When you picture winter in Dar es Salaam, just forget about icy winds and heavy coats. You’ll get warm days in the mid-80s °F (about 29°C) and cooler nights that dip into the upper 60s °F (about 20°C).
The season feels comfortable, with less rain and clearer skies than the wetter months.
You really notice the change in the air and sky.
Humidity drops a bit, but it still stays pretty muggy, and the chance of rain falls sharply as the season goes on. Skies open up, so you get more sunshine, which makes outdoor plans easier and beach days more reliable.
The Indian Ocean always helps out, keeping sea temperatures warm enough for swimming year-round. Gentle seasonal winds shift directions, shaping the coastal vibe and daily life in subtle ways.
Overview of Winter Weather in Dar es Salaam
Winter in Dar es Salaam brings warm temperatures, high humidity, and less rainfall compared to the wetter months. You’ll experience steady daylight hours, moderate breezes, and a noticeable drop in cloud cover as the season progresses.
Typical Winter Climate Patterns
During winter, daytime highs usually stay between 83°F and 84°F (28–29°C). Nighttime lows fall to about 68–71°F (20–22°C).
Rainfall drops off quickly. At the start of June, you might see around 1.9 inches in a month, but by late August, this often drops to just 0.2 inches. The chance of rain falls from about 20% in June to near 4% in August, making it the driest stretch of the year.
Humidity stays high, with muggy conditions most days. The percentage of muggy days dips just a bit, from 96% in early June to about 91% by late August.
Winds stay steady around 13 mph, shifting from the south to the east as the season moves on.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Unlike the long rains of March to May, winter feels much drier and clearer. You skip the heavy downpours of the wet season and instead get more sunshine and fewer cloudy days.
By August, skies are clear or partly clear about 80% of the time. Temperatures in winter are only a little cooler than summer.
For example, February often reaches highs near 90°F (32°C), while winter peaks closer to 84°F (29°C). Nighttime lows in August can fall to 68°F (20°C), making it the coolest time of year.
Day length stays stable, at about 11 hours and 45 minutes of daylight through winter. In December, you get over 12 hours of daylight.
Water temperatures also dip a bit, moving from 81°F (27°C) in June to 78°F (26°C) in August.
Winter Weather Myths
A lot of people think Dar es Salaam has a “cold winter.” Actually, you never face freezing conditions. Even the coolest nights stay well above 65°F (18°C), so you won’t need heavy clothing.
Some folks believe winter is completely dry. That’s not quite right—while rainfall is limited, light showers can still show up, especially in early June. You might notice short, scattered rain rather than long storms.
Another common idea is that winter brings strong winds. In reality, wind speeds stay pretty steady, averaging 13 mph—breezy but not wild. The main difference is direction, as winds shift gradually from south to east by the end of the season.
Average Winter Temperatures
Winter in Dar es Salaam stays warm and humid, with only slight shifts between daytime highs and nighttime lows. You’ll notice steady tropical conditions, but small temperature changes can make some days feel more comfortable than others.
Daytime Highs and Lows
Daytime highs in Dar es Salaam during winter average around 83°F to 84°F (28°C to 29°C). Temperatures rarely fall below 81°F (27°C) or go above 87°F (31°C).
The warmest time of day usually hits in the early afternoon, when the sun is strongest. Even then, conditions stay steady without big spikes.
Lows range between 68°F and 71°F (20°C to 22°C). These mild lows keep the air warm enough that you don’t need heavy clothing.
The lowest point of the season usually comes in late August, when nights dip closer to 68°F. Highs and lows stay within a narrow band, so you get consistent warmth all season.
This stability makes outdoor activities comfortable in both mornings and afternoons.
Monthly Temperature Variations
Winter months in Dar es Salaam show only small differences in temperature. June starts with average highs near 84°F (29°C) and lows around 71°F (22°C).
By July, highs reach about 83°F (28°C), while lows dip slightly to 69°F (21°C). August is the coolest month, with highs near 83°F (28°C) and lows around 68°F (20°C).
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| June | 84°F | 71°F |
| July | 83°F | 69°F |
| August | 83°F | 68°F |
These small shifts show that winter in Dar es Salaam doesn’t bring sharp temperature drops. You’ll just notice a gentle cooling trend that levels out by late August.
Nighttime Cooling
Nights in Dar es Salaam cool only a little, offering relief from the daytime warmth. The average low ranges between 68°F and 71°F, which feels comfortable but still humid.
Humidity often stays high, so nights can feel warmer than the numbers suggest. Even with cooler readings, the air remains muggy.
The coolest nights of the season happen in late August, when lows reach about 68°F (20°C). These nights are still mild, and you won’t need heavy layers.
Because of the limited cooling, many travelers find evenings pleasant for walking, dining outdoors, or enjoying the coastal breeze.
Rainfall and Humidity During Winter
During the winter months of December through February, Dar es Salaam stays warm but sees modest shifts in rainfall and humidity. You can expect steady temperatures, light to moderate showers, and air that often feels heavy with moisture.
Precipitation Levels
Rainfall in winter is lighter than the heavy wet season in March and April. December usually records about 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, which then tapers a bit in January and February to around 50–55 mm (2.0–2.2 in).
These amounts are spread out, not concentrated in just a few storms. Showers often come in short bursts, then clear up. This makes it easier to plan outdoor activities since rain rarely lasts all day.
Rainfall is present, but it’s not disruptive for most visitors. Roads and coastal areas stay accessible, and flooding is uncommon during this time of year.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) | Average Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|
| December | ~62 | ~2.4 |
| January | ~51 | ~2.0 |
| February | ~52 | ~2.1 |
Humidity Trends
Humidity in Dar es Salaam’s winter stays high, usually between 77% and 81%. You’ll feel the air as warm and damp, especially during the evenings and early mornings.
