Cape Town in December

Peak season; wind, crowds and high prices.

All twelve months in one grid — weather, crowds and prices, with gaps left as unknown.

December is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

• FebruaryGreatHot and dry; the cableway can close in wind.
• MarchGreatWarm and calmer; good for the mountain and the coast.
• OctoberGreatWarm and clear; good for the mountain.
• NovemberGreatWarm and dry; before the December crowds.

• Cape TownHighs around 25 °C (77 °F), lows around 15 °C (59 °F), rain on about 5 daysHighs around 77 °F (25 °C), lows around 59 °F (15 °C), rain on about 5 days
• Western Cape, South Africa · 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.

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.

• Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts check

  Kirstenbosch

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

• Peak summer season

  Citywide

  Highest prices and crowds; book well ahead.

• 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 · 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.

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Cape Town, side by side.

Nothing unusual for the weather this month.

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