South Africa in December

Peak domestic holiday: coast, Garden Route and park camps full; book 6–12 months ahead.

• Western Cape · 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.

• Garden Route · Mossel Bay, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikammabest weather

  Rain in every month, mild temperatures; December school holidays fill every bed.

• Kruger and the Lowveld · Kruger, Sabi Sand, Timbavati, Panorama Routerainy

  Dry winter May–September is the game-viewing season; summer storms, 35 °C heat and higher malaria risk November–March, but green landscapes and baby animals.

• Highveld · Johannesburg, Pretoriarainy

  At 1,750 m: afternoon thunderstorms in summer, sunny frosty winters.

• KwaZulu-Natal coast · Durban, iSimangaliso, Hluhluwehot

  Warm sea all year; humid summers; winter is the best time for the parks.

• Drakensberg · uKhahlamba-Drakensberg, Golden Gaterainy

  Summer thunderstorms most afternoons; winter snow on the high peaks.

• Cape Town25° / 15°, 5 rain days

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

  Start of the peak summer holidays.

• Christmas Day and Day of Goodwill big impact

  25–26 Dec

  Coast and parks at full capacity; many businesses close until early January.

• Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts check

  Cape Town

  Sunday-afternoon picnic crowds; book ahead in peak weeks.

• Peak summer season

  Cape Town

  Highest prices and crowds; book well ahead.

Crowds · South Africa

High

Prices · South Africa

High

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

• Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
• A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Rated best or good this month

• Western Cape

  Best weather of the year (Cape Town, Winelands, Hermanus, Cederberg)

• Garden Route

  Best weather of the year (Mossel Bay, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma)