Zanzibar · December
Low seasonTanzania · Africa
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 33° (91°)29– (84–)34 (93) | 33° (91°)30– (86–)35 (95) | 33° (91°)28– (82–)35 (95) | 31° (88°)26– (79–)33 (91) | 30° (86°)27– (81–)32 (90) | 30° (86°)26– (79–)31 (88) | 29° (84°)27– (81–)31 (88) | 30° (86°)27– (81–)31 (88) | 31° (88°)28– (82–)32 (90) | 31° (88°)28– (82–)33 (91) | 31° (88°)27– (81–)33 (91) | 32° (90°)29– (84–)33 (91) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 26° (79°)22– (72–)27 (81) | 26° (79°)22– (72–)27 (81) | 25° (77°)23– (73–)27 (81) | 25° (77°)22– (72–)26 (79) | 24° (75°)21– (70–)26 (79) | 23° (73°)19– (66–)25 (77) | 22° (72°)18– (64–)24 (75) | 22° (72°)19– (66–)24 (75) | 22° (72°)18– (64–)24 (75) | 23° (73°)20– (68–)25 (77) | 24° (75°)21– (70–)26 (79) | 25° (77°)22– (72–)27 (81) |
☀️Sunshine | 8h | 8h | 7h | 5h | 6h | 7h | 7h | 7h | 8h | 8h | 8h | 8h |
🌊Water Temp | 29° (84°) | 29° (84°) | 30° (86°) | 29° (84°) | 28° (82°) | 27° (81°) | 26° (79°) | 26° (79°) | 26° (79°) | 27° (81°) | 28° (82°) | 29° (84°) |
🌧Rain Days | 5d70mm (2.7") | 3d46mm (1.8") | 10d180mm (7.1") | 15d371mm (14.6") | 11d270mm (10.6") | 4d46mm (1.8") | 3d34mm (1.4") | 5d47mm (1.9") | 3d47mm (1.9") | 6d105mm (4.1") | 12d267mm (10.5") | 12d200mm (7.9") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Still off-season — flights and hotels significantly cheaper than in January.
December in Zanzibar is generally manageable, but with 12 rain days it's not a reliably sunny month. Better conditions can be found in January, February, June, July, August, September, and October.
Daytime highs reach 32°C (90°F) with a daily average of 28°C (82°F) — nights stay warm at 25°C (77°F). Peaks reach around 33°C (91°F), the coldest nights around 22°C (72°F). The sun shines an average of 8 hours per day; there are 12 rain days with 200 mm (7.9 in) total. The water is a warm 29°C (84°F) — perfect for snorkelling and swimming.
Sun protection, a hat, and plenty of water are essential at these temperatures. Plan activities for early morning or evening.
Short dry season: Zanzibar in December and January with less rain than expected, the warmest sea temperatures of the year and fewer visitors than in summer.
Packing list for Zanzibar in December
- Light summer clothes
- Swimwear and beach towel
- SPF 50 sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Light umbrella or rain poncho
- Insect repellent
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is December a good time to visit Zanzibar?
- December is not an optimal month for Zanzibar (Score: 72/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider January, February, June, July, August, September, and October.
- How warm is it in Zanzibar in December?
- In December, Zanzibar sees daily highs of 32°C (90°F). Nights cool to 25°C (77°F), with a daily average of 28°C (82°F). Peaks reach around 33°C (91°F), the coldest nights around 22°C (72°F).
- How much rain falls in Zanzibar in December?
- In December, Zanzibar receives an average of 200 mm (7.9 in) of rain over 12 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does Zanzibar get in December?
- Zanzibar averages 8 sunshine hours per day in December — above the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Zanzibar in December?
- Water temperature in Zanzibar in December averages 29°C (84°F) — ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
