Zanzibar weather in December
In December, Zanzibar sees average daytime highs of 30°C and overnight lows near 26°C, with 93 mm of rain across 20.3 wet days and about 12.4 hours of daylight. It is the 3rd-warmest and 4th-wettest month of the year here.
Day-to-day highs hold fairly steady near 30°C through the month. The sky is clear or mostly clear about 45% of the time in December, and the air most often feels oppressive.
Daylight stretches from about 12 h 18 min at the start of December to 12 h 24 min by month's end. Set against the rest of the year, December is Zanzibar's 6th-clearest and 8th-windiest month. For the whole year in context, see Zanzibar's year-round climate.
- Daytime high
- 30°
- 3rd warmest
- Overnight low
- 26°
- 9th coldest
- Rainfall
- 93 mm
- 20.3 wet days
- Daylight
- 12 h 24 min
- 6:09 AM – 6:30 PM
- Cloud cover
- 49%
- 6th clearest
- Wind
- 13 km/h
- 8th windiest
- Solar energy
- 6.02 kWh/m²
- Travel score
- 4.1
- out of 10
Zanzibar is city in Tanzania.
Air quality: WHO Ambient Air Quality Database. Density & description: Wikidata (CC0), GeoNames.
Temperature in December
Day-to-day highs hold fairly steady near 30°C through the month.
A typical December day in Zanzibar reaches about 30°C in the afternoon and slips back to 26°C overnight — a 4°C spread between the day's warmth and the night's chill. On most days the high lands between 29°C and 31°C. Set against its neighbours, December runs on par with November and on par with January.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg high (°C) | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Avg low (°C) | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 |
| Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 30 | 26 |
| 2 | 30 | 26 |
| 3 | 30 | 26 |
| 4 | 30 | 26 |
| 5 | 30 | 26 |
| 6 | 30 | 26 |
| 7 | 30 | 26 |
| 8 | 30 | 26 |
| 9 | 30 | 26 |
| 10 | 30 | 26 |
| 11 | 30 | 26 |
| 12 | 30 | 26 |
| 13 | 30 | 26 |
| 14 | 30 | 26 |
| 15 | 30 | 26 |
| 16 | 30 | 26 |
| 17 | 30 | 26 |
| 18 | 30 | 26 |
| 19 | 30 | 26 |
| 20 | 30 | 26 |
| 21 | 30 | 26 |
| 22 | 30 | 26 |
| 23 | 30 | 26 |
| 24 | 30 | 26 |
| 25 | 30 | 26 |
| 26 | 30 | 26 |
| 27 | 30 | 26 |
| 28 | 30 | 26 |
| 29 | 30 | 26 |
| 30 | 30 | 26 |
| 31 | 30 | 26 |
How December really feels in Zanzibar
Once humidity and wind are folded in, December averages 31 days that feel above 32°C and 0 that feel at or below 0°C — the comfort signal a plain temperature reading hides.
The story in December is heat — humidity pushes the afternoon "feels like" well above the raw temperature.
Zanzibar weather by month
How December compares with the rest of the year at a glance. December is the 3rd-warmest and 4th-wettest month here — the current month is highlighted below.
| Month | High / Low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Wet days | Daylight (hours) | Travel score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30° / 27° | 44 | 9.7 | 12.3 | 5.2 |
| Feb | 30° / 27° | 36 | 7.7 | 12.2 | 5.1 |
| Mar | 30° / 26° | 122 | 21 | 12 | 3.8 |
| Apr | 29° / 25° | 200 | 25.5 | 11.9 | 3.5 |
| May | 28° / 25° | 146 | 18.9 | 11.7 | 5.0 |
| Jun | 28° / 24° | 35 | 9.6 | 11.6 | 6.6 |
| Jul | 27° / 23° | 22 | 6.4 | 11.7 | 7.1 |
| Aug | 27° / 23° | 21 | 6.2 | 11.8 | 7.2 |
| Sep | 28° / 23° | 19 | 5.4 | 12 | 7.1 |
| Oct | 29° / 24° | 52 | 9.8 | 12.1 | 5.9 |
| Nov | 29° / 25° | 84 | 18 | 12.3 | 4.5 |
| Dec | 30° / 26° | 93 | 20.3 | 12.4 | 4.1 |
Cloud cover in December
The sky is clear or mostly clear about 45% of the time in December.
