Dar es Salaam Weather in December

December: warm and showery

December feels hot, sticky and often wet in Dar es Salaam. The high is around 30°C, and rain falls on 22 days, though showers don't usually fill every day. It gets less rain than November, but more than January. You can still visit the National Museum, browse Kariakoo Market or take a ferry across the harbour to Kigamboni. Leave room in your day for rain, and don't count on a long stretch of dry beach weather.

If you're coming for a city break, keep outdoor plans flexible. Humid afternoons can make walking around the city tiring, while a sudden downpour can slow traffic. The data rates December's comfort as poor, so it's not the easiest month for long sightseeing days.

Christmas and holiday travel

Christmas and Boxing Day bring public holidays, and New Year adds to the festive feel. Churches hold services, while families gather for meals; don't expect every shop or service to keep normal hours on the holidays. Seafood is a good choice by the coast, and you'll find local favourites such as grilled fish and chipsi mayai, an egg-and-fries dish.

Travelling with kids? Beach time can still work between showers, but keep a city activity ready for wet spells.

Crowds and local tips

December isn't the best-value, low-season escape. The dry months from June to September are more popular with visitors, while Christmas travel can make local roads and transport busy. Fares may rise around the holidays, so don't assume December will be cheaper than other months.

For a simple outing, take the Kivukoni ferry to Kigamboni and check conditions before setting off if rain is falling. The crossing gives you a change of scene without a long trip out of town. If you want the most reliable weather for sightseeing, choose June to September instead.