Temperature zanzibar december
Zanzibar in December is excellent high season with perfect weather: 27-30°C day, 22-24°C night, water temperature 26-28°C ideal for swimming/water sports, minimal rainfall 5-8 days month short showers, abundant sunshine 90% days. Advantages: Best climate year (June-Aug), calm sea, less mosquitoes, green landscapes. Disadvantages: High season prices (+40-60% accommodation vs May-Jun), more tourists, advance bookings 3-6 months mandatory. Activities: beaches (Nungwi/Kendwa/Paje), snorkeling/diving Mnemba (visibility 20-25 meters), kitesurfing Paje (winds 12-20 knots), dolphin tours Kizimkazi, Stone Town culture. Accommodation: guesthouses 40-80 USD, mid-range 100-200 USD, resorts 300-800+ USD. Daily budget: budget 80-150 USD, mid-range 200-400 USD, luxury 500-1,000+ USD.
Zanzibar weather in December
Day temperature: 27-30°C (perfect warm beach).
Night temperature: 22-24°C (pleasantly refreshing).
Water temperature: 26-28°C (perfect for swimming without a wetsuit).
RainsMinimum 5-8 days short showers (NOT affecting vacations).
Humidity: 70-80% (moderate comfortable).
Sol: Abundant 90% days with clear skies.
Winds: Mild-moderate 8-15 knots, calm sea.
Best month year: December from Jun-Aug optimal climate.
Weather: Weather.com updated forecasts.
Historical data: Climate-Data.org December statistics.
Zanzibar Activities in December
Beaches: Nungwi/Kendwa north (no tide all day swimming), Paje east (kitesurfing winds 12-20 knots), Paje east (kite winds 12-20 knots) Windguru), quiet Jambiani, family Matemwe.
Snorkeling/diving: Mnemba Atoll tours 80-150 USD (visibility 20-25 meters best year), certification PADI available.
Kitesurf: Paje good winds, courses 300-400 USD, rent 50-80 USD/day.
Dolphin Tours: Kizimkazi 50-80 USD tomorrow (80-90% sighting), ethical Whale and Dolphin Conservation.
Stone TownUNESCO heritage UNESCOtours 30,000-50,000 TZS (12-20 USD).
Spice tours: 40,000-60,000 TZS (16-24 USD) half day.
Jozani Forest: Colobus monkeys entrance fee 10 USD.
Best Zanzibar beaches in December
NungwiNorth tide-free swimming all day, spectacular sunsets, lively nightlife, multiple resorts.
KendwaNorth next to Nungwi, quieter, perfect white sand, occasional beach parties.
PageboyKitesurfing paradise: This kitesurfing paradise winds 12-20 knots, dramatic low tide, relaxed backpackers atmosphere.
Jambiani: This quiet authentic, genuine fishing village, less tourists.
MatemweNortheast: Quiet family-run, access Mnemba Atoll snorkeling/dive tours.
PongwePongwe Beach Hotel: This small serene, less crowded, boutique resort Pongwe Beach Hotel.
Tips Zanzibar in December
Advance booking: 3-6 months mandatory hotels/flights/tours (depletes quickly).
Protección solarSPF 50+ (intense sun), hat, sunglasses.
HydrationWater constant heat 27-30°C.
MalariaMandatory prophylaxis, DEET 30%+ repellent.
Cash: TZS required for local markets/taxis/restaurants.
Respect cultureDescription: 99% Muslim, dresses modestly outside beaches.
Travel insuranceRecommended medical coverage/cancellation.
Frequently asked questions Zanzibar in December
What is the water temperature in Zanzibar in December?