Beyond those clear spells, partly cloudy skies cover about 21% of December, with mostly cloudy or overcast conditions the remaining 33%.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clearer (%) | 69 | 69 | 69 | 69 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 67 | 67 | 68 | 67 | 67 | 66 | 66 | 66 | 66 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| Cloudier (%) | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 34 | 34 | 34 | 34 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 |
| Clearer (%) | Cloudier (%) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 69 | 31 |
| 2 | 69 | 31 |
| 3 | 69 | 31 |
| 4 | 69 | 31 |
| 5 | 68 | 32 |
| 6 | 68 | 32 |
| 7 | 68 | 32 |
| 8 | 68 | 32 |
| 9 | 68 | 32 |
| 10 | 68 | 32 |
| 11 | 68 | 32 |
| 12 | 68 | 32 |
| 13 | 68 | 32 |
| 14 | 67 | 33 |
| 15 | 67 | 33 |
| 16 | 68 | 32 |
| 17 | 67 | 33 |
| 18 | 67 | 33 |
| 19 | 66 | 34 |
| 20 | 66 | 34 |
| 21 | 66 | 34 |
| 22 | 66 | 34 |
| 23 | 65 | 35 |
| 24 | 65 | 35 |
| 25 | 65 | 35 |
| 26 | 65 | 35 |
| 27 | 65 | 35 |
| 28 | 65 | 35 |
| 29 | 65 | 35 |
| 30 | 65 | 35 |
| 31 | 65 | 35 |
Chance of precipitation in December
Zanzibar gets around 93 mm of rain over 20.3 wet days in December. The line is the day-by-day chance of measurable precipitation.
Day to day, the chance of measurable rain averages around 64% and peaks near 73% on the wettest days. The odds ease toward the end of the month.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rain chance (%) | 71 | 72 | 72 | 72 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 72 | 72 | 71 | 71 | 70 | 70 | 69 | 68 | 67 | 66 | 65 | 63 | 62 | 60 | 59 | 57 | 55 | 53 | 52 | 50 | 48 | 47 | 45 |
| Rain chance (%) | |
|---|---|
| 1 | 71 |
| 2 | 72 |
| 3 | 72 |
| 4 | 72 |
| 5 | 73 |
| 6 | 73 |
| 7 | 73 |
| 8 | 73 |
| 9 | 72 |
| 10 | 72 |
| 11 | 71 |
| 12 | 71 |
| 13 | 70 |
| 14 | 70 |
| 15 | 69 |
| 16 | 68 |
| 17 | 67 |
| 18 | 66 |
| 19 | 65 |
| 20 | 63 |
| 21 | 62 |
| 22 | 60 |
| 23 | 59 |
| 24 | 57 |
| 25 | 55 |
| 26 | 53 |
| 27 | 52 |
| 28 | 50 |
| 29 | 48 |
| 30 | 47 |
| 31 | 45 |
Humidity in December
Most of December feels oppressive — the stacked bands show each day's mix of comfort levels, read off the dew point.
By dew point, December lands in the oppressive band about 59% of days. Sticky, muggy-or-worse air turns up on roughly 100% of them.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oppressive (%) | 66 | 66 | 65 | 65 | 64 | 63 | 62 | 61 | 60 | 60 | 59 | 58 | 57 | 56 | 55 | 55 | 54 | 54 | 54 | 54 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 56 | 56 | 57 | 58 | 58 | 59 | 60 | 61 |
| Miserable (%) | 34 | 34 | 35 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 45 | 46 | 46 | 46 | 46 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 44 | 44 | 43 | 42 | 42 | 41 | 40 | 39 |
| Oppressive (%) | Miserable (%) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 66 | 34 |
| 2 | 66 | 34 |
| 3 | 65 | 35 |
| 4 | 65 | 35 |
| 5 | 64 | 36 |
| 6 | 63 | 37 |
| 7 | 62 | 38 |
| 8 | 61 | 39 |
| 9 | 60 | 40 |
| 10 | 60 | 40 |
| 11 | 59 | 41 |
| 12 | 58 | 42 |
| 13 | 57 | 43 |
| 14 | 56 | 44 |
| 15 | 55 | 45 |
| 16 | 55 | 45 |
| 17 | 54 | 46 |
| 18 | 54 | 46 |
| 19 | 54 | 46 |
| 20 | 54 | 46 |
| 21 | 55 | 45 |
| 22 | 55 | 45 |
| 23 | 55 | 45 |
| 24 | 56 | 44 |
| 25 | 56 | 44 |
| 26 | 57 | 43 |
| 27 | 58 | 42 |
| 28 | 58 | 42 |
| 29 | 59 | 41 |
| 30 | 60 | 40 |
| 31 | 61 | 39 |
Wind in December
Winds average 13 km/h in December.
