Zanzibar Travel Guide
Zanzibar in December: Christmas & New Year on the Beach
By Haji, your local · updated on 09.10.2026 · 5 min read
Part of our complete Zanzibar travel guideZanzibar in December means Christmas and New Year in summer, at around 31 °C with a 28 °C sea. In the first half of the month there are still the tail ends of the short rainy season, and from mid-December it becomes increasingly sunny. Over the holidays it is high season – book early and you will celebrate under palm trees instead of snow clouds.
December weather in numbers
| Value | December |
|---|---|
| Daytime high | approx. 31 °C |
| At night | approx. 22 °C |
| Sunshine hours per day | approx. 8 |
| Rainfall | approx. 185 mm on around 13 days |
| Sea temperature | approx. 28 °C |
Long-term averages, rounded. Most of the rain falls in the first half of the month; the weather in individual years may differ.
Christmas and New Year in Zanzibar
Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim, so Christmas is mainly celebrated in the hotels: with dinner, sometimes a decorated palm tree and plenty of warmth. On New Year's Eve there are beach parties in the north, in Kendwa and Nungwi. If you prefer it quieter, raise a glass under the starry sky in Matemwe or Jambiani.
What works especially well in December
- Boat trips in the second half of the month: Blue Safari and Snorkelling & Dolphins.
- Sunset on the sea: Turtles & Sunset Dhow Cruise.
- Kitesurfing: from December the northeast monsoon brings wind to Paje.
- A Christmas meal with a sea view: The Rock & Kuza Cave (reserve your table at the restaurant yourself).
High season over the holidays: how to plan
- Book accommodation and flights for the holidays by the summer at the latest.
- Over Christmas and New Year many hotels require minimum stays and charge gala dinner supplements.
- Secure tours and transfers in good time: Zanzibar airport transfer.
- The first half of December is cheaper and quieter, with a slightly higher risk of rain.
Compare with Zanzibar in November and Zanzibar in January or read the month-by-month overview.
Christmas under palm trees? I will plan the days between Christmas and New Year for you, free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
Is December a good time to visit Zanzibar?+
Yes, especially from mid-December. In the first half of the month there are still showers from the short rainy season, and over the holidays it is high season.
How warm is Zanzibar at Christmas?+
Around 31 °C during the day, about 22 °C at night, and the sea is 28 °C.
Is Christmas celebrated in Zanzibar?+
Mainly in hotels and restaurants for guests. The island is predominantly Muslim, and Christmas plays hardly any role in everyday life.
When should I book for New Year's Eve in Zanzibar?+
Ideally in the summer before. Good accommodation for the holidays is booked up early and often requires minimum stays.