About Matemwe Lodge (currently closed)
Matemwe Lodge (formerly Matemwe Bungalows) has always been a long-standing favourite with our travellers ...
... - read the recent feedback for an unbiased review. It’s situated on the northern edge of Matemwe village, and has a lovely position on a small outcrop of coral rock. The newly landscaped gardens are dotted with frangipani and bougainvillea trees giving them a lush tropical feel with plenty of colour.
Matemwe Lodge is a relaxed and friendly beach lodge which offers great service and a lovely atmosphere. The management team are constantly looking for ways to improve guests' experience. For a more exclusive experience in very fine accommodation – and the services of personal butler – consider the four individual villas of neighbouring sister-lodge, Matemwe Retreat, which is managed by the same team.
Our view
Matemwe Lodge is a relaxed and friendly beach lodge which offers great service and a lovely atmosphere. The management team are constantly looking for ways to improve guests' experience. For a more exclusive experience in very fine accommodation – and the services of personal butler – consider the four individual villas of neighbouring sister-lodge, Matemwe Retreat, which is managed by the same team.
Zanzibar expert
Accommodation
12 cottages
Children
5 years and over.
Open
1 June to 31 March
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Traveller reviews of Matemwe Lodge
45 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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View galleryHolidays visiting Matemwe Lodge
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you
Turmeric Beach Holiday
7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Relax on powdery white beaches and snorkel over colourful reefs on Zanzibar’s picturesque east coast before heading on to Stone Town to explore the labyrinth of cobbled streets.
Visiting East Coast Zanzibar, Stone Town
US$2,510 - US$3,750 per person
Papaya Beach Holiday
7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
A relaxing holiday with a range of activities, where Chumbe Island Lodge and Matemwe offer tranquil atmospheres, considerable exclusivity and the chance to learn about worthwhile local conservation efforts.
Visiting East Coast Zanzibar, South-west Zanzibar
US$3,100 - US$3,910 per person
Matemwe Lodge: Our full report (currently closed)
Matemwe Lodge (formerly Matemwe Bungalows) has always been a long-standing favourite with our travellers ...
... - read the recent feedback for an unbiased review. It’s situated on the northern edge of Matemwe village, and has a lovely position on a small outcrop of coral rock. The newly landscaped gardens are dotted with frangipani and bougainvillea trees giving them a lush tropical feel with plenty of colour.
The husband and wife management team at Matemewe Lodge have a keen eye for detail - and when we were last there in 2019 impressed us with their enthusiasm and natural flair, and their commitment to their local community, where most of the staff live and whose own enthusiasm and hard work give the lodge its comfortable, welcoming atmosphere.
Matemwe Lodge is closed from November 2022 for major refurbishment. Expert Africa is not able to give a firm re-opening date due to the complicated nature of the building regulations and permits on Zanzibar, but please contact us for the latest information.
At Matemwe there are 12 white-washed stone bungalows with high thatched roofs, all of them sea-facing, and all of them ranged along the low coral cliff to the north of the main central parts of the lodge directly above the sea. Rooms #1 to #6 have a split-level mezzanine floor with a second double bed - a good option for families or triples. These rooms also have a sunken cushioned baraza (the traditional, Swahili meeting place), where you can relax and enjoy the sea view through the corner shutters. The older rooms #7 to #12 are single-level rooms, and two of them (#9 and #10) have private plunge pools; these feel both secluded and romantic, and have beautiful views out towards Mnemba Island. Rooms #7 to #12 are also a little more private, and perfect for honeymooners.
All Matemwe Lodge's rooms are spacious and comfortable, with interesting things dotted around such as a bao board (the traditional Zanzibari game of calculation) and colourful throws over the beds. The older rooms have a double sofa and very comfortable double hammock on the veranda – great spots to relax in the heat of the afternoon.
The bathrooms in the 6 split-level newer bungalows are very spacious, with a flush toilet, twin sinks and a large stone bath and shower. In the older rooms the bathrooms have just one sink but also a huge romantic bath. Both have toiletries and candles as lovely finishing touches.
All rooms have a phone and 24 hour room service, and useful items such as bathrobes, torches, fans, mosquito repellant and umbrellas. There is an air-conditioning unit above the bed, designed for use at night, however with a fresh sea breeze throughout the year guests typically find that this is not needed.
Matemwe also have two day rooms, right behind the bar, which can be rented if you would like a bed and a shower after you have checked out on your departure day.
The communal areas at Matemwe Lodge have a very relaxed feel to them. Turn right from the reception, past the giant chess board (with prawns for pawns) to get to the incredible stretch of white beach dotted with a few sunloungers. There is a watersports centre here, where you can get equipment for reef walks, snorkeling and kayaking. Trips can also be arranged to the nearby Mnemba Island for diving and snorkeling. Matemwe Lodge has a number of good quality bikes at the reception area, and for a small fee you can hire these for a morning allowing you to easily cycle in to the local village or along the coastline.
Matemwe also has strong links with the local village and walks to the village or fishing trips with local fishermen can be arranged. These help to provide an insight in to the local community; you can meet with your guides family and discover how everyday life is lived. You can also visit the local fish market, and pick up some fresh fish, which can then be cooked up for your lunch.
Matemwe Lodge has two swimming pools - one is an infinity pool with views across to Mnemba island. This is a great spot for sun worshippers to relax on the comfortable loungers. From this pool, a waterfall trickles down to a second pool below. This is perfect for when the heat gets a bit much as there is plenty of shade and more loungers.
The bar by the lower pool is made from an old dhow, set off by some unlikely décor - the huge skull of a young sperm whale. A variety of drinks and snacks are served here during the day, and it's a good spot for relaxing with a few drinks in the evening.
Next to the pool and slightly above the bar, is the Sea and Spice Spa, which offers a range of treatments such as pedicures, facials and massages; each guest can expect a complimentary welcome massage! Couples especially will enjoy the open-fronted double massage room with a view. On our last visit in 2019 a 30-minute massage was around $30 US dollars.
Dining at Matemwe Lodge takes place in the open-sided restaurant situated just along from the swimming pool, with great views over the turquoise ocean. Tables can either be inside, or outside on the smart wooden decking. There's a small bar for drinks and a buffet counter that is used for breakfasts and lunches.
Activities at Matemwe revolve around lots of watersports options, and a free reef walk is included in every stay; this is a fantastic opportunity to discover the marine life residing in the shallow sea around the east coast. The lodge watersports centre, is in a hut on the beach just two minutes' walk from the dining room, and staffed by a friendly team of 'poacher-turned-gamekeeper' snorkelling and reef guides and watersports teachers. If you're here in Februrary or March you may also be able to witness turtles hatching from their beach nests about 5km up the coast: Matemwe Lodge is closely involved in the conservation of two endangered (actually they are all endangered) species, the green turtle and the more rarely seen hawksbill.
Matemwe Lodge has sound eco-credentials. The restaurant sources as much local produce as possible, including fresh fish caught just off the coast. The lodge is also involved in a local recycling scheme, and much of the waste is recycled and re-used.
Just behind the watersports hut, Matemwe Beach House is another part of the Matemwe Lodge set-up, and booked in its entirety. The beach house sleeps a maximum of six people in 3 bedrooms – a twin non-air-conditioned room upstairs and two air-conditioned doubles downstairs. The house is entered through a carved wooden door, leading to the veranda and a small pool. Inside is a dining room and lounge area, which lead through to the bedrooms. The beach house has a separate kitchen with its own chef and butler, but guests can eat at the main lodge if they prefer.
Geographics
- Location
- East Coast Zanzibar, Zanzibar
- Ideal length of stay
- At least three nights
- Directions
- Matemwe Lodge is around 1 and a half hour's drive from Zanzibar Airport. Please note that, depending on the route your driver uses for the final approach to Matemwe Lodge, the last few minutes of the drive may be on a narrow, bumpy beach track through Matemwe fishing village. This route can make for a poor first impression, though it is quickly improved after your arrival.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- The lodge has a 7-day menu rotation, so you'd have to stay longer than a week to be offered the same dish twice. All fruit, vegetables, fish and seafood are locally sourced from the immediate community, and the fish is always line-caught. If you're interested you can do a morning walk to the fish market, help buy the lodge's requirements and even share in preparing your own meal.
Breakfast at Matemwe Loge is an impressive array of fresh fruits, cereals, yoghurts, muffins and pancakes as well as a full cooked English breakfast if you like.
If you choose to have Lunch, this is usually a la carte with a couple of choices for each course. The dishes tend to be light and are fresh and tasty. We enjoyed a vegetable and chicken wrap with sweet potato chips, and home made sultana ice cream for desert
Roughly from 7pm onwards dinner is served as a set menu with a few choices for the first two courses. Or sometimes as a large BBQ on the beach, as was the case on our last visit in 2019. Recent introductions to the menu include seaweed and sea-urchin starters, and they have been proving popular with guests. We thoroughly enjoyed the vegetable and cumin soup, and samosas as starters, followed by either kingfish in pepper batter or a tender beef fillet. The chocolate tart for dessert rounded off a memorable meal, which was extremely well-presented.
Once a week (usually Sundays) there is a Swahili-themed music night with traditional food and dress, and once a month at the full moon they hold a Zanzibari BBQ on the beach – however this can depend a little on the tide. Wednesdays are usually BBQ nights at the restaurant. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Yes
- Drinks included
- Tea, coffee and filtered drinking water are included. All other drinks are extra cost and paid for on departure.
Special interests
- Beach holidays
- Get equipment for a long reef walks, snorkelling and kayaking at the water sport centre on Matemwe’s pretty white sandy beach. You can even walk to the village and join a local fishing trip for a unique holiday experience.
- See ideas for Beach holidays in Zanzibar
- Diving & snorkelling
- Guided snorkelling and diving trips can easily be arranged at this very well run and long-established east coast favourite. The beautiful coral gardens and reef sections around Mnemba Island are easily accessible from Matemwe Lodge.
- See ideas for Diving & snorkelling in Zanzibar
- Cultural Experiences
- Matemwe Lodge sits at the north end of Matemwe village, it has close connections with the area and supports a number of community projects.Take a guided walk to visit the fish markets, explore the streets and try octopus curry at a local restaurant.
- See ideas for Cultural Experiences in Zanzibar
- Wellbeing
- The beautiful Sea and Spice Spa at Matwemwe Lodge overlooks the ocean and has a wide range of treatments available, including pedicures, facials and massages. Each guest is also offered a complimentary massage during their stay.
- See ideas for Wellbeing in Zanzibar
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Matemwe Lodge welcomes children 5 years and older.
- Property’s age restrictions
- 5+
- Equipment
- Matemwe Lodge has no special equipment or activities for children.
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes who are old enough.
- Notes
- Matemwe welcomes children, though parents should be aware that there are no special facilities or activities for children who are staying here. However with ball games and frisbees, as well as the pool and lagoon, there is plenty to keep them amused.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Mains, with generator backup. UK-style 3 pin plugs and US and European adaptors.
- Communications
- There are phones in all the rooms at Matemwe Lodge, as well as free Wi-fi throughout.
- TV & radio
- There is no TV in the lodge, but visits to a nearby sports bar can easily be arranged when big games or events are on.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- Unlimited jugs of drinking water are provided, from bottled water brought to the lodge in bulk. The local water supply for the taps, pumped from a subterranean cave, is actually very good and cleansed by an $80,000 water plant, yet the lodge still advises guests not to drink this.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There is a first aid box on site at Matemwe Bungalows for minor illnesses and injuries. For more serious medical problems Matemwe has contact with a good doctor who lives only 30 minutes away. All the managers and watersports staff have first aid training.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- Matemwe Lodge has a small team of security guards around throughout the day and night, mostly elders from the local community. When we last visited in 2019, there had been no incidents on this stretch of coast to cause any concern for many years. As Matemwe is at the northern end of this accessible stretch of beach coastline, there is little passing 'traffic' and most local people are from the immediate community.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers outside all of the bedrooms and public areas and the management and staff are very fire-conscious. The makuti thatched roofs are all flame retarded.
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Kayaking
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is an extra charge - it takes around 24 hours depending on the weather and cost around $1 - $2.50 per item when we were last there.
- Money
- Matemwe can change US dollars but prefers not to.
- Accepted payment on location
- You can pay for any extra charges at Matemwe in US$ cash, or by credit card. You can use Visa, Mastercard and Amex for no surcharge – though the use of a card for a cash advance carries an 8 per cent surcharge. There are no ATMS up on this part of the coast.
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Matemwe Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Matemwe Lodge.
Excursions from Matemwe Lodge
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Matemwe Lodge. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Jambiani Village Tour
Half-day - mornings
Tear yourself away from the soft white sands of Zanzibar to get under the skin of the history and culture of Jambiani village. Join a knowledgeable local guide to discover the intricacies of day-to-day life in this traditional coastal village, with much of the profits being ploughed back into the community.
More about Village Tour
Jozani Forest Tour
Half-day or combine with other tours
For nature lovers, Jozani Forest is a must. One of the last sanctuaries of the red colobus monkey, it features a diverse range of habitats, from mangrove forests to salt marshes. Keep your eyes peeled for other forest residents, including Sykes’ monkey, bushbabies, duikers and more than 40 species of bird.
More about Jozani ForestOther lodges in East Coast Zanzibar
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Pongwe Beach Hotel
Pongwe Beach Hotel is comfortable, good-value, family-friendly beach lodge, with a lovely pool, secluded beach and good food.
Shooting Star Lodge
Shooting Star Lodge has a friendly atmosphere and a beautiful infinity pool, sitting above a stunning stretch of beach on Zanzibar's east coast.
Mnemba Island Lodge
Mnemba is a private island resort with 11 chalets, fringed by some of the best coral reefs in the Zanzibar area.
Sunshine Marine Lodge
Sunshine Marine (sister of Sunshine Hotel) is located in a secluded part of the east coast, with a first-rate, in-house dive centre.
Zoi Hotel
Located right on the beach, with bright rooms and a colourful garden, the Zoi Boutique Hotel has a lively, relaxed atmosphere.
Zanzibar Pearl
Formally known as Matemwe Beach Village, Zanzibar Pearl Boutique Hotel is one of the newest properties on the island
Melia Zanzibar
Melia Zanzibar is a very large resort hotel on Zanzibar’s east coast and is well equipped for business and leisure trips.
Tulia Zanzibar
Tulia Zanzibar Beach Resort is a 16-room boutique beach hotel that opened in 2016 on Zanzibar's east coast.
When to go to East Coast Zanzibar
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Matemwe Lodge in East Coast Zanzibar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Zanzibar in January
As on the Tanzanian mainland, January typically marks the start of the short dry season in Zanzibar. Conditions are likely to be hot and mostly dry, with temperatures exceeding 30ºC, although it is not uncommon to get a tropical shower in the afternoons. January can feel very humid at times, and this is particularly noticeable in Stone Town, although this can be tempered by the cooling sea breeze.
New Year is one of the most popular times to visit Zanzibar, with many hotels being fully booked over the festive period. The island generally becomes much quieter after 10th January, and prices drop too.
- Mostly hot with the occasional shower.
- High humidity, which can be relieved by the refreshing breeze.
- Very busy over New Year, with high prices and long minimum stays often
- Quieter and better value later in the month.
- Wind from the northeast, and so the southwest coast is more sheltered.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in January
Zanzibar in February
The weather in February is fairly similar to January, with days typically being hot and sunny although expect the occasional rainy spell. The humidity remains high, however the coastal areas often have a refreshing breeze. Zanzibar is fairly quiet in February, and with comparatively low prices it can be excellent value for money.
At this time the wind blows from the northeast, and so the southwest coast is often more sheltered and there can be good diving in the Menai Bay. The northeast winds can also lead to good conditions for kite surfing, with many kite surfers heading to the southeast coast and Michamvi Peninsula. For music lovers, Stone Town hosts an annual African music festival ‘Sauti za Busara’ each February. The festival's dates change each year; ask us for details.
- Variable: mostly hot and humid with some cloud and rainy spells.
- Fewer tourists and comparatively low prices.
- Popular time for kite surfing, especially around the southeast coast.
- North easterly wind, better diving in the south west of the island.
- ‘Sauti za Busara’ music festival in early February.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in February
Zanzibar in March
March sees the start of the ‘long rains’ in Zanzibar, although the exact start date varies every year. The weather can be unpredictable, with a combination of hot sunny days, rain showers, and the occasional tropical storm. The arrival of the rains lowers the humidity, and it can also lead to some beautiful sunsets – most obviously on the west coast where you can watch the sunset over the ocean. Prices remain low during March, and the island is likely to be relatively quiet.
Diving is generally not recommended during the rainy season, as variable conditions can lead to reduced visibility from rainfall runoff, and choppy water.
- Hot and humid, leading to heavy rains later in the month.
- Low prices, and the island is comparatively quiet.
- Variable weather leads to poor conditions for diving.
- The start of the rains can lead to beautiful sunsets.
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Zanzibar in April
April is typically the wettest month of the year in Zanzibar, and the long rains are in full force. The average rainfall is more than 250mm during this month, and tropical storms are common. Flooding regularly occurs, which can impact the quality of the roads, and consequently cause difficult, slow journeys across the island. Many of the hotels and beach lodges close at this time, so accommodation options can be limited. Having said this, prices are at their lowest, and if you don’t mind the risk of bad weather you can get some real bargains.
Despite the poor conditions, Easter weekend is often popular, and advance booking is recommended. Due to the strong likelihood of rain and poor conditions diving is inadvisable at this time.
- Heavy rain and tropical storms expected throughout the month.
- Areas of flooding leading to poor travel conditions.
- Many hotels close for refurbishment at this time.
- Low prices and few other tourists.
- Diving inadvisable due to heavy rain and reduced visibility.
Our view
A time to avoid if possible
Weather in April
Zanzibar in May
The long rains continue into May, and as with April you can expect thunderstorms and heavy showers, although these typically ease up towards the end of the month. Parts of the island can experience flooding, causing damage to roads and impacting travel times. The temperature typically drops a little in May, with a daytime average of around 25ºC. The rains lead to a lower humidity too, and mornings and evenings can feel a bit cooler.
Many of the hotels and lodges are still closed, however a handful stay open and prices remain low. While diving is possible, the rain and storms mean that diving conditions are not at their best.
- Continuation of the long rains, with thunderstorms and lightning.
- Flooding common, but conditions becoming drier as the month progresses
- Drop in temperatures, with cooler mornings and evenings.
- Prices low, and many hotels remain closed.
Our view
A time to avoid if possible
Weather in May
Zanzibar in June
June marks the start of the long dry season in Zanzibar. While the island still gets rainfall, especially early in the month, it’s becomes less likely as the month progresses. Temperatures remain steady, with daytime highs averaging 25ºC, and it likely to be mostly dry. Any rain you do experience is likely to be in shorter bursts rather than heavy storms and hours of continuous rain, although conditions vary from year to year.
The wind direction switches to blow from the southeast, and the northeast coast is likely to be more sheltered at this time. Diving conditions can be variable, and while they are generally good there can be some rough days.
- Variable weather: mostly hot and dry, with some rainy showers.
- Wind from the southwest, and more sheltered in the north east.
- Diving conditions variable, dependent on the wind and rain.
- Lower prices and generally good weather can lead to great value.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
Zanzibar in July
July is a very popular time to go to Zanzibar, and this coincides with the long dry season. July and August are the school holidays throughout much of Europe, and Zanzibar can often be busy with families. Weather conditions are generally hot and dry and pretty ideal for a beach holiday, however there is still a chance of an occasional short shower. Conditions for diving are typically pretty good, however this will be dependent on recent weather conditions.
The Zanzibar International Film Festival takes place in July, with lots of people flocking to Stone Town to soak up the atmosphere. The dates for the festival change every year, so chat to Expert Africa for details.
- Typically hot and dry with clear skies, although showers are possible.
- Can become very busy, with many families traveling during holidays.
- Zanzibar International Film Festival takes place in Stone Town.
- Great beach weather result in high prices.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Zanzibar in August
August is one of the most popular times of year to visit Zanzibar, and with good reason; this is one of the driest months and it is typically hot with clear skies – ideal for relaxing on the beach. Many families choose to visit during August, and the island can be busy, and this is particularly noticeable in Stone Town and around the more popular snorkelling sites.
High demand can mean that many of the more popular hotels and beach lodges can be booked up more than 6 months ahead, so advance booking is crucial. Due to the popularity and great beach weather prices are high.
- Hot and sunny, generally ideal for relaxing on the beach.
- Popular time for families and the island can be busy.
- High demand leads to higher prices, and advance booking is essential.
- With little rain falling and causing soil run-off, the sea is clear.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Zanzibar in September
September is an excellent time of year to visit Zanzibar. Weather conditions are typically very good, with clear skies and temperatures ranging from 20¬–30ºC. September is also one of the driest months, averaging 50mm of rain during the month, however rain showers are still possible. Due to the great beach conditions prices remain high, however with fewer families travelling in September the island can be a little quieter at this time.
September to December are often some of the calmest months at sea, which can result in superb conditions for diving. The wind typically blows from the southeast, and the northeast coast can often be a little more sheltered. You can find some beautiful snorkelling and diving spots around Mnemba Island.
- Warm temperatures and clear skies, with the off-chance of rain.
- Fewer families travelling, and the island can be a little quieter.
- Great beach weather means that prices remain high.
- Relatively calm seas result in good conditions for diving.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Zanzibar in October
October is the tail end of the dry season and you can generally expect hot, dry conditions. The short rains typically start in early November, and so this does mean that there is an increased likelihood of rainy spells as the month progresses. October remains a popular month to travel, particularly so during the European half-term school holidays, and advance booking is advised.
With high demand and great weather prices remain high, however there are some long-stay special offers to be found. South-easterly winds mean that the northeast coast can be more sheltered and conditions for diving can be good.
- End of the dry season, generally good beach weather.
- Increased chance of rain, particularly near the end of the month.
- Popular with families during the half-term school holiday.
- High demand means prices remain high.
- Northeast coast generally more sheltered.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Zanzibar in November
The short rains start during November, however their exact start varies year on year. You are likely to experience a mixture of hot, dry days with the occasional tropical shower, however we find that short showers can actually be quite refreshing. With the start of the rains the humidity can shoot up and while the coastal properties tend to receive a pleasant cooling breeze Stone Town and the island interior can feel quite hot and clammy.
Prices drop in November and there are some real bargains to be found. This time of year can be great value for money, especially near the start of the month when the weather conditions are very comparable to late October. The demand is generally lower, and the island starts to feel much quieter.
- Variable weather: mostly hot and dry but with some clouds and rain.
- Hot temperatures, with humidity on the rise.
- Less busy than October, and with lower prices it can be great value.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Zanzibar in December
December falls in to the short rainy season, and the weather can be variable. Days are likely to be hot and humid, with the occasional patch of rain, although showers can be a blessing in disguise as they help to lower the temperature. Early December is fairly quiet and prices are low, however this changes dramatically over Christmas and New Year.
The festive season, from around 20th December to 5th January, is arguably the most popular time to visit Zanzibar. Prices are at their highest, and long minimum stays are imposed. Due to the very high demand booking early is essential, especially if you’re a group or a large family. Book six months to a year in advance, or even more, if possible.
- Variable weather, with a mix of hot, sunny days and tropical showers.
- High humidity, which may be mitigated by the cool ocean breeze.
- Quiet with lower prices earlier in the month.
- Busy and exceptionally popular over Christmas and New Year.
- Advance booking over Christmas and New Year is essential.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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