Unlike the drier months of June to September, the coastal atmosphere in winter holds more moisture. The city’s tropical location and proximity to the Indian Ocean keep humidity levels steady all season.
If you’re sensitive to humidity, you might want to plan indoor breaks during the hottest part of the day. Most hotels and restaurants have air conditioning, so you can get some relief from the sticky air.
Rainy Days Frequency
Rainfall during winter is spread across several days each month, but the showers are usually quick. On average, you’ll get about 10–12 days with measurable rain in December, January, and February.
These rainy days rarely bring constant storms. Instead, light to moderate showers pass quickly, and sunshine often returns later that day.
The frequency of rain keeps the vegetation lush without causing the downpours of the long rainy season. For travelers, this balance means you can enjoy outdoor plans with only minor adjustments.
Sunshine and Cloud Cover in Winter
During winter in Dar es Salaam, you get steady daylight with only small changes in sunrise and sunset times. Sunshine is fairly reliable, while cloud cover drops off sharply as the season goes on, making late winter brighter and clearer than early winter.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
You can expect about 11 hours and 45 minutes to nearly 12 hours of daylight each day in winter. The length of day barely changes, with only a 14-minute difference between the shortest and longest days of the season.
Sunrise happens around 6:30 AM in June and July, shifting a bit earlier by late August. Sunset times go from about 6:13 PM in early June to 6:24 PM in early August.
On average, you’ll get between 7 to 9 hours of sunshine per day, depending on cloud cover. The clearest days in late August usually bring the most sunshine.
This consistency means you don’t have to adjust your daily schedule much. Whether you want to plan outdoor activities or travel, you can rely on nearly equal day and night hours all season.
Cloudiness Patterns
Cloudiness drops quickly as winter moves along. At the start of June, skies are overcast or mostly cloudy about 37% of the time.
By the end of August, this drops to just 20%, so you get more clear or partly clear days. The clearest period usually comes at the end of August, with skies clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy about 80% of the time.
Compared to the wetter months earlier in the year, winter skies feel brighter and more predictable. If you like clearer weather, you’ll find July and August especially good for outdoor plans, sightseeing, or time at the coast.
Wind and Sea Conditions
During winter months in Dar es Salaam, you get steady winds and warm sea temperatures that shape both daily weather and coastal activities. These conditions influence comfort on land and also affect swimming, boating, and fishing along the Indian Ocean.
Prevailing Wind Directions
From December through February, northeasterly monsoon winds dominate the coast. Locals call these winds the Kaskazi, and they blow from the northeast toward the southwest.
They’re usually moderate, but gusts can pick up at times, especially in open coastal spots.
Wind speeds often range between 8–15 mph, which is enough to create a little choppiness on the water. This can affect smaller boats, though larger vessels usually handle it fine.
The steady direction keeps the air moving, which helps reduce the heavy humidity that often lingers in tropical places. While these winds bring some relief onshore, they can also stir up sand and salt spray along the beaches.
Knowing these wind patterns helps you plan water activities. Early mornings tend to be calmer, while afternoons might get a bit breezier.
Sea Surface Temperatures
The Indian Ocean off Dar es Salaam stays warm all winter. Average sea surface temperatures run from 28.6°C to 28.8°C (83–84°F), so the water always feels good for swimming, snorkeling, or diving.
You don’t need wetsuits here. The warmth is steady, with little daily variation, so you can count on good conditions for most marine activities.
These temperatures also support rich marine life, making fishing and underwater trips popular. Visibility changes with rainfall and wind, but calmer days often bring clearer water.
For beachgoers, the warm sea pairs with long daylight hours of about 12 to 12.5 hours, so you’ve got plenty of time to enjoy the coast.
Impact of Winter Weather on Daily Life
Milder temperatures, lower rainfall, and reduced humidity shape how you spend time outside and how communities plan seasonal gatherings. These patterns influence both leisure opportunities and cultural activities across the city.
Outdoor Activities
You’ll usually see daily highs around 83–84°F (28–29°C). Nights dip down to about 68–71°F (20–22°C).
These steady temps make outdoor exercise, walking, or even a quick beach trip way more comfortable than in the peak heat.
Rain barely shows up, averaging under 2 inches per month and sometimes almost disappearing by late August. You can plan trips to the coast or nearby islands with much less worry about storms messing things up.
Humidity sticks around, but it drops a bit in winter. Most days still feel muggy, though you’re not likely to deal with that brutal, sticky heat.
You’ll still want light clothes, sunscreen, and a water bottle, but the heat doesn’t hit as hard as it does during the wet season.
Winds usually blow around 13 mph, mostly from the south and then shifting to the east later on.
These breezes cool off the coast and make sailing, fishing, and water sports a lot more enjoyable.
Local Events and Festivals
Winter brings a drier season, so you’ll notice a lot more community events popping up outdoors. People can actually enjoy cultural gatherings, concerts, and even sports matches, since clear skies show up nearly 80% of the time by late August.
Locals and visitors join in for religious and national holidays, which usually spill out into the streets. Lower rain chances mean parades, street markets, and family get-togethers usually go off without a hitch.
Tourists get a boost too. City tours, wildlife excursions, and coastal trips stick to schedule, and that really helps local businesses. Hotels and restaurants keep a steady flow of visitors, since heavy rains rarely mess with travel plans.
Daylight hours don’t change much, holding steady at about 11 hours 45 minutes to 12 hours. This makes event schedules easy to keep track of. You can count on predictable conditions for both daytime and evening fun, so planning feels a lot less stressful.