Ngorongoro in December

In December, Ngorongoro averages 24°C (75°F) during the day and 14°C (58°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 26 days of the month see precipitation (394 mm total).

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

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

24°C
Avg high
14°C
Avg low
26
Rain days
394 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Ngorongoro

6th
warmest month of the 12
5th
wettest month of the 12
22%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
12 h 18 min
daylight on the 15th

December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Ngorongoro (6th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (23°C). December runs roughly the same as November (24°C) and stays flat into January.

December sunrise & sunset in Ngorongoro

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:23 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:42 PM
Day length
12 h 18 min

Times shown for Ngorongoro 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 Ngorongoro — December

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:23 AM – 6:03 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:03 AM – 7:03 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:02 PM – 7:02 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:02 PM – 7:42 PM

📅 When to book — Ngorongoro 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 (High season) and Ngorongoro's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.
⚠ 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 Ngorongoro

High season

This is a busy month in Ngorongoro — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Ngorongoro

☀️ 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
●●●●○
High
Peak mosquito activity. DEET 30%+, long sleeves at dawn/dusk, sleep under nets if rural. Check current dengue/malaria advisories for the destination.

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.

Ngorongoro in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 24°C / 75°F 14°C / 58°F 354 mm 26
February 25°C / 77°F 14°C / 58°F 140 mm 23
March 24°C / 76°F 15°C / 59°F 222 mm 27
April 22°C / 72°F 16°C / 60°F 242 mm 29
May 21°C / 70°F 14°C / 58°F 63 mm 24
June 20°C / 69°F 13°C / 55°F 24 mm 18
July 20°C / 68°F 12°C / 53°F 19 mm 16
August 22°C / 71°F 12°C / 54°F 18 mm 17
September 23°C / 74°F 13°C / 55°F 22 mm 19
October 24°C / 76°F 14°C / 57°F 77 mm 22
November 24°C / 75°F 15°C / 58°F 223 mm 27
December 24°C / 75°F 14°C / 58°F 394 mm 26

Other cities with similar December weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Ngorongoro in December?

In December, Ngorongoro averages a high of 24°C (75°F) and a low of 14°C (58°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Ngorongoro in December?

December is quite rainy in Ngorongoro, with about 26 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Ngorongoro?

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 Ngorongoro in December?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Ngorongoro for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Ngorongoro on the interactive map

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