When to go · Durban
Durban in December
Avoid month. Listed as a month to avoid: Dec–Jan (peak crowds and prices), Feb–Mar (wettest).
Key facts
- Verdict
- Avoid
- Temperature
- 27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C) / 20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 15
- Crowds
- High
- South Africa overall
- Prices
- High
- South Africa overall
Verdict
Listed as a month to avoid: Dec–Jan (peak crowds and prices), Feb–Mar (wettest).
Is another month better than December?
December is rated avoid. These months rate higher:
- AprilGreatInside Durban's best window: Apr–May, Sep–Oct (warm, drier, fewer crowds).
- MayGreatInside Durban's best window: Apr–May, Sep–Oct (warm, drier, fewer crowds).
- SeptemberGreatInside Durban's best window: Apr–May, Sep–Oct (warm, drier, fewer crowds).
- OctoberGreatInside Durban's best window: Apr–May, Sep–Oct (warm, drier, fewer crowds).
Weather in December
- DurbanHighs around 27 °C (81 °F), lows around 20 °C (68 °F), rain on about 15 daysHighs around 81 °F (27 °C), lows around 68 °F (20 °C), rain on about 15 days
- KwaZulu-Natal coast, South Africa · Durban, iSimangaliso, Hluhluwehot
Warm sea all year; humid summers; winter is the best time for the parks.
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.
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.
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Durban, side by side.
Verdict
Dec: Avoid
Apr: Great (better)
Daytime high
Dec: 27 °C (81 °F)81 °F (27 °C)
Apr: 26 °C (79 °F)79 °F (26 °C)
Night low
Dec: 20 °C (68 °F)68 °F (20 °C)
Apr: 18 °C (64 °F)64 °F (18 °C)
Rain days
Dec: 15
Apr: 9 (better)
Crowds
Dec: High
Apr: Medium
Prices
Dec: High
Apr: Medium
Festivals listed
Dec: 2
Apr: 1
December: Listed as a month to avoid: Dec–Jan (peak crowds and prices), Feb–Mar (wettest).
April: Inside Durban's best window: Apr–May, Sep–Oct (warm, drier, fewer crowds).
Durban: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen