Last updated 13 August 2026 · 10 min read
December is really two months. 1 to about 19 December is a green shoulder month with low crowds and shoulder pricing. 20 December to 3 January is peak festive season, with the highest rates of the year at many camps and Zanzibar resorts.
Weather
The short rains are ending. Expect brief, heavy afternoon showers rather than all-day rain, and skies that clear quickly.
| Place | Day | Night | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serengeti | 28°C | 15°C | Occasional afternoon showers |
| Ngorongoro rim | 19°C | 8°C | Misty mornings, showers |
| Arusha | 27°C | 15°C | Short showers |
| Zanzibar | 32°C | 24°C | Humid, mostly sunny, brief storms |
Where the migration is
The herds move south from the central Serengeti onto the short-grass plains around Ndutu and Kusini through December, arriving in numbers late in the month. By the very end of December the first calves are being born. This is why our calving-season packages start in December.
Sleep in the southern Serengeti or the Ndutu area from mid December: Masek Tented Lodge or Safari Haven Migration Camp.
Wildlife and landscape
- Plains are green and full of newborn gazelle and zebra foals, so predators are active. - Migrant birds are in from Europe and Asia. December through March is the best birding of the year. - Landscapes photograph beautifully: green grass, dramatic clouds, clear air after rain. - Animals are a little more dispersed than in the dry season because water is everywhere.
Prices and crowds
| Window | Prices | Crowds |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 19 December | Shoulder rates, often 20 to 30 percent under August | Low |
| 20 December to 3 January | Festive supplements, highest rates of the year | High, camps fully booked |
Festive-season camps and Zanzibar resorts sell out 9 to 12 months in advance, and most require minimum stays of 4 to 7 nights over Christmas and New Year.
Zanzibar in December
Hot, humid and mostly sunny, with excellent water clarity and warm sea. It is a very popular month, so book early. A bush-and-beach trip in the first half of December is one of the best value combinations of the year.
What to pack
Standard safari layers plus a light rain shell, and insect repellent, since mosquito numbers are higher after the short rains.
Should you go in December?
- Early December: yes, strongly. Green season quality at shoulder prices. - Christmas and New Year: yes, if you book early and accept festive rates. The wildlife is excellent and camps put on real celebrations. - If you must have dry, dusty, classic dry-season conditions: go in July to October instead.
“The first two weeks of December are one of the best-kept secrets in Tanzania. Green plains, the herds coming down to Ndutu, shoulder-season rates, and hardly anybody on the road.”
Ready to turn this into a trip?
FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Tanzania?+
Yes. Early December offers green landscapes, low crowds and shoulder pricing, while the festive period has excellent wildlife but the highest rates of the year.
Where is the migration in December?+
Moving south from the central Serengeti onto the short-grass plains around Ndutu and Kusini, arriving in numbers late in the month as calving begins.
Does it rain a lot in Tanzania in December?+
The short rains are tailing off. Expect brief heavy afternoon showers rather than continuous rain, with plenty of sunshine between them.
How much more expensive is Christmas in Tanzania?+
Festive supplements typically add 20 to 40 percent from around 20 December to 3 January, and many camps and Zanzibar resorts require minimum stays of 4 to 7 nights.
When should I book a Christmas safari?+
Nine to twelve months ahead. Festive inventory in the Serengeti and Zanzibar is the first to sell out in the year.
Is Zanzibar good in December?+
Yes, it is hot, humid and mostly sunny with warm clear water. It is also one of the busiest months, so book early.
