ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF

What are you looking for?

ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.


Alternatively, we recommend...

travel-form-icon

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

ENQUIRE TODAY
Email us
(optional)

Zanzibar in December

Africa's best authentic tailor-made safaris

View Photos

Zanzibar in December

Team Member Headshot

By Vihann Van Wyk

Safari Travel Planner

Safari Enquiry

Early December can see showers across Zanzibar, becoming more sporadic as the month passes. Temperatures throughout the islands gradually climb, and hot days can peak around 35°C (95°F).

Boat on Paje Beach.
Boat on Paje Beach.

December’s prevailing wind is the north-eastern ‘kaskazi,’ which gets increasingly fresh along the islands’ east coasts. As the northern wind builds, it whips up the sea, and the exposed northern coastline can get a bit rough. 

Dhow floating in tropical waters of Zanzibar.
Dhow floating in tropical waters of Zanzibar.

December is a fairly unpredictable month when stunning beach days can give way to sudden storms. On balance, however, the forecast is good, with more chance of sunshine towards Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Tropical beach in Zanzibar.
Tropical beach in Zanzibar.

Zanzibar’s southern and western coasts are more sheltered in December, so head to Kendwa or Ras Kizimkazi for the calmest seas. Chumbe Island is also fairly protected from the northeaster and has a stunning coral reef for snorkeling.

Zanzibar islands.
Zanzibar islands.

Along Zanzibar Island’s east coast, the wind attracts the first kitesurfers of the short summer season. 

Boats on tropical beach in Zanzibar
Boats on tropical beach in Zanzibar

The wind is usually not as strong as in June and July, and it can be a good time for beginners to learn. Paje is the east coast’s kitesurfing center, but Matemwe and Kiwengwa also offer good winds.

Zanzibar beach.
Zanzibar beach.

For diving, the southern dive sites tend to be better, and some open water sites off Pemba and Mafia may be too rough. Swimming with whale sharks is still possible off Mafia, and across the archipelago, the seas are at their warmest – up to 30°C by the end of the month.

Travel Tips
  • December’s main highlights are the whale sharks off Mafia and the crystal-clear diving on Zanzibar’s southern reefs. Fresh mangos and dried cloves are piled high in the markets, and although Christmas isn’t widely celebrated, there’s a definite holiday atmosphere on Zanzibar’s streets.
  • Although locals don’t make a huge fanfare of Christmas, it’s still a popular time for visitors from abroad. Christmas on the beach is a wonderful novelty, but be sure to book well in advance if you’re planning to visit at this time of year.

How it Works

2

Contact us or fill out an enquiry form and one of our travel experts will help you tailor make your perfect safari

3

Enjoy an authentic African experience, with peace of mind

Travel with Confidence

With over 20 years of experience, our team will help you choose the perfect African safari for your adventure.
24/7 Support
Flexible
Authentic
Personalized

Why travel with us?

Recent reviews from travellers who planned and booked their Africa trips with Discover Africa Safaris
Diane planned for me what I dreamed of, only a whole lot...

South Africa Safari & Victoria Fall Review

Teresa S, United States
20 Oct 2023
Amazing experience!

Namibia & Botswana Safari Review

Mike R , United States
18 Oct 2023
Fantastic Service and profesional presentation , Nothing was too hard to organise...

Botswana & Victoria Falls Safari Review

Mark, Australia
09 Nov 2018
My first safari. They made it happen in such a smooth manner.

Rwanda and Kenya Safari Review

Omar Hamadah, Kuwait
27 Sep 2018
Blew Expectations out of the water!!!

Four African Country Trip Review

Mike, United States
11 Jun 2018
Dream safari honeymoon!

Honeymoon Safari in Africa Review

Warwick, South Africa
09 Jun 2015

Ready to plan your tailor-made safari?

Antoinette Booyse, Safari Travel Planner

Free safari planning advice from destination experts

HELP ME PLAN
Copyright © Discover Africa Safaris | Zanzibar in December | Last Updated: 29 September 2023