When to go · Cape Town
Cape Town in December
Mixed month. Peak season; wind, crowds and high prices.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Temperature
- 25° / 15°
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 5
- Crowds
- High
- South Africa overall
- Prices
- High
- South Africa overall
Verdict
Peak season; wind, crowds and high prices.
Weather in December
- Cape TownHighs around 25 °C, lows around 15 °C, rain on about 5 days
- Western Cape, South Africa · Cape Town, Winelands, Hermanus, Cederbergbest weather
Mediterranean: dry, windy summers (the south-easter can close the cableway), wet cold fronts June–August. Whales off Hermanus about June–November.
Summer season
Hot, dry, long days; the south-easter wind; Kirstenbosch concerts and beach season.
Watch: Peak prices and crowds Dec–Jan; wind can close the cableway.
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts check
Kirstenbosch
Sunday-afternoon picnic crowds; book ahead in peak weeks.
Peak summer season
Citywide
Highest prices and crowds; book well ahead.
Day of Reconciliation big impact
16 Dec · South Africa
Start of the peak summer holidays.
Christmas Day and Day of Goodwill big impact
25–26 Dec · South Africa
Coast and parks at full capacity; many businesses close until early January.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · South Africa overall
- High
- Prices · South Africa overall
- High
South Africa overall: Peak domestic holiday: coast, Garden Route and park camps full; book 6–12 months ahead.
High-price month: see what to book ahead.
What to pack
Nothing unusual for the weather this month.