Month by month

Tanzania in December

December is generally warm with the short rains tapering off in some areas; beach travel on Zanzibar is popular, and safaris can be very pleasant in drier pockets. Holiday travel can raise prices and demand for accommodations.

SeasonShoulder Temperature 24-31°C (75-88°F) Crowds Moderate Prices Moderate

Muhammad Mahdi Karim derivative work: JamesA CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

High season Shoulder Low season

Weather by City in December

CityLow / highRain
  • Dar es Salaam Hot 23° 32° 122 mm
  • Mwanza Mild 18° 27° 143 mm
  • Dodoma Warm 18° 30° 122 mm
  • Zanzibar City Hot 23° 32° 173 mm
  • Arusha Mild 15° 27° 93 mm
  • Mbeya Mild 14° 25° 214 mm
  • Morogoro Hot 22° 32° 136 mm

Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.

Temperature map

Tanzania average temperature in December
-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°

Average temperature across Tanzania in December.

Where to Go in Tanzania in December

Northern Circuit

Arusha, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro

December often combines warm, clear days with scattered showers as the short rains continue into early month before easing; holiday travel to Serengeti and Ngorongoro rises around Christmas. Kilimanjaro is drier at altitude than the lowlands but the lower trails can be wet and slippery - summit nights remain very cold. The festive season increases bookings, so arrange park permits and accommodations early, and bring insect repellent for coastal stops after the circuit.

Zanzibar & the East Coast

Stone Town, Nungwi, Mafia, Dar es Salaam

December brings warmer, moister weather with a mix of sunshine and intermittent rains before the holiday peak picks up later in the month. Festive travel increases prices and ferry seats - book early for Christmas/New Year stays in Nungwi or Stone Town. Sea conditions can be calm on good days but brief storms remain possible. Carry light breathable layers for evenings and be ready for high humidity.

Lake Victoria & Northwest

Mwanza, Bukoba, Kagera

December combines warm, humid days with intermittent heavy showers as the short rains continue; holiday travel around the lake increases late in the month. Mwanza’s waterfront and beaches along the lake are busy on dry spells, but expect rainfall interruptions to daytrips. The combination of holiday demand and wet roads can complicate itineraries, so book ferries and guesthouses early. Bring quick-drying clothing and a small umbrella.

Southern & Eastern Parks

Nyerere/Selous, Ruaha, Mikumi

December is a warm, humid transition month as short rains continue into early December and then ease; holiday travel affects availability at popular riverside camps. Boat trips on the Rufiji are attractive when water levels are up, but expect occasional schedule changes due to storms. Wildlife viewing is variable where water is abundant and animals disperse; however, newer lodges often run special festive-season programs. Pack light breathable clothing and a compact rain shell for spells of rain.

Southern Highlands

Mbeya, Iringa, Rungwe, Lake Nyasa/Malawi border

December continues the short-rain pattern with warm, wet afternoons; highland nights remain notably cooler than the coast, providing relief from humidity. Holiday travel increases mid- to late-December, so book accommodation early if visiting during Christmas. Trails can be slippery after storms but the scenery is spectacularly green. Carry a light waterproof, sturdy shoes, and insect repellent for riverside areas.

Central Plateau & Dodoma Region

Dodoma, Singida, Tabora

December is a warm, humid month with scattered heavy showers and increasing holiday travel around Dodoma; cultural events and market activity are robust late in the month. Roads can be unpredictable after storms, and ferry or river crossings in peripheral regions may be affected temporarily. If traveling during the festive season, book accommodation and transport in advance. Light breathable clothing and a compact rain jacket make day trips manageable.

Events & Festivals in December

Christmas & New Year festivities

Widespread holiday celebrations and increased travel domestically and internationally.

Planning a trip to Tanzania?

See how December compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.