What is Zanzibar like over Christmas and New Year?

Zanzibar over Christmas and New Year is extremely busy. Stone Town, Nungwi, and Kendwa fill with international visitors, and accommodation prices can double or triple standard rates for the 22 December–3 January window. Beachside restaurants and beach clubs are lively, and the weather is usually excellent — warm, sunny, and calm. Book accommodation and restaurants at least 6–8 months in advance for this period.

Where are the wildebeest in December?

By early-to-mid December, the wildebeest herds are moving south through the central Serengeti in response to the short rains triggering new grass growth on the southern plains. By late December and into January, they reach the Ndutu area and southern Serengeti, where calving season begins. December visitors to the southern Serengeti can catch the early stages of this movement and the advance guard of the calving herds.

Is Kilimanjaro busy in December?

Yes. December is one of the busier months on Kilimanjaro, as the dry second window (December–February) attracts trekkers, and the Christmas–New Year holiday period brings many climbers. The Marangu and Machame routes are particularly busy. For permits and operator slots over Christmas and New Year, book 6–12 months in advance. Early December before the 20th is notably quieter and still has excellent summit conditions.

Tanzania Weather in December | The Tanzanian Guide

Q: Is December a good time to visit Tanzania?

Yes, particularly from mid-December onward once the short rains clear. The second half of December is essentially a dry season — the southern Serengeti begins filling with wildebeest returning from the north, Zanzibar is warm and sunny, and Kilimanjaro is within one of its two main trekking windows. The main downside is cost: Christmas and New Year command significant premiums, particularly on Zanzibar and at popular safari lodges.

For the full year picture, see our best time to visit Tanzania guide.

December marks the return of good conditions in Tanzania. The short rains typically end in the first weeks of December, ushering in the short dry season that runs through January and February. The wildebeest herds are moving south through the Serengeti, approaching their calving grounds in the Ndutu area. Kilimanjaro has one of its two best climbing windows. Zanzibar is in full festive mode, with beaches, beach clubs, and resorts filling quickly for Christmas and New Year. Book everything early for December.

Weather in December

Region	Avg High	Avg Low	Rainfall	Notes
Serengeti (south)	29°C	17°C	80mm	Short rains ending; drying through the month
Ngorongoro Crater	23°C	10°C	95mm	First half wetter; second half clearing
Kilimanjaro base (Moshi)	28°C	16°C	85mm	Rains tapering; excellent summit conditions by mid-December
Zanzibar	31°C	25°C	90mm	Short rains ending; warm, mostly sunny by mid-December
Dar es Salaam	31°C	24°C	95mm	Rains tapering; Christmas week typically clear
Mafia Island	31°C	25°C	90mm	Whale shark season; seas calming

December follows a pattern: the first two weeks can be showery as the short rains finish, and the final two weeks are increasingly dry and warm. By December 20–25, most areas are experiencing the short dry season. Christmas week and New Year in Tanzania typically have excellent weather.

Wildlife in December

Southern Serengeti (central and Ndutu approach): The wildebeest herds are on their southward journey, reaching the short-grass plains of the central and southern Serengeti through December. The advance columns arrive in the Ndutu area by late December, setting the stage for January’s calving season. December is an underrated time in the south — the animals are arriving and predators follow.

Serengeti (Seronera): The central Serengeti’s resident wildlife is excellent year-round. December is a good time for cheetah sightings as the flat open plains dry out and visibility improves. The Seronera River’s leopards are reliably seen year-round.

Ngorongoro Crater: December varies — the first half can be misty and rainy, but by late December the crater is excellent. The lush green floor created by the November rains supports the full range of crater wildlife. The black rhino population is active and December sightings are good.

Kilimanjaro: From mid-December, Kilimanjaro enters one of its two best climbing windows. Clear skies, excellent summit visibility, and firm snow on the upper mountain make December an outstanding choice. Christmas and New Year on the summit (December 24–25, January 1) are popular with some climbers.

Mafia Island: December is peak whale shark season. The aggregation is at maximum in December–February. Calm, warm seas and reliable daily encounters. Book Mafia Island December accommodation 3–4 months ahead.

Zanzibar: December is one of Zanzibar’s best months, particularly the second half when rains end. Christmas and New Year draw large numbers of international visitors — the island has a festive, energetic atmosphere. Nungwi, Kendwa, and the north coast are the traditional festive-season hubs.

Events in December

Christmas (December 25) — celebrated widely in Tanzania; church services in Arusha, Moshi, and Christian coastal communities; Stone Town has mixed celebrations; most safari camps offer special Christmas dinner
Tanzania Independence Day (December 9) — national holiday celebrating Tanganyika’s independence in 1961; government events in Dodoma and Dar es Salaam
New Year’s Eve (December 31) — Zanzibar’s beach resorts host major parties; Stone Town’s waterfront is lively; some safari camps offer bush New Year dinner experiences
Mafia Island Whale Shark High Season begins — peak season December–February; local fishermen-turned-guides are most active this month
Kilimanjaro summit on New Year’s Day — a popular goal for adventure travellers; book operators and permits 4–6 months ahead for this date

Crowds and Pricing

December is split in two: the first half is quieter (still shoulder season), while the second half (Christmas and New Year fortnight) is peak-priced and extremely busy on Zanzibar. Safari prices in the northern circuit are below the July–September peak but rising from October–November lows.

