Dar es Salaam in December

In December, Dar es Salaam averages 30°C (86°F) during the day and 25°C (77°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 26 days of the month see precipitation (108 mm total).

Shoulder

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

December offers comfortable temperatures in Dar es Salaam, with some rain to plan around.

30°C
Avg high
25°C
Avg low
26
Rain days
108 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Dar es Salaam

4th
warmest month of the 12
7th
wettest month of the 12
10%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
12 h 31 min
daylight on the 15th

December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Dar es Salaam (4th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (7th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (29°C). December runs 1°C warmer than November (29°C) and warms a further 1°C into January (31°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Dar es Salaam

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:02 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:33 PM
Day length
12 h 31 min

Times shown for Dar es Salaam 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 Dar es Salaam — December

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:02 AM – 5:42 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:42 AM – 6:42 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:53 PM – 6:53 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:53 PM – 7:33 PM

📅 When to book — Dar es Salaam 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 Dar es Salaam'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 Dar es Salaam

Shoulder

Dar es Salaam 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 Dar es Salaam

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.3
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.

Sea temperature in Dar es Salaam — December

30.3°C (87°F)
bath-warm
tropical and comfortable for hours

Across the year Dar es Salaam's sea swings from 26.5°C (August) to 30.3°C (December) — December sits at 30.3°C.

Dar es Salaam in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 31°C / 87°F 26°C / 78°F 71 mm 25
February 31°C / 88°F 26°C / 78°F 51 mm 22
March 31°C / 87°F 25°C / 77°F 151 mm 28
April 29°C / 84°F 24°C / 75°F 273 mm 30
May 28°C / 83°F 23°C / 74°F 135 mm 26
June 28°C / 83°F 22°C / 72°F 29 mm 21
July 28°C / 83°F 22°C / 71°F 21 mm 25
August 28°C / 83°F 22°C / 71°F 26 mm 26
September 29°C / 84°F 22°C / 72°F 36 mm 26
October 30°C / 85°F 23°C / 74°F 78 mm 25
November 29°C / 85°F 24°C / 75°F 116 mm 27
December 30°C / 86°F 25°C / 77°F 108 mm 26

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Dar es Salaam in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Dar es Salaam in December?

In December, Dar es Salaam averages a high of 30°C (86°F) and a low of 25°C (77°F) — generally hot.

Does it rain a lot in Dar es Salaam in December?

December is quite rainy in Dar es Salaam, with about 26 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Dar es Salaam?

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

What should I pack for Dar es Salaam in December?

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

Open Dar es Salaam on the interactive map

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