December is when Tanzania fills up again, but not because of the weather. It’s the holidays. Christmas and New Year drive a spike in demand, and the safari + Zanzibar combo becomes one of the year’s most sought-after trips.
The weather in Tanzania in December cooperates more than you’d expect: temperatures sit at 16–28°C in the northern parks, the vuli (short rains) are lighter than November’s, and the Serengeti receives around 105 mm over 16 days, mostly as afternoon showers that clear by evening.
On the ground, something bigger is building.
The wildebeest herds are pushing south through the Central Serengeti toward the Ndutu plains and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, following the rains to the nutrient-rich grasses where the calving will begin in January.
After 14 years of hosting holiday-season guests in Arusha, I can say December delivers a unique mix: green landscapes, active wildlife, whale sharks off the coast, and the anticipation of what’s coming next. For the full climate picture, see our Tanzania Climate guide.
Key Weather & Travel Details for December
- Temperatures: 16–28°C (61–82°F) in the northern parks; 23–32°C (73–90°F) on the coast. Hot on the coast, pleasant at altitude
- Rainfall: Easing from November. Around 105 mm in the Serengeti over 16 days, 90 mm in Arusha over 15 days. Afternoon showers, mornings clear
- Beaches (Zanzibar): Hot (32°C+), sea at 29°C, occasional showers but generally good. Whale shark season begins off the coast
- Packing: Light rain jacket, breathable clothes for the heat. Warm layer for pre-dawn game drives at altitude. Sunscreen essential
Safari Conditions in December
December is a strong month for a safari in Tanzania, even with the vuli still present. The rains are lighter than November and come in predictable afternoon patterns. Mornings are clear, game drives run smoothly, and the landscape is lush and green.
The main draw is the Great Migration’s southward push. The herds are moving through the Central and Southern Serengeti, and by late December the first groups reach the Ndutu area. Pregnant females are visibly heavy, and the predators are shadowing the columns.
I always feel the tension building. January’s calving spectacle is just weeks away, and you can sense it in how the ecosystem is arranging itself.
Regional Weather Breakdown
- Zanzibar archipelago: Hot and humid (32°C+), sea at 29°C. The kaskazi (NE monsoon) is building, bringing warm, moist air. Occasional showers, but long sunny stretches between them. Whale sharks arriving off the coast
- Northern Safari Circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara): Vuli still present but easing. Warm days (28°C), cool mornings (16°C). Green landscapes, good visibility between showers
- Southern & Western Parks: Rains increasing. Some camps may close. Northern Circuit is the better focus for December
- Kilimanjaro: Secondary trekking window opens (Dec–Feb). Longer days, mild base temperatures (25–30°C). Rain is possible, but conditions are generally workable
Travel Highlights & Considerations
- Great Migration approaching Ndutu: The herds push south through the Serengeti toward the calving grounds. By late December, the first groups reach the Ndutu area and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Ndutu Great Migration Safari begins during this period
- Holiday season pricing: Prices rise for Christmas and New Year. The holiday spike is real, especially for Zanzibar beach resorts and popular Serengeti camps. Book well in advance for late December
- Safari + Zanzibar combo: This is the most in-demand month for the combination. A week of safari in the Northern Circuit followed by a few days on Zanzibar makes for an ideal holiday trip, and the weather supports both
- Whale sharks at Zanzibar: The season begins in December and runs through February. Whale sharks feed close to the surface off the northwest coast of Zanzibar, and snorkeling trips are widely available
What Most Travelers Don’t Know About December
December has two angles that don’t make it into most travel guides.
- Early December is still low season: The holiday rush doesn’t start until around the 20th. The first three weeks of December offer November-level pricing with slightly better weather. If your dates are flexible, early December is excellent value
- The herds arrive before the calving starts: By late December, the Southern Serengeti is filling up with wildebeest, but the calving doesn’t peak until February. What you get in December is the buildup: huge herds concentrating, predators positioning, and a landscape that’s green and full of life without the February crowds
How December Compares to November and January
November is deeper into the vuli: more rain, fewer visitors, lower prices. December eases the rain, adds the holiday-season energy, and brings the herds further south.
January is when the kiangazi dry pause begins, the calving starts, and the Serengeti enters its best-known phase. If December is the setup, January is the opening act. Travelers who visit in late December often catch the first hints of what’s to come.
