Arusha in December

In December, Arusha averages 27°C (80°F) during the day and 17°C (62°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 16 days of the month see precipitation (103 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

December offers comfortable temperatures in Arusha, with some rain to plan around.

27°C
Avg high
17°C
Avg low
16
Rain days
103 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Arusha

5th
warmest month of the 12
5th
wettest month of the 12
9%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
12 h 19 min
daylight on the 15th

December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Arusha (5th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (25°C). December runs 1°C warmer than November (26°C) and warms a further 1°C into January (28°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Arusha

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:18 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:37 PM
Day length
12 h 19 min

Times shown for Arusha local time (Africa/Dar_es_Salaam), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Arusha — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Arusha's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:18 AM – 5:58 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:58 AM – 6:58 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:57 PM – 6:57 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:57 PM – 7:37 PM

📅 When to book — Arusha in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Shoulder) and Arusha's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Arusha

Shoulder

Arusha is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Arusha

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Arusha in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 28°C / 82°F 17°C / 62°F 94 mm 13
February 28°C / 83°F 17°C / 62°F 96 mm 12
March 28°C / 82°F 17°C / 63°F 170 mm 17
April 24°C / 76°F 17°C / 63°F 277 mm 27
May 23°C / 73°F 16°C / 61°F 135 mm 18
June 22°C / 71°F 15°C / 58°F 35 mm 10
July 22°C / 71°F 14°C / 57°F 36 mm 9
August 23°C / 74°F 14°C / 57°F 26 mm 8
September 25°C / 77°F 15°C / 59°F 26 mm 7
October 27°C / 80°F 16°C / 61°F 53 mm 10
November 26°C / 79°F 17°C / 62°F 116 mm 17
December 27°C / 80°F 17°C / 62°F 103 mm 16

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Arusha in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Arusha in December?

In December, Arusha averages a high of 27°C (80°F) and a low of 17°C (62°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Arusha in December?

December is quite rainy in Arusha, with about 16 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Arusha?

December is warm but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Arusha in December?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Arusha for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Arusha on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.