Things to Do in Daressalaam in December

December Weather in Daressalaam

25°C (77°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect ocean conditions - 27°C (81°F) water temperature and minimal wind make December ideal for swimming and water sports along Coco Beach and Msimbazi Creek
Dry season reliability - only 10 rainy days means outdoor markets like Kariakoo and Mwenge stay active, with vendors extending hours until 9pm
Festival season energy - Saba Saba cultural celebrations and end-of-year concerts create vibrant nightlife, especially in Masaki and Oysterbay districts
Clear visibility for day trips - low humidity compared to rainy season provides crystal-clear views for excursions to Bongoyo Island, just 2.5km (1.6 miles) offshore

Considerations

Peak season pricing - accommodation costs increase 40-60% compared to shoulder season, with beachfront hotels in Msimbazi Peninsula commanding premium rates
Intense midday heat - temperatures feel like 30°C (86°F) between 11am-3pm due to high UV index, limiting comfortable walking tours in Stone Town areas
Weekend crowd pressure - local holiday period means popular spots like Fish Market and Kivukoni Ferry fill with domestic tourists, creating longer wait times

Best Activities in December

Dar es Salaam Harbor and Island Tours

December's calm seas and excellent visibility make harbor excursions exceptional. Water temperature reaches 27°C (81°F) with minimal waves. Traditional dhow boats operate daily with perfect weather conditions. The dry season ensures reliable departure schedules without weather cancellations that plague January-March.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead during December peak season. Tours typically cost TSh 45,000-75,000 ($20-35) including transport. Look for operators offering traditional dhow experiences rather than speedboats. See current tour options in booking section below.

Kivukoni Fish Market and Street Food Circuits

December's lower humidity makes early morning market tours comfortable, starting at 6am when temperatures are 20°C (68°F). This is mango season, so fruit vendors offer peak variety. The dry weather keeps outdoor grilling active at Forodhani-style food stalls until midnight, perfect for progressive evening food tours.

Booking Tip: Join guided food walks starting at 5pm to avoid midday heat. Expect to spend TSh 25,000-40,000 ($12-18) including tastings. Book with operators who include cultural context and Swahili language basics. Current food tour options available in booking widget below.

Msimbazi Peninsula Cycling Adventures

December's stable weather creates ideal cycling conditions along the peninsula's coastal roads. Morning temperatures of 22°C (72°F) with ocean breezes make 15-25km (9-16 mile) routes comfortable. The dry season ensures unpaved sections near traditional fishing villages remain accessible.

Booking Tip: Start tours by 7am to complete before afternoon heat peaks. Bike rental typically costs TSh 15,000-25,000 ($7-12) per day. Choose operators providing helmets and basic Swahili instruction. Check current cycling tour availability in booking section.

Traditional Music and Dance Experiences

December coincides with cultural celebration season when traditional taarab and ngoma performances increase frequency. Evening shows start at 8pm when temperatures drop to comfortable 23°C (73°F). Many venues extend outdoor seating during dry season, creating authentic community atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Reserve cultural center shows 3-5 days ahead. Tickets range TSh 20,000-50,000 ($9-23) depending on venue size. Look for experiences including instrument demonstrations and dance participation. Current cultural tour options in booking widget below.

Bagamoyo Historical Day Trips

The 75km (47-mile) journey north becomes highly enjoyable in December's clear weather. Ancient slave trade ruins and German colonial architecture benefit from excellent photography lighting. Cooler morning temperatures make walking the historical sites comfortable before returning for late lunch in Dar.

Booking Tip: Full-day excursions typically cost TSh 80,000-120,000 ($35-55) including transport and guide. Depart by 8am to maximize cool weather exploration time. Choose operators with historian guides rather than general tourism guides. See day trip options in booking section.

Makumbusho Village Museum Cultural Immersion

December's dry conditions make this outdoor museum showcasing traditional Tanzanian housing styles fully accessible. All 16 traditional houses remain open with cultural demonstrations running extended schedules. The cooler evenings feature traditional cooking classes using seasonal ingredients.

Booking Tip: Half-day visits cost TSh 30,000-45,000 ($14-21) including cultural activities. Plan 4-5 hours for full experience. Book afternoon sessions ending at sunset for photography opportunities. Current cultural experience bookings available in widget below.

December Events & Festivals

Early to Mid December

Saba Saba International Trade Fair Extended Celebrations

December features extended cultural events following the main July fair, including artisan markets and traditional music performances at Mnazi Mmoja Grounds. Local craftspeople offer year-end promotions on traditional Tanzanian art.

Mid December

Coastal Festival Season

Traditional dhow sailing competitions and beach cultural events occur along Msimbazi Peninsula. Features traditional taarab music, local seafood festivals, and cultural dance competitions reflecting Swahili heritage.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight cotton long pants - essential for mosquito protection during 7pm-6am active hours, when temperatures drop to comfortable 20°C (68°F)

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index peaks at 8, and reflection off Indian Ocean intensifies exposure during harbor activities

Quick-dry walking shoes with good grip - December's occasional afternoon showers create slippery surfaces on stone pathways in older city areas

Portable electrolyte packets - 70% humidity combined with 25°C (77°F) temperatures causes rapid dehydration during market walking tours

Light rain jacket or poncho - brief downpours last 15-20 minutes but can be intense, especially during late afternoon market visits

Cotton or linen shirts with UPF protection - synthetic fabrics become uncomfortable in high humidity, particularly during midday cultural site visits

Insect repellent with DEET - December's warmth increases mosquito activity, especially near Msimbazi Creek and harbor areas after sunset

Waterproof phone case - essential for dhow trips and harbor excursions where sea spray is common in December's active water conditions

Comfortable walking sandals with back straps - for beach areas and ferry transport, where bare feet aren't practical due to crowds

Small daypack with water bottle holder - December heat requires carrying 2-3 liters during full-day excursions to places like Bagamoyo

Insider Knowledge

Take advantage of mango season pricing - December marks peak season for local mangoes, with street vendors offering varieties like dodo and boribo at 30-40% below tourist area prices in neighborhoods like Magomeni

Use the BRT bus system strategically - the rapid transit reaches key areas like Kimara and Ubungo, but operates with extended schedules during December holiday period, making it reliable for avoiding taxi surge pricing

Shop Kariakoo Market before 10am - vendors offer better selection and prices before heat builds, plus December's dry weather means fewer transportation delays affecting fresh goods delivery

Book dhow trips through local fishing cooperatives rather than hotels - saves 40-50% compared to resort booking, and fishermen provide authentic cultural context about traditional sailing techniques still used today

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor walking tours during 11am-3pm heat peak - many visitors underestimate how 25°C (77°F) feels with 70% humidity and UV index of 8, leading to exhaustion and shortened sightseeing

Assuming December is 'dry season' means no rain preparation - while only 10 rainy days occur, afternoon downpours can be intense and flood street-level areas for 30-45 minutes

Booking accommodation without considering December premium pricing - rates increase significantly during this peak period, with many travelers discovering 50-60% higher costs than advertised off-season rates