd late short-rain shower. Light clothing, SPF 50+, hat. Modest cover for Stone Town. Strong midday sun.
December is high for Zanzibar.
December sees the short rains fade and the late-December-to-February dry spell return — hot, mostly sunny, and increasingly reliable for the beach as the month goes on, with only the odd late shower early on.
The Christmas-New Year period is the yearly price peak, with the highest demand of the year — book Stone Town hotels, north-coast resorts, and headline restaurants months ahead. Seas are warm and calm for snorkeling at Mnemba, the north swims well, and whale shark season continues off Mafia.
Travel score
Zanzibar December Weather Stats
Avg High
32°C
Avg Low
24°C
Rainy Days
8
90mm total
Sunshine
7.5h
Daily avg
Humidity
81%
muggy
UV Index
12
Extreme
Wind
10 km/h
Gusts 20
Crowds
Very busy
At attractions
December Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
10 μg/m³
PM10
21 μg/m³
Status
good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
36°C
Nighttime
26°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
10 km/h
Max gust 20 km/h
Activities Recommended for December
December Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Dry spell returns — mostly sunny
- Warm calm seas for snorkeling
- Festive Christmas/New Year atmosphere
- Whale shark season (off Mafia)
Cons
- Christmas/New Year is the yearly price peak
- Busiest beaches and book-ahead demand
- Hot, humid, extreme UV (index 12)
- Malaria precautions still needed
December Events & Festivals
- Short rains fade — dry spell returns
- Christmas and New Year — yearly price peak
- Whale shark season off Mafia Island
- Warm, calm seas for snorkeling
Zanzibar in December — Full Picture
December sees the short rains fade and the late-December-to-February dry spell return — hot, mostly sunny, and increasingly reliable for the beach as the month goes on, with only the odd late shower early on.
The Christmas-New Year period is the yearly price peak, with the highest demand of the year — book Stone Town hotels, north-coast resorts, and headline restaurants months ahead. Seas are warm and calm for snorkeling at Mnemba, the north swims well, and whale shark season continues off Mafia.
Early December (before the holiday rush) can be a good-value window with improving weather. The flip side of the festive season is crowds, premium pricing, and busy beaches.
Note: hot and humid with extreme UV (index 12) — keep up sun protection and hydration. Malaria precautions still apply, especially after the short rains.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Dry spell returning — around 32°C/24°C, hot and humid, mostly sunny with the odd late short-rain shower. Light clothing, SPF 50+, hat. Modest cover for Stone Town. Strong midday sun.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
31.3°C
23.7°C
13.7/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
29.3°C
22°C
4.3/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
30.7°C
22.7°C
7.3/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current32.7°C
24°C
7/mo
Zanzibar Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33° | 24° | 7d·60mm | 8h | 80% | 12 | Busy | Peak | |
| February (Best) | 33° | 24° | 6d·55mm | 8.5h | 80% | 12 | Busy | Peak |
| 32° | 24° | 11d·130mm | 7h | 83% | 12 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 31° | 24° | 16d·290mm | 5.5h | 85% | 11 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 31° | 23° | 14d·200mm | 6h | 84% | 11 | Quiet | Low season | |
| June (Best) | 30° | 22° | 5d·50mm | 8h | 78% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder |
| July (Best) | 29° | 22° | 4d·45mm | 8h | 77% | 11 | Very busy | Peak |
| August (Best) | 29° | 22° | 4d·45mm | 8.5h | 77% | 12 | Very busy | Peak |
| September (Best) | 30° | 22° | 4d·45mm | 8.5h | 78% | 12 | Busy | Shoulder |
| 31° | 23° | 7d·75mm | 8h | 79% | 12 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 31° | 23° | 11d·130mm | 6.5h | 81% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 32° | 24° | 8d·90mm | 7.5h | 81% | 12 | Very busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Zanzibar December Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Zanzibar?
Zanzibar in December is high. Tourist crowds are very busy and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in Zanzibar in December?
Zanzibar December averages a high of 32°C and a low of 24°C.
Does it rain much in Zanzibar in December?
Zanzibar December averages 90mm of rainfall over about 8 rainy days.
What should I wear in Zanzibar in December?
Dry spell returning — around 32°C/24°C, hot and humid, mostly sunny with the odd late short-rain shower. Light clothing, SPF 50+, hat. Modest cover for Stone Town. Strong midday sun.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Zanzibar in December?
Zanzibar December sunrise is 06:15 and sunset is 18:30, with 12h 15min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Zanzibar in December?
Zanzibar December air quality (AQI) averages 29, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 10μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Zanzibar in December?
In December, Zanzibar is great for Mnemba Atoll snorkeling, North-coast beach days, Stone Town + spice tour.
Is December peak season in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar December crowds are very busy and prices are peak. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Months to Visit Zanzibar
View Other Months
Planning a December trip to Zanzibar?
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Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.