When to go · Lesotho
Lesotho in December
Mixed month. Summer storms; holiday traffic from South Africa.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Crowds
- Medium
- Lesotho
- Prices
- Medium
- Lesotho
Verdict
Summer storms; holiday traffic from South Africa.
Is another month better than December?
December is rated mixed. These months rate higher:
- AprilGreatAutumn: clear skies, green hills, the best hiking month; Easter queues at borders.
- MayGreatCrisp and clear; first frosts; good pony-trekking weather.
- SeptemberGreatSpring warmth returns; roads clear; peach blossom in the lowlands.
- OctoberGreatWarm, clear days; 4 October Independence Day; Morija arts festival often this month (check).
Weather in December
- Lowlands · Maseru, Teyateyaneng, Mafeteng, Morijarainy
The warmest part of the country at about 1,500 m; frosty winter mornings, summer storms.
- Central highlands · Semonkong, Malealea, Thaba-Tseka, Katserainy
Maletsunyane Falls run fullest Jan–Apr; snow possible May–Sep; storms most summer afternoons.
- Eastern high plateau · Sani Top, Mokhotlong, Sehlabathebe, Afriskirainy
Above 2,800 m: below freezing most winter nights; Afriski's ski season runs about June–August; Sani Pass can close with snow.
- Maseru29 °C (84 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 9 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 9 rain days
- Khatse21 °C (70 °F) / 10 °C (50 °F), 12 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 50 °F (10 °C), 12 rain days
- Leribe25 °C (77 °F) / 12 °C (54 °F), 11 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 54 °F (12 °C), 11 rain days
- Mafeteng28 °C (82 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 10 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 10 rain days
- Mohale's Hoek22 °C (72 °F) / 8 °C (46 °F), 10 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 46 °F (8 °C), 10 rain days
- Mokhotlong21 °C (70 °F) / 9 °C (48 °F), 12 rain days70 °F (21 °C) / 48 °F (9 °C), 12 rain days
- Morija26 °C (79 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 10 rain days79 °F (26 °C) / 55 °F (13 °C), 10 rain days
- Oxbow20 °C (68 °F) / 7 °C (45 °F), 10 rain days68 °F (20 °C) / 45 °F (7 °C), 10 rain days
- Quthing25 °C (77 °F) / 13 °C (55 °F), 12 rain days77 °F (25 °C) / 55 °F (13 °C), 12 rain days
- Semonkong22 °C (72 °F) / 6 °C (43 °F), 11 rain days72 °F (22 °C) / 43 °F (6 °C), 11 rain days
- Teyateyaneng28 °C (82 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 12 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 12 rain days
- Thaba Bosiu28 °C (82 °F) / 14 °C (57 °F), 10 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 57 °F (14 °C), 10 rain days
- Thaba-Tseka24 °C (75 °F) / 11 °C (52 °F), 11 rain days75 °F (24 °C) / 52 °F (11 °C), 11 rain 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.
Christmas and Boxing Day
25–26 Dec
Migrant workers return home; busy borders.
Thunderstorm season
November to February · Maseru
Hail and heavy afternoon rain; rivers swell and some low bridges flood; start drives early.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Lesotho
- Medium
- Prices · Lesotho
- Medium
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Lesotho, side by side.
Verdict
Dec: Mixed
Apr: Great (better)
Crowds
Dec: Medium
Apr: Medium
Prices
Dec: Medium
Apr: Medium
Festivals listed
Dec: 2
Apr: 4
December: Summer storms; holiday traffic from South Africa.
April: Autumn: clear skies, green hills, the best hiking month; Easter queues at borders.
Lesotho: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast
Where to go in December
Rated best or good this month
Best months: Oct–Apr
Best months: Jun–Aug (skiing), Oct–Apr (hiking)