Zanzibar in December at a glance
| Factor | December in Zanzibar |
|---|---|
| Air | About 28 to 32 °C by day, about 23 °C at night, high humidity |
| Sea | About 27 to 29 °C: no wetsuit needed |
| Rain | Showers mostly early in the month, then drier; figures range from about 40 to over 110 mm depending on the site |
| Sun | About 8 hours a day according to one source |
| Wind | Steady wind returns, good for kitesurfing (December to mid-March) |
| Crowds and prices | Quiet early on, peak season from mid-December to early January |
The short rains end: what to expect
The short rains (vuli) fall mostly in October and November; in December they wind down. Sources do not agree on the end date: some describe showers early in the month (about 39 mm in one guide) followed by drier weather, others count a dozen rainy days over the month. Remember that a shower is usually short and the sky clears afterwards. Keep a fallback plan with Zanzibar when it rains. To compare with other months, see when to visit Zanzibar.
Christmas and New Year: prices, minimum stays, crowds
Hotels generally apply festive rates from mid-December to early January, with dates that vary by property. Examples found in October 2026 in operator brochures for winter 2026-2027: a minimum stay of 3 nights between 15 December and 10 January in a large Stone Town hotel, 7 nights in an east-coast resort. On two sample packages (flights and tours included), the price for the Christmas dates is about 40% and about 70% higher than in early December. These are packages, not room rates: they only show the order of magnitude of the increase.
- Book early: one operator advises 8 to 10 months ahead for the high season, because Stone Town has few rooms.
- Early December: cheaper and quieter, but a slightly higher chance of showers.
- Special offers: some exclude the festive period, so read the conditions.
- Budget: see budget for Zanzibar and where to stay in Zanzibar.
What to do in Zanzibar in December
- Lagoon and sandbanks: the calm, warm sea suits the dhow trip of Safari Blue (snorkelling, sandbank, seafood lunch) and Nakupenda.
- Beaches: Kendwa for swimming at any hour, Nungwi for nightlife. On the east coast swimming depends on the tide, see Zanzibar's beaches.
- Year-end party: the full moon party at Kendwa Rocks takes place every month; check the full moon date for your stay.
- Culture: Stone Town early in the morning, before the afternoon heat and humidity. Zanzibar is mostly Muslim: dress modestly in town.
- Diving and snorkelling: Mnemba and diving, often booked several days ahead at Christmas.
- Kitesurfing: the wind returns at Paje; confirm with a school.
FAQ
Is the weather good in Zanzibar in December?
Usually yes: hot and humid, with showers mostly early in the month and long sunny spells the rest of the time.
Is the sea warm in December?
Yes, about 27 to 29 °C. On the east coast, low tide moves the water away from the beach, see when to visit Zanzibar.
Are prices higher at Christmas?
Yes, from about mid-December to early January, with a frequent minimum stay. Compare several dates.
Do I need to book ahead?
Yes, especially in Stone Town and for popular beach hotels.
Going further
Continue with Zanzibar in January, choose your area in where to stay in Zanzibar and plan your stay with Zanzibar in 7 days.
