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December is a great time to visit Tanzania. As it is the shoulder season, you can enjoy fewer visitors, warm temperatures, and drier weather as the short rains that start in November begin to subside. The stunning green landscapes with dramatic skies and warm light make Tanzania in December a dream destination for landscape photographers. Spot the Big Five and much more during a safari to UNESCO-grade parks like Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park.
While at the coast, the weather is fantastic from mid-December onwards, making it an ideal destination for a tropical Christmas break. Trekking Kilimanjaro can be challenging due to cold weather and slippery paths, but with fewer trekkers, it’s an excellent option for some. Take advantage of lower prices early in month and combine a safari with a beach retreat for a dream December holiday.
What is the weather like in Tanzania in December?
As Tanzania is a country with a tropical climate, it doesn’t experience a summer and winter. This means you can avoid northern hemisphere weather in December and visit Tanzania for an unforgettable safari and beach getaway in the sun.
December is often described as a month in Tanzania’s Green Season. With fewer visitors, lush green landscapes and returning migratory birds, it is a beautiful time to visit.
The weather in Tanzania during December is a tale of two halves. The short rains, occurring in brief afternoon storms, start at the beginning of November and continue into December. By mid-December, the rains begin to subside, leaving crisp blue skies and green landscapes in its gentle wake. Consequently, the second half of December experiences drier weather, but there is still the possibility of light rain.
Two of our favourite safaris in December:
Impressive Tanzania
Places Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater
from 2,040 USD per person sharing
Tanzania in Style
Places Tarangire National Park, Karatu, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park
from 3,550 USD (based on 7 persons)
Average temperature in Tanzania in December
December is the last month of Tanzania’s short rains, characterised by daily afternoon storms that pass quickly. However, warm temperatures throughout the month make it an ideal time to visit Tanzania.
Daytime temperatures throughout December vary between 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F) on the mainland and at the coast. However, at higher altitude areas like Ngorongoro Crater, the temperatures fall by approximately 10°C (50°F) and range from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). At night, temperatures drop rapidly, and early morning frost is common. Therefore, pack a warm layer for chilly mornings that can be easily removed later as the temperatures rise quickly to feel pleasant in the sun.
Is December a good month to go on safari in Tanzania?
December is a great month to go on a safari in Tanzania. It is the shoulder season, and the parks are lush and vibrant with bright blue skies thanks to the life-giving short rains. If you’re a nature lover who prefers to avoid crowds, December is the perfect time to visit Tanzania for a safari, as there will be fewer visitors in the parks.
The national parks on Tanzania’s famous northern safari circuit are open all year round and are a great option in December. Although wildlife may be harder to spot due to dense vegetation, combining Ngorongoro Crater with the Serengeti and Tarangire National Park will increase your chances to see the Big Five and much more. Additionally, the landscapes of all three parks differ significantly, allowing you to see a river lined with beautiful Baobab trees, an enormous extinct crater, and vast savannahs interspersed with rocky islands known as kopjes. It will be a safari of a lifetime.
Locational highlights to see and do in Tanzania during December:
- Tarangire National Park is an excellent destination for birdwatching safaris. The park is already home to a staggering ~500 bird species; however, during December, you can also expect to see migratory birds.
- On a migration safari, it’s possible to observe thousands of wildebeest moving towards the southern Serengeti National Park to prepare for the breeding season in the lush southern plains. This mass congregation of wildebeest is another crucial phase of the Great Wildebeest Migration, and it’s even more extraordinary because it can be experienced without the crowds that gather earlier in the year to witness the river crossings.
- Photographers can capture superb photos of green landscapes, crisp light, and Mount Kilimanjaro in the background at Mkomazi or Arusha National Parks on a photography safari.
- If you are searching for a unique and unforgettable experience at the coast, consider swimming with Whale Sharks on Mafia Island.
- See the Serengeti National Park from above during a magical hot-air balloon safari that concludes with a champagne breakfast under the shade of an acacia tree.
- Spend an unforgettable Christmas with your children on safari, disconnected from technology and the world.
Cost of visiting Tanzania in December
If you’re a wildlife lover planning a safari, Tanzania should be at the top of your list. December is a great time to visit, as it’s the shoulder season, resulting in fewer visitors and slightly lower prices. The short rains may deter some, but the wildlife is still active, making this an excellent time for wildlife viewing, particularly on the northern safari circuit.
Until mid-December, you can find good deals on safari and beach retreat packages, as most lodges remain open despite the short rainy season. By mid-December, the rains subside, creating ideal weather for Christmas and New Year. This leads to high demand for beachside accommodation throughout the Zanzibar archipelago, as well as popular safari destinations. So, if you’re considering spending your Christmas holidays in Tanzania, make your reservations well in advance to avoid disappointment and ensure a memorable experience.
What to wear in Tanzania in December – safari packing tips
If you plan to visit Tanzania in December, it’s essential to know that the weather is warm, but there is still a chance of rain. To help you pack for your trip, we’ve put together some tips on what to wear:
- Light, soft, and simple clothing, including a thin raincoat, is perfect for the warm weather in Tanzania,
- We recommend wearing light-coloured clothing with long sleeves and trousers to protect yourself from the sun and insect bites.
- Try to avoid wearing bright colours on safari, including camouflage, dark blue, and black.
- For nighttime and early morning game drives, pack some warm clothes.
- Pack hats and shades to shield yourself from the sun’s rays.
- Bring closed shoes for game drives and sitting around the campfire at night.
- Pack your swimsuit if you plan to swim in one of the many lodge pools.
- Enjoy a classic safari dinner by packing something smart to wear.
- If you’re heading to Zanzibar, please dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees in public places.
We hope these tips help you plan for your trip to Tanzania in December. Get in touch and we will assist you in planning your safari, mountain climb or beach holiday – any month of the year!
Author: Colin Javens
