Weather in Zanzibar in December

How December compares

December is the 4th warmest month of the year in Zanzibar and ranks 5th of 134 destinations we compare for December - see where else is hot in December. Against London's average high of 7.7°C in December, Zanzibar is 22.1°C warmer by day and 22.7°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in December

The typical December day in Zanzibar peaks at 29.8°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 30.9°C or more. About 100% of days top 25°C and 1 in 2 pass 30°C. Nights average 25.4°C; one night in ten drops to 24.3°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest December day here reached 33.1°C (2020-12-21) and the coldest night 23.4°C (2020-12-07).

Rain in December

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 20 days with 1 mm or more, 92 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest December was 1997 with 274 mm, the driest 1996 with 29 mm. Humidity averages 79%, which makes the heat feel heavier than the thermometer suggests.

Sea temperature in December

The sea averages 28.5°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 27.9°C to 29.0°C. For the warmest sea here, come in March (29.0°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 6.2 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 12.4 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:04 and sets about 18:33 local time in mid-December. Average cloud cover is 50%.

Is December a good time to visit Zanzibar?

It is a reasonable choice: hot days but expect showers. The best months for Zanzibar on our scoring are September, August, July; months averaging 25°C or more: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.

Hot days, with little cooling after dark

The heat is dependable: every December day reaches 25°C, while 45% reach 30°C. Humidity averages 79%, so this is not the best fit if you prefer cooler weather for long days outdoors. Keep the middle of the day easy, build in shade breaks and pack loose, breathable clothes rather than heavy layers. Average night lows of 25.4°C mean evenings remain warm, so do not expect much relief after sunset. Air conditioning is worth prioritising when choosing accommodation, especially if warm bedrooms affect your sleep. December suits travellers comfortable with persistent warmth more than those seeking mild winter sunshine.

Rain is the main compromise

With about 20 rainy days, December is a wet choice, even though it averages 6.2 hours of sunshine a day. That makes flexibility more useful than a tightly fixed outdoor schedule. Take a light waterproof and a protective cover for anything you carry, and leave room to change plans when rain arrives. Do not plan on uninterrupted sunshine or assume every wet day will be a washout. There is still sunshine to enjoy, but the combination of frequent rain and high humidity makes December less suitable if your main aim is a reliably dry holiday.

Warm sea, but a long journey

The sea averages 28.5°C, making swimming a strong reason to choose December. If cold water usually puts you off, the temperature should be much more inviting, though warmth alone does not guarantee safe conditions. Pack swimwear alongside rain protection: both belong in your luggage for this month. With a flight from London taking about 10 hours, think carefully about which part of the holiday matters most before committing to the journey. December makes sense for hot air and warm water, with rain accepted as a trade-off. It is less convincing if dependable sunshine is your main reason for travelling.