The Christmas–New Year fortnight on Zanzibar is some of the most expensive accommodation in all of East Africa. Budget alternatives are limited; book 3–6 months ahead for any quality option.

Typical costs (early December):

Mid-range lodge, Serengeti: approximately USD 200–380 per person/night, full board
Luxury lodge, Serengeti: approximately USD 550–900 per person/night, all-inclusive

Typical costs (Christmas/New Year fortnight):

Zanzibar luxury beach resort: approximately USD 500–1,000+ per room/night for December 24–January 2
Zanzibar mid-range hotel: approximately USD 200–400 per room/night (Christmas fortnight)
Safari camps northern circuit: approximately USD 300–600 per person/night (broadly mid-season)

Best Activities in December

Mafia Island whale shark snorkelling — peak season; December conditions excellent; calm morning seas
Kilimanjaro summit — from mid-December onward; clear weather, New Year summit a popular goal
Southern Serengeti / Ndutu — migration herds arriving; position for the January calving season
Zanzibar festive season — Christmas and New Year on Tanzania’s most beautiful island
Ngorongoro Crater (late December) — post-rain lush green; resident wildlife in excellent condition

Where to Go in December

For whale sharks: Mafia Island — the peak month. A 3-night Mafia trip in December with morning snorkelling sessions is a world-class marine wildlife experience. Fly from Dar es Salaam on charter to Mafia airstrip.

For festive travel: Zanzibar — Christmas and New Year on Zanzibar is one of the great East African holiday experiences. The north coast (Nungwi, Kendwa) is the festive hub; Paje on the east coast is the choice for kite surfers.

For safari: Southern Serengeti — December is the overlooked time to get a head start on January’s calving season. The herds are arriving and the landscape is green and dramatic after the rains. Combine with a Ngorongoro night.

Kilimanjaro summit: Moshi — the iconic alternative to a beach Christmas. Summiting Africa’s highest mountain on or near New Year’s Day is genuinely memorable and increasingly popular. Book operators well in advance.

Named Hotel Recommendations

Mafia Island (December):

Pole Pole Bungalows — the original whale shark eco-lodge; approximately USD 350–500 per person/night, full board (higher in December)
Kinasi Lodge — boutique, well-positioned for channel excursions; approximately USD 320–480 per person/night
Chole Mjini — unique island setting; approximately USD 400–600 per person/night

Zanzibar (Christmas/New Year):

&Beyond Mnemba Island — Tanzania’s most exclusive; approximately USD 1,800–2,500 per person/night, all-inclusive (book a year ahead for December)
Zuri Zanzibar (Kendwa) — luxury north coast; approximately USD 450–750 per room/night (Christmas premium)
Diamonds Star of the East (Bwejuu) — east coast luxury; approximately USD 350–600 per room/night
White Sands Luxury Villas (Paje) — boutique, east coast; approximately USD 250–450 per room/night

Southern Serengeti / Ndutu (December):

Ndutu Safari Lodge — iconic; positioned for early calving arrivals; approximately USD 280–450 per person/night, full board
Sanctuary Ndutu (Safarilink) — good December value; approximately USD 350–550 per person/night, full board

What to Pack for December

Lightweight clothing — December is warm to hot across Tanzania
Rain jacket for the first two weeks of December (short rains still possible)
Swimwear, rash vest, and underwater camera for whale shark snorkelling on Mafia
Full Kilimanjaro gear if climbing: thermal base layers, waterproof shell, summit gloves, high-altitude sleeping bag, trekking poles
Sunscreen (SPF 50+) — December UV is intense at equatorial latitude
Festive clothing for Christmas and New Year dinners — most beach resorts have a dress code for Christmas dinner
Insect repellent — mosquito activity remains from the November rains

FAQs

Is December a good time to visit Tanzania? Yes — the second half of December is excellent. The short dry season begins around December 15–20, weather across the country improves dramatically, and the combination of wildlife, beaches, and festive atmosphere makes December one of Tanzania’s best months for well-prepared travellers. The caveat is price and advance booking requirements for Zanzibar.

Is Zanzibar busy at Christmas? Very. Zanzibar’s north coast (Nungwi, Kendwa) is packed with international visitors for Christmas and New Year. Prices peak sharply. Book accommodation and restaurants (for Christmas dinner) at least 3–4 months ahead.

Can I do both safari and Zanzibar beach in December? Yes — this is Tanzania’s classic two-centre holiday. A 5-night northern circuit safari (Serengeti/Ngorongoro), then a short flight from Arusha to Zanzibar for 4–5 nights on the beach. Many operators offer this as a packaged fly-and-flop combination.

For the full seasonal overview, see our best time to visit Tanzania guide. For Zanzibar accommodation, see our Zanzibar hotels guide. For Kilimanjaro, see our Kilimanjaro climbing guide. Browse December Tanzania safari tours and Zanzibar tours — popular month, book early.

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Tanzania in December: Weather, Wildlife, and What to Expect