Zanzibar · Tanzania
December
The peak season returns — European winter escapees arrive, conditions improve rapidly from November's rains.
Strong option
#9 of 12 months
There are better months for Zanzibar — see the full ranking below.
See when to go instead →Climate
High
31°C
Low
24°C
Rain
82mm
Sun
8hrs/day
30-year climate normals · Open Meteo ERA5
How December scores in Zanzibar
Weather
Very good
Value
Below average
Crowds
Below average
Events
Above average
Atmosphere
Very good
What you gain in December
- ↑The short rains have typically ended by mid-December and conditions improve rapidly: sunshine hours climb back to 8.0 daily and the Indian Ocean returns to its brilliant turquoise clarity — the peak season beach experience begins again
- ↑Kite surfing remains excellent in December as the north-east monsoon continues — the combination of kite season and improving beach weather makes December a strong choice for dual-activity visitors
- ↑Christmas and New Year bring a festive atmosphere to Stone Town and the major beach resorts; the island's restaurants and bars are at their most lively, and the combination of warm weather and celebration creates genuine energy
What you sacrifice
- ↓Peak pricing returns: Christmas and New Year weeks push accommodation to annual maximum rates across quality properties; Nungwi and Kendwa beach resorts in particular need booking months in advance
- ↓Early December can still see residual rainfall from the short rains — the transition from November's wetter conditions to the reliable dry weather of January takes time; early December visitors should allow flexibility
- ↓The combination of high international demand and a genuinely small island means that popular excursions — Delos day trips, whale watching, spice tours — book out quickly in the Christmas period; plan the itinerary before arriving
How December compares to June (best month)
| Factor | December | June ★ |
|---|---|---|
| Weather | 7 | 8 |
| Value | 3 | 7 |
| Crowds | 3 | 7 |
December in other destinations
Lisbon (14.4°C)Barcelona (13.8°C)Tokyo (12°C)Bali (30.3°C)Santorini (14.5°C)Paris (6.9°C)New York (5.1°C)Marrakech (18.1°C)Amsterdam (6.4°C)Maldives (30°C)Rome (11.7°C)Bangkok (30.4°C)Istanbul (9.4°C)Vienna (3°C)Seoul (3.7°C)Dubrovnik (11.6°C)Rio de Janeiro (29.5°C)Kyoto (11.3°C)Phuket (31.8°C)Cape Town (25.6°C)Prague (3°C)Amalfi Coast (13°C)Mexico City (21°C)Medellín (28°C)Fiji (30°C)London (8°C)Sydney (26°C)Iceland (2°C)Tulum (28°C)Dubai (25°C)Singapore (30°C)Hoi An (24°C)Chiang Mai (27.5°C)Miami (25.6°C)Florence (9.8°C)Queenstown (21°C)Madrid (9.5°C)Porto (14°C)Edinburgh (7°C)Copenhagen (5°C)Budapest (5°C)Kraków (2°C)Tbilisi (7°C)Palawan (29°C)Hanoi (20°C)Osaka (11°C)Goa (32°C)Cusco (20°C)Buenos Aires (29°C)Mykonos (14°C)Sri Lanka (30°C)Costa Rica (25°C)
Climate data: 30-year normals (1991–2020) from Open Meteo ERA5 reanalysis. Scores compare months within Zanzibar, not across destinations. Methodology →