South Africa (Cape Town) · December
Best travel monthTravel seasonSouth Africa · Africa
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 27° (81°)22– (72–)34 (93) | 27° (81°)22– (72–)34 (93) | 26° (79°)20– (68–)34 (93) | 24° (75°)17– (63–)32 (90) | 21° (70°)15– (59–)29 (84) | 19° (66°)14– (57–)27 (81) | 18° (64°)13– (55–)26 (79) | 18° (64°)13– (55–)27 (81) | 20° (68°)14– (57–)29 (84) | 23° (73°)16– (61–)31 (88) | 24° (75°)17– (63–)31 (88) | 26° (79°)20– (68–)32 (90) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 18° (64°)13– (55–)21 (70) | 18° (64°)13– (55–)20 (68) | 16° (61°)11– (52–)19 (66) | 13° (55°)7– (45–)17 (63) | 11° (52°)6– (43–)15 (59) | 10° (50°)3– (37–)14 (57) | 9° (48°)2– (36–)13 (55) | 9° (48°)3– (37–)13 (55) | 10° (50°)5– (41–)14 (57) | 13° (55°)6– (43–)17 (63) | 15° (59°)9– (48–)17 (63) | 17° (63°)12– (54–)19 (66) |
☀️Sunshine | 11h | 10h | 9h | 8h | 6h | 5h | 5h | 6h | 7h | 9h | 10h | 11h |
🌊Water Temp | 15° (59°) | 15° (59°) | 15° (59°) | 15° (59°) | 15° (59°) | 15° (59°) | 15° (59°) | 15° (59°) | 15° (59°) | 15° (59°) | 15° (59°) | 15° (59°) |
🌧Rain Days | 1d16mm (0.6") | 1d8mm (0.3") | 2d16mm (0.6") | 2d29mm (1.1") | 5d51mm (2.0") | 8d88mm (3.5") | 6d73mm (2.9") | 7d59mm (2.3") | 4d42mm (1.7") | 2d24mm (0.9") | 3d33mm (1.3") | 1d14mm (0.6") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel season — mid-range prices, good availability.
December is one of the best months to visit South Africa (Cape Town) — with 11 sunshine hours per day and pleasant highs of 26°C (79°F).
Daytime highs average 26°C (79°F), cooling to 17°C (63°F) at night (daily average: 21°C (70°F)). Peaks reach around 32°C (90°F), the coldest nights around 12°C (54°F). With 11 sunshine hours per day, December is one of the sunniest months — 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain over 1 day. At 15°C (59°F), the water is still quite cool in December — a wetsuit may be useful.
Summer clothing and a light jacket for evenings is enough. Conditions are ideal for excursions, hikes, and sightseeing.
Cape Town high summer: Table Mountain clear in the morning, with its tablecloth of cloud rolling in by afternoon. Boulders Beach has its full complement of penguins, and the Winelands around Stellenbosch are in their best light. The Kaapse Klopse on 2 January bring colour to the streets.
Packing list for South Africa (Cape Town) in December
- T-shirts and shorts
- Light jacket for cool evenings
- SPF 50 sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is December a good time to visit South Africa (Cape Town)?
- Yes — December is one of the best months to visit South Africa (Cape Town) (Climate Score: 89/100). Pleasant temperatures (26°C (79°F)), good sunshine (11 h/day), and few rain days (1) make it one of the most recommended months.
- How warm is it in South Africa (Cape Town) in December?
- In December, South Africa (Cape Town) sees daily highs of 26°C (79°F). Nights cool to 17°C (63°F), with a daily average of 21°C (70°F). Peaks reach around 32°C (90°F), the coldest nights around 12°C (54°F).
- How much rain falls in South Africa (Cape Town) in December?
- In December, South Africa (Cape Town) receives an average of 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain over 1 rain day. That is comparatively dry.
- How many sunshine hours does South Africa (Cape Town) get in December?
- South Africa (Cape Town) averages 11 sunshine hours per day in December — above the annual average.
- How warm is the water in South Africa (Cape Town) in December?
- Water temperature in South Africa (Cape Town) in December averages 15°C (59°F) — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.
