Zanzibar vs Dar es Salaam

Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam are closely matched in December. Neither city has a clear advantage across all metrics. Your decision should come down to personal preference, cultural interests, and travel logistics rather than weather alone.

Zanzibar can feel quite hot at 30°C, so plan for heat. Dar es Salaam runs hot at 30°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Dar es Salaam is the stronger choice in December. Zanzibar receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Zanzibar reaches an average high of 30°C (86°F) and drops to 25°C (77°F) at night during December. The daily temperature range is 5°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Dar es Salaam averages 30°C (86°F) for the high and 25°C (77°F) for the low, with a daily range of 5°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.

Both cities are in the Southern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in December.

Zanzibar receives approximately 91 mm of rainfall across 20 rain days during December. Rain is frequent, so waterproof gear is essential.

Dar es Salaam sees 93 mm over 18 rain days. That makes Dar es Salaam the drier option by 2 rain days and 2 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 82%.