Dar es Salaam vs Zanzibar

Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar 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.

Dar es Salaam can feel quite hot at 32°C, so plan for heat. Zanzibar runs hot at 30°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Dar es Salaam is the stronger choice in December. Zanzibar receives 5 more hours of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Dar es Salaam reaches an average high of 32°C (90°F) and drops to 25°C (77°F) at night during December. The daily temperature range is 7°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Zanzibar averages 30°C (86°F) for the high and 25°C (77°F) for the low, with a daily range of 5°C. The 2°C difference is noticeable but not dramatic.

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

Dar es Salaam receives approximately 210 mm of rainfall across 18 rain days during December. Rain is frequent, so waterproof gear is essential.

Zanzibar sees 91 mm over 20 rain days. That makes Dar es Salaam the drier option by 2 rain days and 119 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 82%.