What to expect in Zanzibar in December
December is a strong choice for Zanzibar: 31° / 23°, with manageable crowds at the big attractions and prices close to the yearly average.
Zanzibar weather in December
Typical conditions in Zanzibar during December, based on long-run climate normals rather than any single year. Treat it as a planning guide, not a forecast.
| Average high | 31°C 88°F |
|---|---|
| Average low | 23°C 73°F |
| Rainfall | Moderate 30/100 |
| How it feels | Hot — midday shade matters |
Average highs sit around 31°C with lows near 23°C. It is one of the drier months — pack light.
Crowds & demand
Crowd levels are Moderate for Zanzibar — manageable crowds at the big attractions.
Prices & value
Prices run mid-range this month: prices close to the yearly average.
What to pack
Lightweight, breathable clothes, strong sun protection and a refillable bottle — highs near 31°C make midday heat the main constraint.
What it costs
Costs in December sit around the yearly average for Zanzibar — neither a bargain nor a squeeze. Booking a few weeks out is usually enough. Compared with the most expensive month of the year, you are looking at roughly 7% less.
Who this month suits
- Travellers who want the most reliable weather
- Anyone travelling on a budget
Events & what’s on
No major festivals fall in December, so the destination feels like its everyday self.
Zanzibar in December compared with nearby months
If your dates are flexible by a few weeks, this is what shifting them actually buys you.
| Month | Temp | Crowds | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October | 29° / 21° | Moderate | $$ | 64 |
| November | 30° / 22° | Low | $$ | 63 |
| December · This month | 31° / 23° | Moderate | $$ | 51 |
| January | 32° / 24° | High | $$ | 47 |
| February | 32° / 24° | High | $$ | 49 |
These months score higher for Zanzibar on the same blend of weather, crowds and price. Same destination, better odds.
Or go somewhere else in December
If the destination is negotiable but the month is not, these places are at their best in December.
Figures are climate normals and modelled estimates — a planning guide, not a forecast. We separate fact, estimate and recommendation. Updated August 2026
