December in South Africa is the busiest month of the year, peaking during Christmas and New Year when prices are highest, and Cape Town's hotels and beaches are at their most crowded. Still, the festive season spirit is reason enough to visit Cape Town, where the weather is hot and clear. And this is an excellent time to seek out more remote beaches, such as iSimangaliso, where it's nesting season for loggerhead and leatherback turtles, and the birding is splendid.

Weather

In South Africa's Cape Provinces, December is consistently hot and dry, with crystal-clear skies—an ideal time for a beach vacation if you don't mind the crowds and frequent winds. 

By contrast, December is the wettest month in the north, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms in Johannesburg and Kruger, while Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal coast can be swelteringly humid. The mosquito population also soars with summer rainfall. Away from the ocean, everywhere in the interior is hot, explaining why locals flock to the coast. Daily temperatures average 75°F (24°C) in Cape Town, 77°F (25°C) in Johannesburg, and 90°F (32°C) in Kruger.

Where to Go & What to Do

Find a reprieve from the heat on the Highveld; at 5,800 feet (1,755 m) in elevation, Johannesburg will be warm in December but not overly so. Plus, much of the population has left for the beach, so the city is peaceful—a great time to explore Soweto Township, the Nelson Mandela Museum, and the nearby Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site (see this article). Meanwhile, though busy with thirsty visitors, Winelands is irresistibly tempting on a bright summer day. Call ahead to reserve a pre-ordered picnic to enjoy outdoors as you sip chilled wine. You might even indulge in a three-course Christmas lunch or dinner. 

In late December, Kruger—South Africa's most famous safari destination—gets packed with local families taking advantage of the school holidays. Smaller, private reserves such as Phinda, Thanda, Pumba, and Gorah Elephant Camp offer a more intimate experience. And although summer foliage makes animal viewing more difficult, it also adds a vibrant backdrop to wildlife photography. Newborn mammals abound, as do predators on the prowl. At Phinda and Thanda, you can easily combine a Big Five safari with a beach holiday. 

Birding is sensational this month, especially in the north, as this is the middle of the migratory season, and many of the summer residents sport their breeding plumage. A magnet for vagrant water birds, iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a prime destination with more than 530 bird species, from African pygmy geese to flamingoes. Along the beaches of the park, seek nesting leatherback and loggerhead turtles with a nighttime turtle-tracking tour (and daytime reef diving). And for added adrenaline, slip into a kayak to paddle through the wetlands with the hippos and crocodiles.

True, iSimangaliso and the rest of KwaZulu-Natal will be hot and humid, but you have the refreshing cool of the sea to compensate. 

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Crowds & Costs

Early December is a good time to visit before the peak visitor rush begins. Mid-December to mid-January is South Africa's busiest period as school holidays begin and local vacationers pack the game parks and beaches, and traffic along the Garden Route can be crowded.

Every Capetonian traditionally heads to the beach on December 26, and rates increase accordingly. Accommodation is at a premium, and you'll need to book your hotels, safaris, and excursions well in advance. If you wish to enjoy a safari while avoiding the crowds of Kruger, consider one of the smaller, lesser-known reserves. This can be an excellent time to visit Johannesburg and Pretoria, as many residents head out of town for a holiday.

Events in December

Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival, Franschoek. This annual themed event is a highlight of the social calendar, held in early December on the lush lawns surrounding Franschhoek's iconic Huguenot Monument. Sample the best bubbly from wineries around the area, plus edible treats from Franschhoek's world-class restaurants.

Cape Town Festival of Beer, Cape Town. For sudsters who prefer their bubbles malted, this decade-old event features more than 200 beers from 60 breweries, plus artisanal food trucks and live entertainment.

Durban Jazz Festival, Durban. This one-day alfresco event is held each December 26 and features a line-up of top African jazz performers.  

More Helpful Information

South Africa in November
South Africa in January
Best Time of Year to Visit South Africa
How Many Days to Spend in South Africa