South Africa in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in South Africa

96°F (36°C) High Temp

59°F (15°C) Low Temp

2.0 inches (51 mm) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak summer season means perfect beach and wildlife conditions - Game viewing is exceptional as animals gather around water sources, making Big 5 sightings 40% more likely than winter months
Whale watching season peaks with Southern Right whales calving in Hermanus waters from June-December, with December offering the last prime viewing before they migrate
Fruit harvest season creates incredible food experiences - Cape wine estates offer harvest participation, stone fruit is at peak ripeness, and local markets overflow with seasonal produce
Daylight extends until 8pm (20:00), giving you 14+ hours of activity time and making evening game drives, sunset cruises, and outdoor dining incredibly rewarding

Considerations

Peak domestic holiday season from December 16-January 15 drives accommodation prices up 150-300% and requires booking 3-4 months ahead to secure decent options
Afternoon thunderstorms hit 60% of days inland (Johannesburg, Kruger), typically 2-4pm, requiring flexible planning and indoor backup activities
Cape Town's notorious December crowds mean Table Mountain cableway queues reach 2+ hours during peak times (10am-2pm) and beaches become uncomfortably packed on weekends

Best Activities in December

Kruger National Park Game Drives

December's dry season concentrates animals around permanent water sources, creating exceptional Big 5 viewing opportunities. Early morning drives (5:30-9:30am) offer the best wildlife activity before afternoon heat peaks at 96°F (36°C). Thunderstorms typically hit after 2pm, making morning and late afternoon drives ideal. The park's summer vegetation creates lush backdrops for photography while animals remain easily visible.

Booking Tip: Book accommodations inside the park 11-14 months ahead for December - demand is extreme. Private game reserves cost 3,000-8,000 ZAR per person per night but offer more exclusive experiences. Self-drive options work well with 4x4 rental (2,800-4,200 ZAR for 5 days). See current tour options in the booking section below.

Cape Town Peninsula and Winelands Tours

Harvest season transforms the Cape Winelands into a working landscape where you can participate in grape picking, stomping, and blending. December's long days mean wine estate visits can extend until 7pm with golden hour photography. The peninsula drive to Cape Point offers perfect weather for the 44 km (27 mile) scenic route, with minimal winter storm interference.

Booking Tip: Harvest experiences at boutique wineries cost 800-1,500 ZAR per person including tastings and lunch. Book peninsula day tours 7-10 days ahead (typically 1,200-2,200 ZAR). Private driver-guides cost 2,500-3,500 ZAR for full day and offer flexible timing around afternoon storms. Check booking widget below for current harvest tour availability.

Garden Route Coastal Adventures

December offers the Garden Route's most reliable weather for outdoor activities. Plettenberg Bay's water temperature reaches 20°C (68°F), perfect for whale watching, dolphin encounters, and beach activities. The 300 km (186 mile) route from Mossel Bay to Storms River avoids winter's unpredictable storms, though afternoon thunderstorms still require morning activity planning.

Booking Tip: Whale watching boat trips run daily and cost 650-1,200 ZAR per person with 90% success rates in December. Canopy tours and bungee jumping at Tsitsikamma operate year-round but December's stable morning weather offers best conditions. Book accommodations 6-8 weeks ahead as coastal towns fill with domestic tourists. See current coastal tour options below.

Johannesburg Cultural and Historical Experiences

December's afternoon thunderstorms make indoor cultural activities perfect for 2-6pm when outdoor sightseeing becomes uncomfortable. Apartheid Museum, Constitutional Hill, and Soweto township tours offer air-conditioned environments during peak heat. Morning walking tours in Maboneng work well before 11am when temperatures climb toward 96°F (36°C).

Booking Tip: Township tours through registered operators cost 450-800 ZAR for half-day experiences including lunch in local homes. Apartheid Museum requires 2-3 hours and costs 95 ZAR entry. Book morning slots for outdoor portions of Soweto tours, leaving afternoons for museum visits. Current cultural tour options available in booking section.

Hermanus Whale Watching

December marks the final peak month for Southern Right whale viewing as mothers with new calves prepare for migration. Land-based viewing from cliff paths costs nothing and offers excellent sightings, while boat trips get within 150m (492 ft) of whales. Walker Bay's protected waters stay calm most mornings, with afternoon wind picking up around 2pm.

