December arrives in Zanzibar with a surge of holiday energy — the island transforms into a festive destination, beach resorts deck their terraces with Christmas decorations, and the evening air fills with music from Christmas Eve dinners and New Year celebrations. The short dry season is establishing itself, rainfall drops sharply from November, and the weather is excellent: warm, sunny, and calm. December is peak season pricing and peak season crowds, but for families with school-age children who are tied to school holiday windows, it is one of the finest months to visit.
Temperature
24–31°C
Warm — short dry season
Ocean
26–28°C
Warm — swim-ready all day
Rainfall
75mm
Short dry season — mostly sunny
December Weather — The Short Dry Season Begins
December marks the beginning of Zanzibar's short dry season — the period between the short rains of October-November and the long dry season of June-September. This transitional month sees rainfall drop sharply from November's 120mm to approximately 75mm, and the number of rainy days decreases significantly. By late December, the island is predominantly sunny.
Early December — the first two weeks — still sees some residual short rain activity. Afternoon showers are possible, though they are typically less sustained than November. By mid-December, the dry season pattern is more established and rainy days become the exception rather than the rule.
The temperature in December is warm (24–31°C), the ocean is comfortable (26–28°C), and the seas are calm as the trade winds ease during the monsoon transition. This makes December an excellent all-round month for beach activities: swimming, snorkelling, dhow cruises, and sunbathing are all reliable.
The December Holiday Experience
December in Zanzibar is a festive experience in a way that the other peak months are not. Christmas and New Year bring a particular quality of celebration: resort restaurants serve Christmas Eve seafood dinners on the beach, Christmas Day brings special holiday events, and the days around New Year are some of the most vibrant on the island.
For families with children, December is one of the finest times to visit. The weather is reliably good — not perfect, but excellent; the school holidays mean children can travel without missing school; and the festive atmosphere adds an extra dimension to the beach experience. Children remember Christmas on a Zanzibar beach for the rest of their lives.
The trade-off is volume. The north coast resorts (Nungwi, Kendwa) are particularly full in the Christmas and New Year period. If you are seeking a quieter December experience, consider the east coast (Pingwe, Jambiani, Paje) or the southern beaches, which tend to be less affected by the Christmas peak.
Diving in December — Conditions Improving
December diving sees improving conditions as the short dry season establishes itself. Water clarity improves from November's reduced visibility as rainfall decreases — typically reaching 20–35m by late December. Mnemba Atoll is accessible again for serious diving, and the reef fish life remains abundant.
December is not quite at the peak visibility levels of June–October, but it is notably better than November. The diving is acceptable for most visitors, and serious divers will find the conditions worthwhile. Whale sharks begin to reappear in the channel from late December as the new season starts — December marks the beginning of the whale shark season.
December Safari — Post-Migration and Green Season
December is not the ideal month for the Great Migration — the dramatic crossing season has ended, and the herds are dispersed across the Serengeti. General wildlife viewing is excellent: the Serengeti is accessible and the Big Five are readily found. Ngorongoro Crater is at its finest. Tarangire offers good elephant herds.
The green season has brought fresh grass to the Serengeti, and the landscape is at its most beautiful. For families who want to combine a safari with a beach holiday and are limited to the Christmas holiday window, December delivers good wildlife viewing combined with excellent beach conditions. The combination works — just manage expectations about the Migration crossings, which are not the focus of December.
December Costs — Peak Season Premium
December is peak season pricing — particularly around Christmas and New Year. The Christmas-New Year period is the single most expensive time to be on Zanzibar.
Mid-range beachfront rooms: $100–180 per night. Luxury resorts: $350–600 per night. New Year's Eve in particular commands premium rates — some properties charge double or triple their standard rate for the night of December 31.
Booking 3–4 months ahead is essential for December travel. Many of the best properties are fully booked by October for December. If you are planning a Christmas or New Year trip, start the conversation early.
Our Verdict — December
December is peak season for good reason: excellent weather, festive atmosphere, and a wonderful holiday experience for families. The trade-offs are significant: peak pricing, high volumes, and New Year's Eve premium rates.
If you have school-age children and are limited to the Christmas holiday window, December is one of the finest months to visit Zanzibar — the weather is reliably good, the beaches are beautiful, and the festive atmosphere adds magic. Book early, budget for peak pricing, and go in with eyes open about the crowds.
FAQs — Zanzibar in December
Is December crowded in Zanzibar?
Yes — December is one of the two peak periods (alongside July and August). Christmas and New Year bring European travellers on holiday. Book 3–4 months ahead for December travel.
What is the weather like in Zanzibar in December?
December opens the short dry season — rainfall drops sharply from November and the weather is predominantly sunny and dry. It is warm (24–31°C), the seas are calm, and the conditions are excellent.
How much does Zanzibar cost in December?
December is peak season pricing — particularly around Christmas and New Year. Mid-range rooms are $100–180 per night. Luxury resorts are $350–600 per night. New Year's Eve in particular commands premium rates.
Should I avoid December because of crowds?
Not necessarily — December is peak season for good reason: the weather is excellent and it coincides with the Christmas holiday. If you are travelling with family over the school holidays, December is one of the finest times to visit. The trade-off is peak pricing and higher volumes.
What is the Great Migration doing in December?
By December, the Great Migration herds have largely completed their annual cycle and are dispersed across the southern and eastern Serengeti. This is not the best month for dramatic crossings — that window is June–October. December wildlife viewing is excellent for general Big Five game viewing.
Book Your December Safari and Zanzibar
December fills 3–4 months ahead. Tell us your Christmas or New Year dates now to check availability and get a quote.
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