Zanzibar Beach Holiday
Zanzibar in December
Festive season. Short rains ending. Green island, warm seas. Christmas peak — book early.
Warm, sunny, some rain
Weather
27-29°C — warm swimming
Sea Temp
25-35m — good diving
Visibility
High (festive season)
Crowds
★★★★ Peak season
Rating
The Festive Season on the Indian Ocean
December in Zanzibar is when the island enters its most festive mode. Christmas on a tropical island is a different experience from European or American Christmas — there is no snow, no cold, no dark winter evenings. Instead: turquoise sea, warm sunshine, palm trees, and a general atmosphere of celebration as visitors and staff at resorts come together for the holiday.
Early December still carries some of the short rains — but by mid-month, these are diminishing rapidly. By Christmas week, the weather is predominantly sunny and dry. The island, green from the November rains, looks its most beautiful. The sea is warm at 27-29°C. The atmosphere is genuinely celebratory.
December demands early booking. Christmas week availability at popular resorts disappears by October, sometimes earlier. The travellers who have the best December Zanzibar experiences planned their trip in the previous February or March. If December is your target month, do not wait — start asking about availability now.
December FAQ
Common Questions — December
Is December a good month to visit Zanzibar?
December is an excellent month for Zanzibar — with caveats. The short rains are ending (the last rains typically fall in the first half of the month), the island is green and beautiful, the sea is warm, and the festive season atmosphere brings a special energy to the island. The trade-off: it is also peak demand season, particularly the Christmas and New Year period when Zanzibar draws visitors from across East Africa and Europe. Accommodation prices rise sharply from mid-December, and availability becomes limited. December suits travellers who plan ahead (book by October at the latest), who enjoy festive season energy, and who want warm seas and sunny days.
Does it still rain in Zanzibar in December?
December marks the transition out of the short rains. Early December can still have brief afternoon showers, but these typically diminish through the month — by Christmas week, rainfall is minimal. By late December, Zanzibar is predominantly sunny and dry, though the landscape remains green from the November rains. The combination of green vegetation, warm sun, and reduced rainfall makes late December one of the most beautiful times of year on the island.
Is Zanzibar crowded at Christmas?
Christmas and New Year are Zanzibar's second-busiest period after July-August. The final two weeks of December see peak demand: European visitors on Christmas holiday, East African residents escaping for the coast, and travellers from around the world who have timed their Tanzania trip for the festive season. The most popular beaches — Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje — are at or near full occupancy. New Year's Eve at beach resorts is a significant social event. Booking 3-4 months ahead is essential for December, particularly the period from December 20 through January 3.
How is December for diving in Zanzibar?
December diving is good — underwater conditions improve as the short rains end and sea clarity improves. Water temperature is warm at 27-29°C, and visibility returns to 25-35m. The main dive sites are operational. However, December diving has a significant drawback: reduced availability. Many dive operators reduce their schedules over the Christmas and New Year period, and those that remain operational fill quickly. December diving rewards advance booking — reserve your dive days before arriving in Zanzibar.
What does Zanzibar cost in December?
December has two pricing phases. Early December (through December 18 or so) is shoulder-season pricing — comfortable rates similar to October or November. From approximately December 20, peak-season pricing kicks in — the highest rates of the year alongside New Year. Christmas week in particular commands premium pricing at all accommodation levels. A combined 10-day safari-and-beach itinerary starting December 15 costs approximately $4,500 per person; the same itinerary starting December 22 costs $6,500+. Book early for December travel.
Can I combine December Zanzibar with a safari?
December is a great month for a combined safari and beach itinerary. The short rains are ending, meaning safari conditions are transitional — green landscapes, newborn wildlife, excellent birding, and a very different visual character from peak-season dry safaris. By late December, the national parks are drying, concentrating wildlife around water sources. December safari-and-beach combinations are among the most popular of the year. The key is early booking: December availability for both safari camps and Zanzibar beach resorts disappears quickly.
What should I pack for Zanzibar in December?
Light, breathable clothing for warm holiday days. A light layer for air-conditioned restaurants and evening breezes. High-SPF sunscreen — the equatorial sun is strong year-round. Water shoes for rocky tidal areas. Festive season clothing — December is a social time on Zanzibar, and some beach restaurants and resorts have dress codes for Christmas and New Year celebrations. A light rain layer for early December (just in case). Reef-safe sunscreen is increasingly required at marine parks.
December Itineraries
Combine Safari and Beach
Start Planning Your Your Safari
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