Booking Tip: Boat-based whale watching costs 800-1,400 ZAR per person with trips running 9am, 12pm, and 3pm daily. Morning departures offer calmest seas and best photographic conditions. Book 5-7 days ahead during December peak season. Land-based viewing requires no booking - cliff path walks cover 12 km (7.5 miles) with multiple viewing points. Check current whale watching tours below.

Drakensberg Mountains Hiking and Culture

December's afternoon thunderstorms create dramatic mountain scenery but require early morning hiking starts by 6am. Temperatures at 1,500m (4,921 ft) elevation stay comfortable at 75-85°F (24-29°C) compared to lowland heat. San rock art sites like Game Pass Shelter offer cultural experiences combined with moderate hiking in spectacular mountain amphitheater settings.

Booking Tip: Guided rock art hikes cost 350-650 ZAR per person and must start by 7am to avoid afternoon storms. Accommodation in mountain resorts books solid for December school holidays - reserve 10-12 weeks ahead. Day hiking permits for Royal Natal National Park cost 48 ZAR per person. Weather can change rapidly above 2,000m (6,562 ft). See current mountain tour options in booking widget.

December Events & Festivals

December 31

Cape Town New Year's Eve Fireworks

V&A Waterfront hosts South Africa's largest New Year's celebration with fireworks over Table Mountain. Multiple viewing points around the harbor offer free access, while paid venues provide food and drink packages. The event draws 50,000+ people and requires advance planning for accommodation and transport.

Throughout December

Winelands Harvest Festivals

Various wine estates throughout Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl celebrate harvest season with grape-stomping events, harvest worker celebrations, and special tastings of new season wines. Each estate runs its own schedule of harvest experiences rather than a coordinated festival.

Mid December

Carols by Candlelight

Outdoor Christmas carol services held in major cities' botanical gardens and parks. Johannesburg Botanical Garden and Cape Town's Kirstenbosch are the largest venues, featuring local choirs and allowing picnic setups. Free events that showcase South African Christmas traditions blending European and African musical influences.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or packable poncho - afternoon thunderstorms last 20-30 minutes and hit 60% of days, but UV protection is more critical than waterproofing

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and altitude increases exposure in wine country and mountains by 15% per 300m (984 ft) elevation

Breathable cotton or linen clothing in light colors - avoid polyester in 70% humidity as it traps moisture and becomes uncomfortable during 96°F (36°C) peaks

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - summer rain makes sidewalks and hiking trails slippery, especially around waterfalls and coastal paths

Light sweater or jacket for evenings - temperatures drop to 59°F (15°C) at night and mountain areas can be 10-15°F cooler than listed temperatures

Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses - essential for game drives, whale watching boats, and wine estate visits where shade is limited during 14+ hour days

Quick-dry clothing for beach and adventure activities - ocean temperature reaches 68°F (20°C) but you'll want layers for air-conditioned restaurants and vehicles

Insect repellent with DEET - summer brings mosquitoes to game reserves and coastal areas, particularly around water sources where animals gather

Power bank and universal adapter (Type M plugs) - long activity days and frequent photo opportunities drain batteries faster, plus load shedding still affects some areas

Small daypack for hiking and day tours - essential for carrying water, snacks, and rain protection during variable December weather conditions

Insider Knowledge

Book Table Mountain cableway tickets online for 7-9am slots to avoid 2+ hour queues during peak season - afternoon thunderstorms often close the cableway anyway, making morning visits essential

Kruger's rest camps release last-minute cancellations 48-72 hours before arrival - monitor the SANParks website daily if you couldn't book ahead, as domestic travelers often change plans

Cape Town's load shedding schedule affects restaurant hours and attraction operations - download the EskomSePush app to plan activities around power outages, typically 2-4 hour blocks

Domestic flight prices spike 200-400% during December school holidays (December 16-January 15) - fly international into Cape Town and use budget airlines like FlySafair for internal routes booked separately

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating December accommodation demand - popular destinations like Hermanus, Plettenberg Bay, and Kruger Park book out 6+ months ahead, leaving only expensive options or poor locations

Planning outdoor activities for midday - temperatures hit 96°F (36°C) and afternoon storms arrive by 2pm, making 10am-2pm the worst time for hiking, game drives, or beach activities

Assuming Cape Town's reputation for wind applies in December - summer brings calmer conditions but also means less natural air conditioning, so plan for hotter, more humid conditions than expected