When to go · Pilgrim's Rest
Pilgrim's Rest in December
Mixed month. Outside the best window (May–Oct). Across South Africa: Peak domestic holiday: coast, Garden Route and park camps full; book 6–12 months ahead.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Temperature
- 30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C) / 18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 11
- Crowds
- High
- South Africa overall
- Prices
- High
- South Africa overall
Verdict
Outside the best window (May–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
- Pilgrim's RestHighs around 30 °C (86 °F), lows around 18 °C (64 °F), rain on about 11 daysHighs around 86 °F (30 °C), lows around 64 °F (18 °C), 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 Pilgrim's Rest, side by side.
Verdict
Dec: Mixed
May: Great (better)
Daytime high
Dec: 30 °C (86 °F)86 °F (30 °C)
May: 22 °C (72 °F)72 °F (22 °C)
Night low
Dec: 18 °C (64 °F)64 °F (18 °C)
May: 12 °C (54 °F)54 °F (12 °C)
Rain days
Dec: 11
May: 4 (better)
Crowds
Dec: High
May: Low
Prices
Dec: High
May: Low
Festivals listed
Dec: 2
May: 0
December: Outside the best window (May–Oct). Across South Africa: Peak domestic holiday: coast, Garden Route and park camps full; book 6–12 months ahead.
May: Inside Pilgrim's Rest's best window: May–Oct.
Pilgrim's Rest: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast