If you’re planning a Christmas trip to Dar es Salaam, get ready for warm, tropical weather instead of the usual chilly festive climates you might expect elsewhere. Daytime temperatures hover around 30°C (86°F), and the air feels humid, with only a few brief showers here and there.
Nights stay pretty mild, sitting in the mid-20s Celsius (mid-70s Fahrenheit). The holiday season here just stays warm, all day and night.
December lands right in the city’s short rainy season, but the showers don’t usually last long and often show up in the evening. You still get plenty of sunshine during the day, which is perfect if you want to explore the coast or just relax by the sea.
The Indian Ocean remains welcoming, with water temperatures up in the upper 20s Celsius (low 80s Fahrenheit). Honestly, it’s hard to resist a swim.
This mix of warmth, manageable rain, and comfortable sea conditions gives Dar es Salaam a holiday vibe that’s pretty different from what most people picture for Christmas. Instead of snow, you get palm trees, blue skies, and a steady tropical breeze.
Typical Weather Conditions During Christmas in Dar es Salaam
Around Christmas, you’ll notice warm temperatures, moderate rainfall, steady humidity, and light breezes from the coast. The weather stays true to the region’s tropical climate, offering both sunny stretches and the occasional shower.
Temperature Ranges in Late December
In late December, daytime highs usually climb to 30–31°C (86–88°F). At night, lows stick between 23–25°C (73–77°F).
The heat feels a bit softer because of the nearby ocean. Sea surface temperatures hang around 28–29°C (82–84°F), so the air doesn’t dry out too much.
Unlike places further inland, Dar es Salaam doesn’t cool off sharply at night. Evenings stay warm enough for outdoor plans—no need to pack extra layers.
You can count on hot days and mild nights, with little change from day to day.
Rainfall Patterns Around Christmas
December is part of the short rainy season, so you’ll want to be ready for occasional showers. The city averages about 60 mm (2.4 inches) of rain for the month, spread out over several days.
Rain usually arrives as quick, heavy showers instead of all-day downpours. Most of the time, these happen in the afternoon or evening, leaving plenty of dry hours.
You still get lots of sunshine—about 8–9 hours of daylight daily. Rainfall isn’t extreme, especially compared to April, which is the wettest month.
It’s smart to bring light rain gear, but you’ll probably have lots of dry time for sightseeing.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Relative humidity in December usually sits between 77% and 81%. The air feels moist, especially during or after those quick showers.
Midday humidity can feel a bit much, but the sea breeze helps. Nights are still humid, though a bit less intense with the cooler air.
You’ll probably find outdoor activities more comfortable in the morning or late afternoon. Staying hydrated and taking breaks in the shade definitely helps.
Humidity’s steady and noticeable, but it usually doesn’t get in the way of travel or outdoor plans.
Wind Speed and Breezes
Winds around Christmas tend to be light to moderate, averaging 10–15 km/h (6–9 mph). Breezes mostly come off the Indian Ocean and help balance out the heat and humidity.
The coastal airflow makes mornings and evenings feel more pleasant. Along the shore, you’ll often catch a steady breeze, which makes beach visits and outdoor dining more enjoyable.
Wind speeds rarely get strong enough to interrupt your plans. Instead, those gentle breezes keep things comfortable.
You can expect mild coastal winds that make the heat easier to handle.
Rainfall and Rainy Days in December
December in Dar es Salaam brings a mix of heavy showers and long, sunny stretches. You’ll see short but intense downpours followed by clear skies, so it helps to plan your activities around the weather.
Average Monthly Rainfall
Rainfall in December is high, with monthly totals averaging around 100–110 mm. It doesn’t rain all the time, but when it does, expect the showers to be heavy.
Most of the rain comes in short bursts, usually in the afternoon or evening. These storms can be strong but don’t last long, so you still have time for outdoor plans.
Humidity also goes up during this period, often around 75–80%, making the air feel warmer and heavier. If you’re staying near the coast, expect some dampness.
Number of Rainy Days
You’ll get about 10 to 13 rainy days in December. So, about a third of the month brings some rain.
A rainy day doesn’t always mean it rains all day. Often, showers last just a few hours, and the rest of the day is dry. This pattern gives you some wiggle room for outdoor activities.
The chance of rain on any given day is around 40%, so packing a poncho or umbrella makes sense. Waterproof shoes or sandals that dry quickly are also a good idea for getting around the city.
Comparison With Other Months
December’s rainfall is moderate to high, but it’s not the peak. April is the wettest month, with over 250 mm of rain and more than 25 rainy days.
Dry season months like June through September are a different story, with less than 30 mm of rain in total. During those months, clear skies are the norm and rain is rare.
December falls between the short rains of November and the heavier rains of March and April. This transition gives you a blend of wet and sunny weather, so it’s a bit unpredictable but still manageable for travel.
Sea Temperature and Coastal Conditions
The coastal waters around Dar es Salaam stay warm in December, with hardly any daily variation. Swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities remain possible, though humidity and rain might affect how comfortable you feel at the beach.
Average Sea Temperature in December
In December, the sea temperature along the coast averages 28–28.5 °C (82–83 °F). That’s pretty warm and right in line with the annual average of about 27.6 °C.
The water is a touch cooler than the peak warmth of March and April, when it reaches about 29.5 °C, but still warmer than the lowest temps in August and September at 25.5 °C.
Here’s a quick look at sea temperatures across the year:
| Month | Sea Temp (°C) |
|---|---|
| March–April | 29.5 |
| June–July | 26–26.5 |
| August–September | 25.5 |
| December | 28–28.5 |
This steady warmth means you can count on comfortable swimming without worrying about chilly water.
Suitability for Swimming and Water Activities
December’s sea temperature is perfect for swimming, diving, and snorkeling. At about 28 °C, the water feels inviting, and you can easily stay in for a while.
Rainfall can affect visibility in the water, since December marks the start of the short rainy season. Showers may stir up sediment, making things a little murky on some days.
Still, most coastal resorts and beaches stay busy with water sports. You can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and boat trips. The Indian Ocean’s warmth means even early morning or evening swims are comfortable.
If you want calmer water, mornings usually have gentler winds and smoother seas than the afternoons. Early hours are often best for swimming and snorkeling.
Humidity and Air Quality in the Festive Season
Late December brings warm temperatures and high moisture to Dar es Salaam. The mix of heat and humidity shapes how you feel outdoors and affects how you plan your days.
Relative Humidity Levels
Relative humidity averages about 75–80% in December. This is pretty normal for the city, especially as the short rainy season wraps up. Even if the rain lets up, the air often stays heavy and damp.
That much humidity makes daytime highs of 30–31°C feel even hotter. Nights don’t really cool off much, so it can feel sticky both indoors and out.
Humidity also combines with sunshine to crank up the heat. With eight or more hours of sun per day, it can get intense. If you’re sensitive to muggy weather, you might want to plan indoor breaks during the hottest part of the day.
Impact on Outdoor Activities
The festive season is a popular time for hitting the beach, exploring the city, and gathering with family. But high humidity can make physical activity a bit more tiring. Walking tours or outdoor sports might need more rest stops and lots of water.
Air quality in Dar es Salaam generally stays fine, though humidity can lower visibility and make the air feel heavier. Sometimes, dust and city emissions hang around longer because of all the moisture.
To stay comfortable, wear light clothes, keep water handy, and schedule outdoor plans for mornings or late afternoons. These tips help you enjoy the coastline, markets, and cultural spots without getting bogged down by the humidity.
Dar es Salaam’s Climate Context in December
Dar es Salaam sits right on the Indian Ocean coast and has a tropical savanna climate. December brings hot temperatures, high humidity, and frequent rain showers, but also plenty of sunshine that balances out the wetter days.
Savanna Climate Overview
Dar es Salaam features a tropical savanna climate with two main rainy seasons and a clear dry season. Long rains happen from March to May, while short rains stretch from October to December. December is at the end of the short rainy stretch.
Daytime highs often reach 32°C, and nighttime lows hover around 24–25°C. Humidity usually hits about 75–80%, which can make the heat feel more intense. Rainfall averages about 100–115 mm in December, spread over roughly 12 days.
Despite the rain, skies aren’t always gray. You still get about 8 hours of sunshine per day, or around 240 hours in the month. Coastal breezes, averaging 3 m/s, help ease the humidity a bit.
The Indian Ocean nearby stays warm at about 27°C, so swimming and water activities are always an option. This blend of heat, humidity, and warm seas sums up December’s climate in the city.
How December Fits the Annual Weather Pattern
December marks a transition in Dar es Salaam’s yearly climate. It follows the dry months of July through September and leads into the hotter, wetter stretch of March to May.
Rainfall in December is less intense than during the long rains, but you’ll still notice it. The chance of rain on any given day is about 40%, so expect some scattered showers or thunderstorms, often later in the day.
Compared to June, July, and August—which are cooler and drier—December feels hotter and stickier. These conditions are typical for a city so close to the equator, where rainfall patterns matter more than temperature swings.
Visiting in December means you get both the wet and sunny sides of the savanna climate. It’s a month full of short, sharp rains and long, bright spells.
Long-Term Weather Averages and Trends
Dar es Salaam sits on Tanzania’s eastern coast with a tropical climate that stays warm year-round. Rainfall and temperature patterns don’t change much, but seasonal shifts play a big part in how comfortable the weather feels around Christmas.
Average Annual Rainfall
Dar es Salaam gets two main wet seasons. Locals call them the long rains from March to May, and the short rains from October to December.
If you visit around Christmas, you’ll find yourself right in the middle of the short rainy season. December brings in about 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, which honestly isn’t too bad compared to the heavy downpours that hit in April.
Each year, the city picks up somewhere between 1,000–1,200 mm (39–47 in) of rain. April stands out as the wettest month, often piling up more than 150 mm (6 in). July and August, on the other hand, barely see any rain, with totals closer to 20–25 mm (0.8–1 in).
The number of rainy days jumps around, too. April usually has over 25 rainy days. December sees about 10–12 days of measurable rain.
So, if you’re planning a trip during Christmas, expect some scattered showers. Most of the time, these showers move through pretty fast, and you get plenty of clear skies for the rest of the day.
Temperature Trends Over the Years
Temperatures in Dar es Salaam stay pretty steady all year. You’ll notice only slight changes with the seasons.
Around Christmas, daytime highs usually hit 30–31°C (86–88°F). Nights linger at 24–25°C (75–77°F).
Coastal breezes take the edge off the heat, but, honestly, the humidity sticks around.
Records show that average highs almost never dip below 27°C (81°F), even during June and July.
January through March brings the hottest days, with highs often reaching 32–33°C (90–91°F).
The sea doesn’t really change much either. Surface temperatures go from 26°C (79°F) in the cooler months to about 29°C (84°F) by late summer.
If you’re at the beach around Christmas, expect the ocean to feel warm, usually 28–29°C (82–84°F). That’s pretty ideal for swimming, if you ask me.
So, every December, you’re almost guaranteed warm, humid weather. The year-to-year differences? They’re honestly pretty minor.