Zanzibar in December
In December, Zanzibar averages 31°C (87°F) during the day and 25°C (78°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 26 days of the month see precipitation (90 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
December is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Zanzibar. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Zanzibar
December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Zanzibar (4th of 12) and one of the driest months (10th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (30°C). December runs 1°C warmer than November (30°C) and warms a further 1°C into January (31°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Zanzibar
Times shown for Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Zanzibar's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Zanzibar
Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar
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 Zanzibar — December
Across the year Zanzibar's sea swings from 26.2°C (August) to 29.8°C (December) — December sits at 29.8°C.
Zanzibar in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C / 88°F | 26°C / 78°F | 42 mm | 23 | — |
| February | 32°C / 90°F | 26°C / 79°F | 34 mm | 19 | — |
| March | 31°C / 89°F | 26°C / 78°F | 119 mm | 26 | — |
| April | 29°C / 84°F | 25°C / 76°F | 317 mm | 30 | — |
| May | 28°C / 82°F | 24°C / 76°F | 166 mm | 29 | — |
| June | 28°C / 82°F | 23°C / 74°F | 44 mm | 26 | — |
| July | 27°C / 81°F | 23°C / 73°F | 40 mm | 28 | — |
| August | 28°C / 83°F | 22°C / 72°F | 34 mm | 28 | — |
| September | 29°C / 85°F | 22°C / 72°F | 42 mm | 26 | — |
| October | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 74°F | 92 mm | 27 | — |
| November | 30°C / 86°F | 24°C / 76°F | 135 mm | 28 | — |
| December | 31°C / 87°F | 25°C / 78°F | 90 mm | 26 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Zanzibar in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Zanzibar in December?
In December, Zanzibar averages a high of 31°C (87°F) and a low of 25°C (78°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Zanzibar in December?
December is quite rainy in Zanzibar, with about 26 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Zanzibar?
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 Zanzibar in December?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Zanzibar for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.