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When to go · Pietermaritzburg

Pietermaritzburg in December

Mixed month. Outside the best window (Apr–Oct). Across South Africa: Peak domestic holiday: coast, Garden Route and park camps full; book 6–12 months ahead.

Key facts

Verdict
Mixed
Temperature
26°C (79°F) / 16°C (61°F)
average high / low
Rain days
11
Crowds
High
South Africa overall
Prices
High
South Africa overall

Verdict

MixedSouth Africa month rating

Outside the best window (Apr–Oct). Across South Africa: Peak domestic holiday: coast, Garden Route and park camps full; book 6–12 months ahead.

Is another month better than December?

December is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

Weather in December

Long-term averages
  • PietermaritzburgHighs around 26 °C (79 °F), lows around 16 °C (61 °F), rain on about 11 days

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 Pietermaritzburg, side by side.

  • Verdict

    Dec: Mixed

    Apr: Great (better)

  • Daytime high

    Dec: 26 °C (79 °F)

    Apr: 22 °C (72 °F)

  • Night low

    Dec: 16 °C (61 °F)

    Apr: 12 °C (54 °F)

  • Rain days

    Dec: 11

    Apr: 8 (better)

  • Crowds

    Dec: High

    Apr: Medium

  • Prices

    Dec: High

    Apr: Medium

  • Festivals listed

    Dec: 2

    Apr: 1

December: Outside the best window (Apr–Oct). Across South Africa: Peak domestic holiday: coast, Garden Route and park camps full; book 6–12 months ahead.

April: Inside Pietermaritzburg's best window: Apr–Oct.

Pietermaritzburg: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.

What to pack

  • A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Across South Africa in December →