December weather forecast
South Africa

December ushers in the peak of summer in South Africa, characterised by hot temperatures and regular rainfall in the majority of regions. Inland areas, including Johannesburg and Pretoria, typically experience temperatures that range between 16°C (60.8°F) to 30°C (86°F). Coastal cities such as Cape Town and Durban display similar trends with temperatures varying from 16°C (60.8°F) to 27°C (80.6°F).

In terms of rainfall, December continues the patterns set in November. Johannesburg, situated in the Highveld, observes continued high levels of precipitation, averaging 120mm (4.72"). The Western Cape, meanwhile, persists in its dry season with minimal rainfall, averaging 15mm (0.59").

When comparing December to November, the intensification of summer is clear, with both temperatures and rainfall (in summer rainfall regions) reaching their peak levels. This pattern generally extends into January, maintaining high temperatures and abundant rainfall in most parts of the country.

The weather in December offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. The hot conditions and plentiful sunshine are perfect for beach trips, especially in coastal regions such as the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Meanwhile, the summer rains transform the landscapes into lush, green paradises, creating excellent conditions for nature walks and sightseeing. Wildlife viewing continues to be rewarding, with the vibrant summer life contributing to an enriching experience.

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• Johannesburg - December »
  Despite the high rainfall, the South African city of Johannesburg enjoys abundant sunlit hours, making December a popular month for tourists and locals alike to revel in the vibrant summer festivities. In Johannesburg in December, during 14.9 rainfall days, 105mm (4.13") of precipitation is typically accumulated.
• Cape Town - December »
  In Cape Town during December, the rain falls for 6.4 days and regularly aggregates up to 16mm (0.63") of precipitation. February, April and December, with an average relative humidity of 68%, are the least humid months in Cape Town, South Africa.
• Pretoria - December »
  The month with the longest days in Pretoria is December, with an average of 13h and 42min of daylight. With an average of 13h and 42min of daylight, December has the longest days of the year in Pretoria, South Africa.
• Durban - December »
  Owing to this mix of warmth, humidity, and longer daylight hours, December is a lively and vibrant month in Durban. With an average of 14h and 0min of daylight, December has the longest days of the year in Durban, South Africa.
• Port Elizabeth - December »
  The months with the highest UV index in Port Elizabeth are January, February and December, with an average maximum UV index of 6. December has the longest days of the year in Port Elizabeth with an average of 14h and 24min of daylight.
• Bloemfontein - December »
  December is the month with the highest UV index in Bloemfontein with an average maximum UV index of 7. In Bloemfontein, South Africa, snow does not fall in January through June, August through December.
• Nelspruit - December »
  With an average of 13h and 42min of daylight, December has the longest days of the year in Nelspruit, South Africa. December brings the highest temperatures in Nelspruit with an average high of 28°C (82.4°F) and an average low of 17.1°C (62.8°F).
• Kimberley - December »
  January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index in Kimberley, South Africa. January and December, with an average high-temperature of 32.3°C (90.1°F), are warmest months in Kimberley, South Africa.
• Polokwane - December »
  January through March, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 12, are months with the highest UV index in Polokwane, South Africa. On the first day of December in Polokwane, South Africa, sunrise is at 05:06 and sunset at 18:36.
• Pietermaritzburg - December »
  The months with the least sunshine in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, are January through May, September through December, with an average of 7h of sunshine. On the last day of December, in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, sunrise is at 05:01 and sunset at 19:02 SAST.
• East London - December »
  January, February, April and December, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index in East London, South Africa. January, February, April and December, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index in East London, South Africa.
• Rustenburg - December »
  The month with the most rainfall in Rustenburg is December, when the rain falls for 19.6 days and typically aggregates up to 95mm (3.74") of precipitation. December has the longest days of the year in Rustenburg, South Africa, with an average of 13h and 42min of daylight.