Zanzibar in December
Zanzibar in December is excellent high season: 27-30°C day hot and sunny, 22-24°C night refreshing, water temperature 26-28°C perfect swimming, minimal rainfall 5-8 days short showers, abundant sunshine 90% days, humidity 70-80% moderate. AdvantagesBest weather year round Jun-Aug, calm sea, families, visibility snorkeling/dive 20-25 meters excellent, less mosquitoes. Disadvantages: High season prices +40-60%more tourists, reservations 3-6 months mandatory. Activities: beaches (Nungwi/Kendwa/Paje), snorkeling/diving Mnemba, kitesurfing, dolphin tours, Stone Town UNESCO, spice tours. 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 beach hot).
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.
WindsSmooth 8-15 knots, calm sea.
Season: High peak visitors in Feb.
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), Jambiani quiet.
Snorkeling/diving: Mnemba Atoll tours 80-150 USD (visibility 20-25 meters excellent), certification PADI.
Dolphin Tours: Kizimkazi 50-80 USD tomorrow (80-90% sighting), ethical Whale and Dolphin Conservation.
Stone TownUNESCO heritage UNESCO30,000-50,000 TZS tours, Darajani market.
Spice toursSpice Island 40,000-60,000 TZS half day, cloves/cinnamon/vanilla.
Kitesurf: Paje winds good courses 300-400 USD.
Best Zanzibar beaches in December
NungwiNorth: North no tide swimming all day, spectacular sunsets, nightlife, very popular December.
KendwaNorth by Nungwi, perfect white sand, beach parties, less crowded.
PageboyKitesurfing: This kitesurfing winds 12-20 knots, dramatic tide, lively atmosphere.
Jambiani: This quiet, authentic, quiet fishing village, less tourists.
MatemweNortheast family, Mnemba snorkeling access.
Events December Zanzibar
Revolution Festival: December 12 commemorates revolution 1963, parades, music, dances all over the country.
Cultural FestivalStone Town art/photography/music/dance/traditional cuisine, celebrates island culture.
Zanzibar Beach FestivalJambiani music/water sports, local food, beach atmosphere.
Christmas/New Year: Hotels/resorts special events, gala dinners, beach parties (maximum prices).
In short, December is an exciting month to visit Zanzibar because of its festivals and cultural events. Whether you are interested in history, music or food, there is something for everyone on this beautiful East African island. Be sure to add some of these events to your itinerary and enjoy all that Zanzibar has to offer.
Zanzibar prices in December
Flights: +50-80% vs. low season (reserve 3-6 months).
Lodging: +40-60% peak prices.
ToursStandard (snorkel 20,000-30,000 TZS, dolphins 50-80 USD).
RestaurantsLocal 10,000-25,000 TZS, international 30,000-60,000 TZS.
Cabs: Airport-Nungwi 80,000-100,000 TZS.
Daily budgetBudget 80-150 USD, mid-range 200-400 USD, luxury 500-1,000+ USD.
Frequently asked questions Zanzibar in December
What is the weather like in Zanzibar in December?
The Zanzibar weather December is excellent high season: 27-30°C day hot and sunny, 22-24°C night refreshing, water 26-28°C perfect, minimal rainfall 5-8 days short showers (90% days sun), humidity 70-80% moderate, light winds 8-15 knots calm seas. Best weather year round Jun-Aug being peak dry season. According to Lonely PlanetDecember is "perfect beach weather". Consult Weather.com, Climate-Data.org.
Is December a good month to visit Zanzibar?
YES, December EXCELLENT weather BUT extreme high season. AdvantagesPerfect weather 27-30°C sunshine 90% days, water 26-28°C ideal, visibility snorkel 20-25 meters (20-25 meters) (PADI), less mosquitoes, cultural events Festival Revolucion. Disadvantages: Prices +40-60% (guesthouses 40-80 USD, mid-range 100-200 USD, resorts 300-800+ USD), very busy, reservations 3-6 months MANDATORY. BudgetBudget 80-150 USD, mid-range 200-400 USD, luxury 500-1,000+ USD. According to TripAdvisorDecember is "worth perfect weather". Compare Booking.com, Skyscanner.
What to do in Zanzibar in December?
At Zanzibar December: (1) Beaches Nungwi/Kendwa north swim all day very busy, Paje kitesurfing winds 12-20 knots (Windguru); (2) Snorkeling/diving Mnemba 80-150 USD visibility 20-25 meters (PADI); (3) Dolphin Tours Kizimkazi 50-80 USD (Whale and Dolphin Conservation); (4) Stone Town UNESCO (UNESCO) tours 30,000-50,000 TZS; (5) Spice tours 40,000-60,000 TZS; (6) Events Festival Revolucion 12 Dec, Cultural Festival. Temperature 27-30°C perfect.