The water temperature Zanzibar in December is 26-28°C (79-82°F) being perfect swimming/water sports no need for comfortable wetsuit hours without getting cold. Indian Ocean maintains constant warm temperature 26-29°C full year being Zanzibar's advantage vs. seasonal destinations. December best monthTogether Jun-Aug optimum water temperature combining excellent weather (27-30°C day abundant sunshine 90% days, minimum rainfall 5-8 days short showers NOT affected), calm sea (light winds 8-15 knots ideal for families/children safe swimming), excellent snorkeling/dive visibility 20-25 meters (best year Mnemba Atoll tours 80-150 USD certification PADI available). Ideal activities water 26-28°CComfortable swimming (Nungwi/Kendwa beaches all day no tide, Paje/Jambiani high tide morning/evening), snorkeling/diving long dives without cooling off, kitesurfing/windsurfing Paje winds 12-20 knots (consult us). Windguru courses 300-400 USD), dolphin tours Kizimkazi 50-80 USD (comfortable water swimming near dolphins), paddle board/kayak. Check updated temperature Sea Temperatureconditions Windy. According to Lonely Planetwater temperature Zanzibar in December is "perfect tropical" being "ideal conditions for water activities for families without cold".
What is the weather like in Zanzibar in December for beaches?
The Zanzibar weather in December is perfect beaches optimal high season: Air temperature 27-30°C day warm sunny ideal for sunbathing/beach activities without excessive heat, 22-24°C night refreshing and pleasant outdoor dining, water temperature 26-28°C perfect comfortable swimming, minimal rainfall 5-8 day month occasional short afternoon showers (1-2 hours) will NOT affect beach vacations, abundant sunshine 90% days clear skies mostly weather, humidity 70-80% moderate (less sultry than nov rainy season), winds light-moderate 8-15 knots calm sea ideal for families/children safe swimming without strong waves. Best month year beaches: December together Jun-Aug being perfect weather justifying high season. Best beaches DecemberNungwi/Kendwa north (no significant tide, swimming all day 6:00-18:00, spectacular sunsets 18:00-18:30, lively nightlife), Paje east (kitesurfing paradise winds 12-20 knots Windguru(low tide, low tide 10:00-16:00 walks exploration), Jambiani quiet authentic less tourists, Matemwe family access Mnemba snorkeling. Beach activitiesSnorkeling/diving visibility 20-25 meters best year, kitesurfing/windsurfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, beach volleyball, beach massage, sunset dhow tours. Consult Weather.com updated forecasts, historical data Climate-Data.org. According to TripAdvisor, Zanzibar weather in December is "perfect beach vacation" being "ideal conditions to enjoy paradisiacal beaches without climatic worries".
Is December a good month for swimming in Zanzibar?
YES, December is BEST month to swim Zanzibar together Jun-Aug offering perfect swimming conditions: Water temperature 26-28°C (79-82°F) perfect comfortable hours without wetsuit/chill, calm sea light winds 8-15 knots with no strong waves (ideal for families/children/beginners for safe swimming), outstanding visibility 20-25 meters crystal clear water (best snorkeling/diving year), minimal rainfall 5-8 days short showers do NOT affect swimming (most 90% days with abundant sunshine), algae-free (dry season east coast clean vs. sea-may algae abundant), no jellyfish problem (rare December). Best swimming beaches December: (1) Nungwi/Kendwa North - NO significant tide swimming ALL DAY 6:00-18:00 constant depth (advantage vs. this dramatic tide), clear turquoise water, wide white sandy beaches, ideal for families/children safety; (2) Paje/Jambiani east - swim high tide morning 6:00-10:00 afternoon 17:00-20:00 (consultation Tide Times exact times), low tide water recedes 500+ meters walks exploration; (3) Matemwe northeast - less crowded, less crowded, quiet, family friendly Mnemba Atoll snorkeling access. Snorkeling/diving: December better visibility year 20-25 meters (Mnemba tours 80-150 USD certification PADINungwi/Kendwa reefs 20,000-30,000 TZS). Security: Generally weak currents December calm sea, lifeguards large Nungwi resorts, avoid swimming only remote beaches. According to National Geographic Travel, December Zanzibar is "optimal swimming month" being "perfect conditions warm water calm sea excellent visibility".