Tanzania, Africa

Zanzibar in December

Dry and hot by mid month. The Christmas and New Year weeks book out and price like July.

GoodHot, highs near 88F (31C), short rains ending

A dhow on the beach, Zanzibar — ZanzibarPhoto: This photo was taken by Anton Zelenov. Please credit this with : Photo : Anton Z, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

December is a good month to visit Zanzibar. Dry and hot by mid month. The Christmas and New Year weeks book out and price like July.

Weather: Hot, highs near 88F (31C), short rains ending
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What December is like in Zanzibar

December starts with the tail of the short rains, then turns hot and dry by mid month, with highs near 88F (31C). The seas calm down and the water is warm. The first half of the month is fairly quiet, but the Christmas and New Year weeks book out and price like July, with families and holiday travelers filling the beach resorts.

December suits families on winter break and couples wanting a warm-weather holiday, as long as you book early for the holiday weeks. For better value and fewer people, travel in the first half of the month. If you prefer cooler, breezier weather, June to October is the better window.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Zanzibar this month.

A warm winter escape

Hot, mostly dry days and warm water make Zanzibar a strong choice for a holiday-season beach trip.

Early-month value

Before the holiday rush, rates are lower and the beaches are quieter.

Kitesurf season starts

The northeast winds begin to build on the east coast, bringing kitesurfers back to Paje.

What to pack for December

Reef-safe sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat
A light rain jacket for early-month showers
Breathable, modest clothing for Stone Town
Water shoes for low-tide reef walks

Our timing tip

Book Christmas and New Year stays six months or more ahead, or travel in the first two weeks of December for lower rates.

Book Zanzibar for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Zanzibar
Opens a hotel search for Zanzibar in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Zanzibar
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Zanzibar
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Zanzibar for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Zanzibar

Full guide

Stone Town

Walk it early before the heat and tour groups. The Old Fort, the former slave market site at Christ Church, and the Forodhani Gardens night food market at sunset are the essentials.

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Mnemba Atoll snorkeling

Clear water, reef fish, turtles, and dolphin sightings off the northeast coast. Seas are calmest outside the long rains; morning trips beat the afternoon wind.

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Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

The best place to see the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey, plus a mangrove boardwalk. An easy half-day from anywhere on the island.

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A spice farm tour

Taste cloves, vanilla, cardamom, and nutmeg straight from the plant, usually combined with a local lunch. Good for all ages.

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Nungwi and Kendwa beaches

On the northern tip, with swimmable water at nearly all tides and the island's best sunsets. Busy in peak season.

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Paje and Jambiani

East coast lagoons with low-key guesthouses, seaweed farms, and some of Africa's best kitesurfing. Tides retreat far out; plan swims around high tide.

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Beat the crowds

Aim for September, October, or early June: dry-season weather with noticeably lower rates and fewer groups than July and August.
Do Stone Town at dawn and after sunset. Midday brings the heat and the day-tripping cruise and tour groups.
Book Mnemba snorkeling for the first boat of the morning, before the calmest water turns choppy and the boats multiply.
Stay on the quieter southeast or southwest coasts rather than Nungwi if you want space; the north is the island's busiest strip.

Know before you go

Several beach hotels and guesthouses close for part of April and May, during the long rains. Check before booking in those months.
During Ramadan, many Stone Town restaurants close by day, and some bars and nightlife close entirely. Resorts continue normal service.
The east coast's huge tidal range means swimming is only practical around high tide at Paje, Jambiani, and similar beaches; the north coast is much less affected.
Zanzibar has required visitors to buy a mandatory local inbound travel insurance policy since late 2024; check the current rule before travel, in addition to Tanzania's visa requirements.