Eswatini in December

Holiday traffic from South Africa; Incwala begins (check).

December is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

• AprilGreatAutumn clarity; Easter queues at borders; 19 April King's birthday.
• MayGreatDry, clear and mild; Bushfire festival has been held in late May (check).
• JuneGreatCool dry season; good game viewing in the lowveld.
• JulyGreatSouth African school holidays fill Hlane and Mlilwane.

• Highveld · Mbabane, Malolotja, Piggs Peakrainy

  Misty, cool and green; summer storms and fog on the MR1; frosty winter nights.

• Middleveld · Ezulwini Valley, Lobamba, Manzini, Malkernsrainy

  Mild all year; most lodges, crafts and ceremonies are here.

• Lowveld · Hlane, Mkhaya, Mbuluzi, Big Bendhot

  Hot and humid Nov–Mar with some malaria risk; winter dry season concentrates game at waterholes.

• Lubombo plateau · Shewula, Mlawula, Sitekihot

  Border ridge with Mozambique; warm and dry in winter.

• Mbabane25 °C (77 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 13 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 59 °F (15 °C), 13 rain days
• Lobamba29 °C (84 °F) / 19 °C (66 °F), 6 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 66 °F (19 °C), 6 rain days
• Manzini27 °C (81 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 11 rain days81 °F (27 °C) / 55 °F (13 °C), 11 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.

• Incwala

  Dec–Jan (set by the moon, announced late)

  Kingship ceremony; the main public day is a holiday; strict photo rules.

• Christmas and Boxing Day

  25–26 Dec

  Holiday traffic.

Crowds · Eswatini

High

Prices · Eswatini

High

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

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

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

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