Across December, daily wind ranges from about 11 km/h on the calmest days to 16 km/h at its breeziest. It stays fairly steady from day to day.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind speed (km/h) | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Feels | calm | calm | calm | calm | calm | calm | calm | calm | calm | calm | calm | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze | light breeze |
| Wind speed (km/h) | Feels | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11 | calm |
| 2 | 11 | calm |
| 3 | 11 | calm |
| 4 | 11 | calm |
| 5 | 11 | calm |
| 6 | 11 | calm |
| 7 | 11 | calm |
| 8 | 11 | calm |
| 9 | 12 | calm |
| 10 | 12 | calm |
| 11 | 12 | calm |
| 12 | 12 | light breeze |
| 13 | 12 | light breeze |
| 14 | 13 | light breeze |
| 15 | 13 | light breeze |
| 16 | 13 | light breeze |
| 17 | 13 | light breeze |
| 18 | 13 | light breeze |
| 19 | 14 | light breeze |
| 20 | 14 | light breeze |
| 21 | 14 | light breeze |
| 22 | 14 | light breeze |
| 23 | 14 | light breeze |
| 24 | 15 | light breeze |
| 25 | 15 | light breeze |
| 26 | 15 | light breeze |
| 27 | 15 | light breeze |
| 28 | 15 | light breeze |
| 29 | 16 | light breeze |
| 30 | 16 | light breeze |
| 31 | 16 | light breeze |
Sunrise & sunset in December
Daylight runs from about 12 h 18 min at the start of December to 12 h 24 min by month's end. The lit band spans sunrise to sunset each day.
Days grow by about 6 minutes over December. Sunrise moves from 6:03 AM to 6:16 AM, and sunset from 6:23 PM to 6:37 PM.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daylight (h) | 12.3 | 12.3 | 12.3 | 12.3 | 12.3 | 12.3 | 12.3 | 12.3 | 12.3 | 12.3 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 12.4 |
| Sunrise (AM) | 6:03 | 6:03 | 6:04 | 6:04 | 6:04 | 6:05 | 6:05 | 6:05 | 6:06 | 6:06 | 6:07 | 6:07 | 6:07 | 6:08 | 6:08 | 6:09 | 6:09 | 6:10 | 6:10 | 6:11 | 6:11 | 6:11 | 6:12 | 6:12 | 6:13 | 6:13 | 6:14 | 6:14 | 6:15 | 6:15 | 6:16 |
| Sunset (PM) | 6:23 | 6:23 | 6:24 | 6:24 | 6:25 | 6:25 | 6:26 | 6:26 | 6:27 | 6:27 | 6:28 | 6:28 | 6:29 | 6:29 | 6:30 | 6:30 | 6:31 | 6:31 | 6:31 | 6:32 | 6:32 | 6:33 | 6:33 | 6:34 | 6:34 | 6:35 | 6:35 | 6:36 | 6:36 | 6:37 | 6:37 |
| Daylight (h) | Sunrise (AM) | Sunset (PM) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12.3 | 6:03 | 6:23 |
| 2 | 12.3 | 6:03 | 6:23 |
| 3 | 12.3 | 6:04 | 6:24 |
| 4 | 12.3 | 6:04 | 6:24 |
| 5 | 12.3 | 6:04 | 6:25 |
| 6 | 12.3 | 6:05 | 6:25 |
| 7 | 12.3 | 6:05 | 6:26 |
| 8 | 12.3 | 6:05 | 6:26 |
| 9 | 12.3 | 6:06 | 6:27 |
| 10 | 12.3 | 6:06 | 6:27 |
| 11 | 12.4 | 6:07 | 6:28 |
| 12 | 12.4 | 6:07 | 6:28 |
| 13 | 12.4 | 6:07 | 6:29 |
| 14 | 12.4 | 6:08 | 6:29 |
| 15 | 12.4 | 6:08 | 6:30 |
| 16 | 12.4 | 6:09 | 6:30 |
| 17 | 12.4 | 6:09 | 6:31 |
| 18 | 12.4 | 6:10 | 6:31 |
| 19 | 12.4 | 6:10 | 6:31 |
| 20 | 12.4 | 6:11 | 6:32 |
| 21 | 12.4 | 6:11 | 6:32 |
| 22 | 12.4 | 6:11 | 6:33 |
| 23 | 12.4 | 6:12 | 6:33 |
| 24 | 12.4 | 6:12 | 6:34 |
| 25 | 12.4 | 6:13 | 6:34 |
| 26 | 12.4 | 6:13 | 6:35 |
| 27 | 12.4 | 6:14 | 6:35 |
| 28 | 12.4 | 6:14 | 6:36 |
| 29 | 12.4 | 6:15 | 6:36 |
| 30 | 12.4 | 6:15 | 6:37 |
| 31 | 12.4 | 6:16 | 6:37 |
Solar energy in December
Average shortwave solar energy reaching the ground each day in December, about 6.02 kWh/m².
For context, solar energy here swings from a low near 4.36 kWh/m² to a high of 6.3 kWh/m² in February across the year — December's 6.02 kWh/m² falls in the middle.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solar energy (kWh/m²) | 5.9 | 5.9 | 5.9 | 5.9 | 5.9 | 5.9 | 5.9 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 6.2 | 6.2 | 6.2 | 6.2 |
| Level | Bright | Bright | Bright | Bright | Bright | Bright | Bright | Bright | Bright | Bright | Bright | Bright | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense | Intense |
| Solar energy (kWh/m²) | Level | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5.9 | Bright |
| 2 | 5.9 | Bright |
| 3 | 5.9 | Bright |
| 4 | 5.9 | Bright |
| 5 | 5.9 | Bright |
| 6 | 5.9 | Bright |
| 7 | 5.9 | Bright |
| 8 | 6.0 | Bright |
| 9 | 6.0 | Bright |
| 10 | 6.0 | Bright |
| 11 | 6.0 | Bright |
| 12 | 6.0 | Bright |
| 13 | 6.0 | Intense |
| 14 | 6.0 | Intense |
| 15 | 6.0 | Intense |
| 16 | 6.0 | Intense |
| 17 | 6.0 | Intense |
| 18 | 6.1 | Intense |
| 19 | 6.1 | Intense |
| 20 | 6.1 | Intense |
| 21 | 6.1 | Intense |
| 22 | 6.1 | Intense |
| 23 | 6.1 | Intense |
| 24 | 6.1 | Intense |
| 25 | 6.1 | Intense |
| 26 | 6.1 | Intense |
| 27 | 6.1 | Intense |
| 28 | 6.2 | Intense |
| 29 | 6.2 | Intense |
| 30 | 6.2 | Intense |
| 31 | 6.2 | Intense |
Hazard calendar for Zanzibar
In December, Zanzibar sits inside its cyclone and rainy season season. The full year is below, with each hazard's peak months called out.
Zanzibar sits in the South Indian Ocean cyclone belt; the season peaks January–March.
Zanzibar's rainy season runs March–May, when most of the year's rain falls.
Is December a good time to visit Zanzibar?
Our two travel scores rate December for general sightseeing and for beach or pool weather — 0 (poor) to 10 (ideal).
December is a reasonable time to visit Zanzibar for sightseeing.
What to pack for Zanzibar in December
From December's temperature range, rain chance, sun and wind — what's worth putting in the bag.
In December, Zanzibar sees daytime highs around 30°C and nights near 26°C. Pack light clothes, rain gear and sun protection. About 20 days see rain.
Sea temperature near Zanzibar in December
The nearest coast averages about 29°C in December — the other half of the beach question. The full-year curve and swim-comfort zones are below.
The sea offshore is warmest in March at about 29°C and coldest in August near 26°C.
The water stays above 20°C all year — warm enough for a swim any month.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea temperature (°C) | 28 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
| Comfort | Tropical | Tropical | Tropical | Tropical | Tropical | Warm | Warm | Warm | Warm | Warm | Warm | Tropical |
| Sea temperature (°C) | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28 | Tropical |
| Feb | 29 | Tropical |
| Mar | 29 | Tropical |
| Apr | 29 | Tropical |
| May | 28 | Tropical |
| Jun | 27 | Warm |
| Jul | 26 | Warm |
| Aug | 26 | Warm |
| Sep | 26 | Warm |
| Oct | 27 | Warm |
| Nov | 28 | Warm |
| Dec | 29 | Tropical |
UV index in Zanzibar in December
Clear-sky midday UV in December peaks around 12 (very high — sun protection essential). The full-year curve, shaded by WHO exposure level, is below.
