Things to Do in Daressalaam in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Daressalaam
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- December sits right in Dar's long dry season, which means you'll get warm, mostly sunny days perfect for beach activities and island hopping. The rains won't properly return until March, so you're looking at reliable weather for outdoor plans - though you'll still catch the occasional afternoon shower to keep things interesting.
- The Indian Ocean is genuinely spectacular in December. Water temperatures hover around 27-28°C (81-82°F), visibility for snorkeling and diving is excellent, and the winds calm down compared to the mid-year months. This is when locals actually go to the beaches, which tells you something.
- Tourist numbers are surprisingly manageable until around December 20th when the holiday crowd arrives. If you come in early to mid-December, you'll find accommodations about 20-30% cheaper than peak season, restaurants aren't packed, and you can actually book decent tours without weeks of advance notice. The city feels more authentic when it's not overrun.
- December brings mango season into full swing, and the city's markets transform. You'll find street vendors selling peeled mangoes in bags for 1,000-2,000 TZS (about 0.40-0.80 USD), fresh coconut water everywhere, and the seafood at Kivukoni Fish Market is phenomenal. The food scene is genuinely at its best right now.
Considerations
- That 70% humidity is no joke - it's the kind that makes your clothes stick to you within minutes of leaving air conditioning. December is technically cooler than October-November, but you're still dealing with persistent mugginess that catches first-time visitors off guard. If you struggle with humid heat, mornings before 10am and evenings after 5pm are your friends.
- While December is mostly dry, those 10 rainy days are unpredictable. You might get a week of perfect weather, then three days where afternoon storms roll in and actually stick around. The rain itself isn't the problem - it's warm rain and kind of refreshing - but it can mess with ferry schedules to Zanzibar and make getting around the city frustrating when streets flood.
- From around December 20th onwards, prices jump significantly as East African families, European expats, and international tourists all converge on Dar. Beach resorts on the Msasani Peninsula and islands like Bongoyo can double their rates, and finding last-minute accommodations becomes genuinely difficult. If you're coming for Christmas or New Year's, book at least 8-10 weeks ahead.
Best Activities in December
Mbudya and Bongoyo Island Day Trips
December is actually ideal for the uninhabited islands just offshore from Dar. The water is calm, visibility is excellent for snorkeling around the coral reefs, and the weather cooperates most days. These islands are part of the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve, and you'll see parrotfish, angelfish, and occasionally sea turtles. Most locals go on weekends, so weekday trips are quieter. The islands have basic facilities - grilled fish and coconut vendors set up on the beaches - and you're looking at proper white sand and turquoise water without the Zanzibar crowds.
Old Town Walking Tours and Swahili Architecture Exploration
December mornings are perfect for exploring the historic center before the heat builds. The area around Azania Front, Ocean Road, and the old German colonial buildings near the harbor tells Dar's story - Arab traders, German colonizers, British administration, and post-independence growth all layered on top of each other. The architecture is genuinely fascinating if you know what you're looking at. Start early, around 7:30-8am, when the fish market is active and the light is good for photos. By 11am you'll want to be done.
Bagamoyo Historical Day Trips
About 75 km (47 miles) north of Dar, Bagamoyo was East Africa's most important trading port in the 19th century and the end point of the slave caravan routes from the interior. December weather makes the drive pleasant, and the town is genuinely significant for understanding Tanzanian history - it's where Swahili culture, Arab influence, German colonialism, and the slave trade all intersected. The old stone town, Kaole Ruins, and the spot where Livingstone's body was brought from the interior are all worth seeing. This is not a beach trip, though there are beaches nearby.
Mikadi Beach and Southern Coast Exploration
While everyone talks about the northern beaches, the coast south of Dar toward Kigamboni and beyond to places like Mikadi Beach offers a different experience. December is excellent for this - the water is warm, the beaches are less developed, and you'll mostly encounter Tanzanian families rather than international tourists. The vibe is relaxed, there are basic beach bars serving grilled fish and chips, and you can actually walk along the sand without dodging vendors every 30 seconds. The new Kigamboni Bridge makes getting there much easier than it used to be.
Mwenge Woodcarvers Market and Local Craft Shopping
December is actually a smart time to visit craft markets because artisans are stocking up for the holiday season and you'll see more variety than usual. Mwenge, about 10 km (6.2 miles) from the city center, is where Makonde woodcarvers from southern Tanzania work and sell directly. You're not looking at tourist trinkets - these are serious sculptors working in ebony and mpingo wood. The market also has Tingatinga paintings, Maasai beadwork, and textiles. Bargaining is expected and part of the process, but be respectful - these are skilled craftspeople, not mass-produced goods.
Pugu Hills Forest Reserve Nature Walks
About 20 km (12.4 miles) southwest of Dar, Pugu Hills is one of the last remaining coastal forests in Tanzania and home to species you won't see elsewhere - including the endangered Pugu colobus monkey. December weather is good for hiking here - warm but not oppressive, and the forest canopy provides shade. The trails aren't difficult, maybe 2-3 hours for a decent loop, and you'll likely spot monkeys, various bird species, and interesting vegetation. This is proper forest, not a manicured park, so wear appropriate shoes and bring water.
December Events & Festivals
Sabasaba Grounds Weekend Markets
While not a December-specific event, the weekend markets at Sabasaba Grounds run year-round and are particularly vibrant in December as people shop for holiday celebrations. You'll find everything from secondhand clothes to electronics to food vendors, and it's where actual Dar residents shop rather than tourist markets. The atmosphere is chaotic and genuinely local - this is not curated for visitors, which is exactly what makes it interesting.
Christmas and New Year Celebrations
Dar has a significant Christian population, and Christmas is actually celebrated widely even in this predominantly Muslim country. Churches hold midnight masses on Christmas Eve that welcome visitors, and many hotels and restaurants put on special dinners and events. New Year's Eve sees beach parties along the Msasani Peninsula and Coco Beach, with fireworks at midnight. The vibe is festive but not overwhelming - more family-oriented than the wild party scenes you'd find in other destinations.