Under clear skies, the midday UV index in Zanzibar peaks around March 16 at about 15 (extreme) — sunscreen, a hat and midday shade are essential. It bottoms out near June 17 at about 9 (very high).
The index reaches 3 or more — the level where the WHO recommends sun protection — every month of the year.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UV index (midday) | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 |
| Level | Extreme | Extreme | Extreme | Extreme | Extreme | Very high | Extreme | Extreme | Extreme | Extreme | Extreme | Extreme |
| UV index (midday) | Level | |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 13 | Extreme |
| Feb | 14 | Extreme |
| Mar | 15 | Extreme |
| Apr | 14 | Extreme |
| May | 10 | Extreme |
| Jun | 9 | Very high |
| Jul | 10 | Extreme |
| Aug | 10 | Extreme |
| Sep | 12 | Extreme |
| Oct | 13 | Extreme |
| Nov | 12 | Extreme |
| Dec | 12 | Extreme |
Air quality in Zanzibar in December
Average fine-particle pollution (PM2.5) through the year — so you can see where December falls, not just the annual average.
Air quality in Zanzibar is worst in January — around 18 µg/m³ PM2.5 (moderate), about 2.2× the cleanest month (November, 8 µg/m³).
Modeled monthly averages (CAMS reanalysis, 2015–2024).
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 (µg/m³) | 18 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 15 | 13 | 9 | 8 | 13 |
| Level | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Good | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Good | Good | Moderate |
| PM2.5 (µg/m³) | Level | |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 18 | Moderate |
| Feb | 16 | Moderate |
| Mar | 13 | Moderate |
| Apr | 11 | Good |
| May | 14 | Moderate |
| Jun | 16 | Moderate |
| Jul | 17 | Moderate |
| Aug | 15 | Moderate |
| Sep | 13 | Moderate |
| Oct | 9 | Good |
| Nov | 8 | Good |
| Dec | 13 | Moderate |
Where is Zanzibar?
Zanzibar sits at 6.2°S, 39.2°E, 14 m above sea level, in Tanzania. The nearest listed city is Bagamoyo, 45 km away.
Topography around Zanzibar
How much the land rises and falls, and what covers it, within 3, 16 and 80 km of Zanzibar.
Within 3 km, the terrain around Zanzibar has only modest variations in elevation — a maximum elevation change of 46 m around an average of 8 m above sea level; within 16 km, only modest variations in elevation — a maximum elevation change of 124 m; within 80 km, significant variations in elevation — a maximum elevation change of 347 m.
The land around Zanzibar is covered by water (53%) and artificial surfaces (35%) within 3 km, water (58%) and trees (27%) within 16 km, and water (61%) within 80 km.
Tanzania travel facts
- Travel advisory
- Level 3
- Reconsider Travel
- Power plugs
- Type D / G
- 230 V · 50 Hz
- Prices
- ≈ 29% of US
- price level, 2025
- GDP per capita
- $1,319
- 2025
- Happiness
- 3.9 / 10
- World Happiness, 2025
- Safe drinking water
- 31%
- of population, 2024
- Homicide rate
- 3.7
- per 100k, 2020
- Road deaths
- 31.1
- per 100k/yr, 2019
- Income group
- Lower middle
- World Bank
- English
- Low
- EF EPI 479
- Religion
Sources: World Bank, US State Department, World Happiness Report, WHO/UNICEF, EF EPI, CIA World Factbook.
Data sources
Temperature, precipitation, cloud, humidity, wind and solar figures are a 1991–2020 climatology for Zanzibar (-6.1639°, 39.1979°, elevation 14 m), computed from hourly ERA5 reanalysis — contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information. Sun figures are astronomical calculations, not observations. City data © GeoNames, CC BY 4.0. Map outlines from Natural Earth (public domain); interactive map © Google. Tropical-cyclone seasons are the published climatological basin seasons (NOAA National Hurricane Center / regional warning centres). Sea temperatures are the NOAA OISST v2.1 1991–2020 monthly climatology (public domain), sampled at the nearest ocean point. UV index is derived from CAMS (Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service) clear-sky UV data — contains modified Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information. Monthly air-quality (PM2.5) seasonality is from the CAMS EAC4 reanalysis (Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service), scaled to the WHO annual mean where available. Topography is sampled from the Copernicus DEM GLO-90 elevation model (© ESA/Airbus) and ESA WorldCover 2021 land cover (CC BY 4.0).